InformativeTop 5 Property Websites That'll Help You Find Your Dream Home

Ready to start hunting for your forever home? Almost all home searches begin online and it’s easy to see why. House hunting online allows you to browse and compare available properties from the comfort of your couch. With the number of property websites and online estate agencies available, it’s never been easier to narrow down your list of possible options to visit in person.

Although house hunting online also comes with its downfalls. Inaccurate valuations, doctored photographs and scammers are some of the pitfalls many buyers come across when using property websites. But with our guide on the best property websites in the UK, you’ll be more than prepared to tackle the online property search. Our comprehensive list of the UK’s top 5 property websites offers only the best property websites ranked by their popularity and features. Finding your dream home is just a few clicks away!

In this guide, we will tell you:

• What to take into consideration when looking for the best property websites in the UK
• What the top 5 property websites are
• Why property websites aren’t your only option

What To Consider When Searching For The Best Property Websites In The UK

The internet is saturated with property websites all claiming to be the best. While they may all come with a multitude of fancy features and overly zealous agents, it’s easy to be swept up in marketing campaigns whose main aim is not always in your best interest. That’s why we’ve created a quick list of things to consider when picking the best property websites.

• First impressions matter: When looking at online listings, you’ll want to opt for the one that really grabs your attention. One that you can envision yourself living in. Generally, these listings usually have several good-quality photographs and the most fascinating features of the property in the description.
• Look into the agent selling the property: The level of expertise an estate agent has can make a world of difference when buying a house. Ideally, you’d want to opt for a listing with an experienced estate agent with a plethora of good reviews. It’s a good idea to do some digging into other properties they’ve sold, experiences other buyers have had with them and what their typical price range of homes is before putting in an offer unless you want to run into some issues down the road.
• Pay attention to the fine details: While the description may emphasise the most attractive features of the home, it’s important to take a closer look at the other information in the listing. Many listings mention how close the property is to schools & retail spaces and these details could very well make or break a sale depending on the buyer. Take note of these details and whether or not they align with what you’re looking for.
• Take note of how long the property has been listed: Generally a home that’s been on the market for a long time may deter buyers as they may begin to question its quality, but that may not always be the case. Properties listed in small towns often stay on the market for longer periods due to the dwindling population. That’s why it’s essential to take note of where the property is located.
• Look into and compare the property’s price history: All buyers want to invest in a home that’s good value for money. Many things can affect the price of a property, including foreclosures and other homes for sale in the surrounding area. This is due to appraisers comparing similar properties within the same neighbourhood. Do your homework & look into what other properties are selling for in the area and the price history of the property you’re interested in. This will help you ensure you’re paying the right price for your property.
• Be aware of property taxes: It’s important to read up on the latest laws regarding property taxes and what applies to you. Depending on the purchase value of the property and how many properties you already own you may be liable to pay property taxes, particularly if you’re not a UK national. Council tax is also a factor to consider as these vary from council to council.

Top 5 Property Websites

Ready to start browsing the web for your dream home, but aren’t sure which of the many property portals is the best for you? Look no further as we at LDV have done our homework and found the top 5 property websites with the best prices, reviews and features. Check out our list below for more information!

1. Rightmove

Launched in 2000 by four of the biggest estate agencies of the time, Rightmove is now the number-one property portal in the UK. Their goal has always been to make home moving easier and they’ve achieved this by creating an easy-to-use marketplace that provides their audience with the largest list of properties. They are one of the best property websites that many buyers turn to first when looking for their next home.

Features

• Price Comparison Report that allows users to compare their property’s value with other similar ones on the market
• Sold House Price search tool that allows you to track the average house prices in any desired area and compare it with the previous year’s price history
• Free property valuations from local expert estate agents
• Market Trends search tool that gives you access to property information and market activity simply by entering a postcode
• Find Agent feature that allows you to search for estate agents based on location, name and type
• Large selection of property-related guides and calculators
• Resources available for students
• Listings available for both buyers and renters
• Inspiration tool that will inspire you to find your dream home
• Search for properties using postcodes or by browsing maps
• Option to browse property listings abroad

Pros

• Largest selection of property listings compared to other portals
• Allows buyers to connect with agents through their website
• Has the broadest range of properties available
• Popular website amongst buyers, renters and sellers that receives millions of visitors each month

Cons

• Agents are required to pay a fee to advertise their services

2. Zoopla

Zoopla doesn’t want to just help you find a house. They want to help you find a home. They know that value, location or features aren’t the only things that matter. That’s why they’ve committed themselves to helping you find a property that feels like home. No wonder they’re one of the best property websites in the UK! According to The Guardian, Zoopla has been “neck-and-neck with Rightmove” since its founding in 2007. Now Zoopla is one of the go-to property portals in the UK.

