yes i get you. I dont think I am naive but hey, lets not get off track! Government support isnt just about subsidy as you point out. Its clearly a percieved lack of options, people dont think they can make the move for all the reasons. Half the problem we had moving last year was making time to view houses in areas we dont live near. Theres clearly an opportunity for someone to speak to those local councils and make a database, maps, information packs to help prospective movers like us to understand certain things - but in this case the private market is still heavily lopsided, and thats a good way to start with subtle government intervention. Decent estate agents are almost as rare as rocking horse shit, they simply wont help you even if they wanted to!