Searching for the right apartment/flat in the UK can be a daunting yet exciting endeavor, particularly with the vast array of online resources at your fingertips. Each platform offers unique tools designed to simplify your search and help you find your ideal home efficiently. Whether you're a first-time renter, relocating for work, or simply moving within the country, knowing which websites offer the best features can save you both time and frustration. In this blog post, we will guide you through the top property search websites in the UK, delve into their specific functionalities, and share best practices for leveraging these platforms to your advantage. Join us as we explore the digital landscape of property hunting to ensure you find your perfect home with ease.
Popular UK Apartment/Flat Search Websites
Interestingly, out of the numerous platforms listed below, only one allows you to filter search results by the number of bathrooms—a crucial detail for many. These websites are presented in no particular order, but I have personally utilized each during my own home search and while assisting others. Each site offers unique features that cater to various needs and preferences in the UK housing market.
As one of the largest property search engines in the UK, Rightmove is frequently updated, making it a reliable source for the latest listings. However, properties listed for more than a few days are less likely to be available, reflecting the fast-moving nature of the market.
The filters only include when added to the site, what type of let (short/long/festival), must haves (garden, parking, house share, retirement home, student accommodation), and the ability to not show house share, retirement homes, and student accommodation, in addition to number of rooms, and rent.
Important things to note when setting a rent max/min is that 'PCM' means per calendar month.
My personal experience with Zoopla is that it may update its listings 12+ hours behind Rightmove, it compensates with unique features, such as a filter for pet-friendly properties, which is a standout for pet owners.
The filters are more expansive and include rent, price per month or week, property type (semi-detached, flats, detached, terraced, bungalows, park homes), house share, student accommodation, retirements homes. There is a must haves filter (garden, parking/garage, balcony/terrace, pets allowed, bills included), the ability to search by furnishing, it's future availability, time added to the site and by keyword.
Key terminologies to note are 'PW', which stands for per week, and 'Let Agreed', indicating properties that are no longer available, having already been rented out.
Striking an effective balance, OnTheMarket keeps its listings as up-to-date as Rightmove while offering the valuable pet-friendly search feature similar to Zoopla, though it has fewer overall filters.
The filters for OnTheMarket are, let agreed status, showing shared accommodation, student accommodation, accessible features, greener choice, pet friendly and recently reduced properties. You can also search by short term and long term let, furnishing, and when it was added to the site.
OpenRent stands out by primarily featuring listings directly from private landlords rather than those managed by property management companies. This focus can be particularly advantageous if you’re struggling to get responses to your rental applications, as dealing directly with landlords might speed up the process.
The filters for OpenRent are robust, they include: number of bathrooms, move in date, furnished options, fixed term, property type, if they accept or should ignore student only properties, accept families, DSS Income, pets, bills included, garden access, parking access, has fireplace, and if they have a video tour.
It’s essential to understand that 'Fixed Term' refers to the lease duration, with six months being the minimum. Importantly, unless notice is given by either party to terminate it, a fixed-term tenancy automatically renews at the end of its term — either for the same period or monthly, depending on your lease agreement.
Spareroom is the go-to platform for anyone seeking shared housing or a flatshare. While similar listings might appear on sites like Gumtree, Spareroom uniquely offers features for those looking to advertise rooms they want and facilitates 'buddy ups'—helping individuals find others who are also searching for accommodation to form a new flatshare.
The filters on Spareroom are particularly diverse, accommodating a wide range of preferences and needs. The filters include: rent, bills included, move in date, length of stay range, days of the week available (7 days per week, Mon to Fri only, Weekends only), short term lets, property type, room amenities (double room, single room, en-suite), furnishing, number of rooms, rooms by gender, share with (professionals, student), age range, house hold options (LGBT Household, Vegetarian/Vegan Preferred), smoking preferences, pets considered, shared living room, parking, disabled access and by keyword.
Gumtree serves as the UK's answer to the US's Craig's List and features a range of properties for let that you might not find elsewhere, often listed directly by the owners. While it can be a valuable resource, caution is advised—remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Filters for Gumtree include rent per week, property type, number of bedrooms, seller type, and by keyword.
Though housing scams in Edinburgh are rare, better safe than sorry! To verify if you are dealing with the actual landlord or a legitimate representative, check the Scottish Landlord Registry where all landlords and agents must be registered with a LARN (Landlord Registration Number). For detailed guidance on how to use this resource, refer to my separate post on accessing and navigating the Scottish Landlord Registry.
While I don't frequently use PrimeLocation, it is worth mentioning for those in search of more upscale housing. PrimeLocation specializes in higher-priced properties, which often include multiple bathrooms—a feature appealing to those seeking luxury accommodations.
The filters are similar to many of the other search sites including: property type, price, number of beds, furnished, when it was added, shared accommodation, and let agreed. It also has a cool search feature where you can search properties by keywords.
Best Practices in Searching For Apartments/Flats
Finding the right apartment/flat in the UK can be streamlined with a few strategic practices. Here’s how to optimize your search process:
Shared Accounts
If multiple people are involved in the search, consider using a shared account on property search websites. This allows everyone to stay updated and contributes to the search process effectively. This approach helps prevent duplication of effort, such as revisiting the same property multiple times or losing track of a property you're interested in
Set Up Alerts
Utilize real-time alerts on your preferred property websites. Although weekly or daily updates might seem sufficient, the competitive nature of the market, especially when searching remotely, demands immediate action. Real-time alerts ensure you receive prompt updates when properties matching your criteria become available, giving you a better chance to succeed with your applications.
Utilize Multiple Sites
Don’t limit your search to just one platform. Explore multiple sites to widen your options and increase your chances of finding the perfect home.
Keep an Open Mind
Be flexible with your search criteria. Living in a new country often means adapting to different lifestyles—which can be part of the excitement and charm. Keeping your requirements broad can lead to discovering unique properties that you might have otherwise overlooked.
Start Early
Begin your property search well in advance of your move. This not only gives you a better sense of the market value for rentals but also significantly increases your chances of finding the right home at the right time. For more detailed strategies on starting your search early, check out my article on this topic.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect apartment/flat in the UK doesn't have to be overwhelming. Armed with knowledge from our guide on the top UK property search websites and equipped with best practices for efficient searching, you're well-prepared to navigate the complex rental market. From understanding the unique features of each platform to implementing strategies like real-time alerts and broadening your search criteria, you have the tools to streamline your hunt and increase your chances of success. Remember, the key to a successful property search is flexibility and proactivity. By starting your search early and keeping an open mind about potential homes, you are more likely to find a space that not only meets your needs but also allows you to fully enjoy the new chapters of life in your chosen environment.
***The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.***
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