Features

• Listings available for both buyers and renters
• Offers a filter-based and an advanced keyword-based search tool
• Free online and in-person property valuations
• Variety of guides and calculators
• Option to browse a variety of property types including commercial and newly built properties
• Sold House Prices research tool based on research conducted by Land Registry and Registers of Scotland
• SmartMaps tool to find existing properties and layout boundary lines for potential properties

Pros

• Offers the latest property news and research
• More versatile than its competitors
• Allows users to search and compare

Cons

• Instant valuation tool tends to underestimate property values

3. Purplebricks

Convenience, transparency and fairness is Purplebricks’ motto. They are an online estate agency with a passion for making it easier for customers to buy, sell or let their homes by combining the latest technology with local property experts. The technology-led property website is one of the fastest growing property portals in the UK and has over 90 000 reviews on Trustpilot with 86% 5-star reviews.

Features

• Listings available for both buyers and renters
• Free virtual and in-person property valuations
• Local property experts manage the buying and selling processes
• Search for properties using postcodes or a filter-based search tool
• Option to browse a variety of newly built properties
• Offers a free mobile app that allows users to book viewings or make offers while on the go
• A variety of guides and calculators are available
• Offers mortgage advice through its partnership with Strike Financial Services

Pros

• The buying and selling process is handled by local property experts
• Convenient and easy-to-use app and website

Cons

• Occasional communication issues with property experts

4. OnTheMarket

Known as one of the biggest competitors to Rightmove and Zoopla, OnTheMarket is the simplest way to search for property for sale. They are majority-owned by estate agencies looking to take back control of property marketing. OnTheMarket gives their buyers and sellers a competitive edge by listing properties for sale 24 hours before they appear on any of their competitor’s websites. Find your dream home in just a few clicks with one of the best property websites in the UK.

Features

• Instant virtual and agent property valuations
• Listings available for both buyers and renters
• Search for properties using postcodes
• Option to browse a variety of property types including newly built, commercial, overseas and retirement properties as well as land & estates
• Sold House Prices search tool that allows you to track the average house prices in any desired area by entering a postcode
• Offers a Find Agents search tool where you can search for estate agents via postcode or name
• Offers a Home Price comparison tool where you can compare prices of similar properties in a specific area
• A variety of mortgage guides and calculators are available

Pros

• Majority owned by estate agents
• Offers more affordable sales fees
• Properties are listed 24 hours before appearing on any other property portal

Cons

• Fewer listings compared to competitors
• Lesser known property portal

5. Strike

Looking for a better way to sell or buy a home? Strike is an online property website on a mission to make moving easier. They’re sick and tired of the pointless jargon and excessively high fees which is why they’ve made their online agent service quick, honest, empowering and (most importantly) free! No wonder they were voted as Online Agent of the Year in 2021.

Features

• No obligation in-person property valuations
• Instant online property valuations
• Listings available for buyers only
• Search for properties using postcodes
• Offers mortgage advice and a variety of mortgage guides & calculators
• Offers conveyancing services for a flat fee
• Free moving services

Pros

• Offers a variety of free services
• Simple and transparent selling & buying process

Cons

• Communication issues with customer service
• Lesser known property portal

Are Property Websites The Best Option For House Hunting?

While they may not be the only place you can look when house-hunting, property websites are a great place to start as they can help you get an idea of what is available. It’s best to find portals with a good amount of listings, not because it means they’re one of the best property websites in the UK, but because it helps ensure your options are not limited. It’s also important to remember that property websites are primarily search engines that cater to the needs of sellers and agents rather than buyers. This means you shouldn’t rely entirely on property portals as a buyer as they don’t have you in their best interest. It’s a good idea to take a look at estate agencies as they are generally in the loop with the local market, can “tailor their searches to meet your specifications” and “generally have a wider variety of listings” according to an article by Expatica.

Find The Best Property Websites With LDV

Finding your forever home has never been easier thanks to our guide on the top 5 property websites. Navigate the best property websites in the UK with confidence knowing exactly what they offer and which is the best for you. Interested in reading up on more property guides that aren’t specifically about the best property websites? Why not give our Home Estate Agents guide a read? Our money-saving expert, Jessica Pinker, also recommends checking out our Home & Garden category for more discounts and savings. Enjoy your new home!