Property investment can be a lucrative venture, but it also requires a lot of research, hard work, patience, and flexibility. If you think you've got those, then you're still years behind in terms of experience, knowledge, and property wisdom as compared to professional investors. Fret not! We here at Property Store will be sharing our favorite websites for property investing to make the process easier for you, our dear reader. Let's take a look at some of the best websites to use when investing in properties in the UK in this blog.
RIGHTMOVE
Source: Rightmove
Rightmove is one of the largest UK property websites, with over a million properties listed. From the image, you should be able to determine that Rightmove has a large database of both properties For Sale and To Rent. In addition, this website has Advanced Search Functionality that allows you to search for properties based on:
Location
budget
property type
bedroom count.
This helps to streamline the property search process and find properties that met your specific requirements. You can also set up alerts to notify you when new properties are added to the site that meet your criteria. Lastly, if you've read our previous blog on how we determine the value of a home, you know that we use Rightmove's sale price history to estimate a property's current market value and the Gross Development Value (GDV), which is the value of the home after renovations.
ZOOPLA
Source: Zoopla
Zoopla is another popular UK property website that is pretty similar to Rightmove. That it also has a significant collection of properties to offer. However, unlike on Rightmove, Zoopla allows you to filter out properties that are up for auction (See image) We can't emphasize enough how useful this simple filter is especially for new investors since there are nuances to properties up for auction that make them extremely risky. For example, you may bid on a property without viewing it and you are only shown a few pictures.
…unlike on Rightmove, Zoopla allows you to filter out properties that are up for auction
OPENRENT
Compared to the previous 2 websites, OpenRent only has properties that are up for rent. However, this is hardly a disadvantage since specializing in "To Rent" listings only has allowed them to develop a system that encompasses a wide range of filters that will make it easier for renters and property investors to efficiently find what they need. The image below shows how comprehensive their filter iswhile maintaining simplicity and user experience:
Source: OpenRent
As property investors, we check the rent prices here along with both Rightmove and Zoopla so that we can have 3 different sources for our data. For you our dear reader, you can list your properties here. OpenRent also offers a range of online tools for renters, including the ability to apply for properties, sign tenancy agreements, and make payments online. The website also provides data on rental prices and market trends, making it a valuable resource for property investors looking to understand the rental market. Lastly, OpenRent offers tenant verification services, helping landlords and property investors make informed decisions when choosing tenants.
ADT
ADT is a home security company in the UK and they have kindly provided us with a crime mapping tool for free on their website as shown below:
Source: ADT
Before purchasing a property, it is important to check the crime rate in the area, especially the street, to make sure that prospective tenants or buyers won't be driven off by the lawlessness of the community. However, do note that while rents may be low, house prices will be low as well. You may gamble that the crimes are only temporary and will get better over time. Other investors, use these homes for social housing due to the guaranteed rent and provide better housing and safety to the vulnerable.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE (EPC) FINDER
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that provides information on the energy efficiency of a building. It is required by law for all buildings that are bought, sold, or rented. The image on the right shows the EPC finder on the government website.
An EPC provides an energy efficiency rating for a building, on a scale of A to G. Currently, properties need an E rating or above to be rented out. In 2025, the new EPC minimum rating for new tenancies will be raised to C. In addition, tenants and buyers are also willing to spend a little bit extra for greener homes according to Property Industry Eye.
In 2025, the new EPC minimum rating for new tenancies will be raised to C.
Aside from the rating, you can also use the EPC document to check the floor area of the property so that you can find much more accurate comparable properties. It will also give you recommendations and a rough estimate of the expected costs of refurbing the unit. As such, it is important to check out the EPC before purchasing a property so that you will be able to make informed decisions.
PROPERTY INDUSTRY EYE
Source: Property Industry Eye
Property Industry Eye is a leading news website on the property industry. They provide the latest news, analysis, and insights into the UK property market. They often consult multiple property experts that may provide clashing insights and opinions from each other on different issues. This allows you to look at the industry from different perspectives.
PROPERTY STORE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CRM
Property Store is a Property Management CRM Software designed by property investors for property investors. Our CRM software solution will help keep your portfolio organized so you don't have to have a messy affair with your documents. With our CRM, you can say goodbye to spreadsheets and having to use multiple apps just to be on top of everything. Our investment calculator will make it easier for you to make sure that each deal is profitable and worth the effort. We also have a free rental yield calculator to help out new investors as shown below:
If you're looking into the property investment business, Property Store will help you by lowering the barriers of entry into the industry. Check out the links at the end of this blog for a free trial, access to our webinar, and link to a video where we showcase Property Store CRM's features.
SUMMARY
In conclusion, there are many excellent websites available for property investors here in the UK. From property listings and calculators, to professional bodies and forums, these resources can help make the process of property investment easier and more informed. By using a combination of these websites, property investors can stay up-to-date on the latest market trends, get advice from experienced investors, and make informed decisions when investing in properties.
What are you waiting for?! Sign up to Property Store now and get your first week free!
Still not convinced? Click here to attend our free webinar where we will show you how Property Store can support you in your property investing business.
Want to see more? Head over to our features page where we recorded a live demo that you can watch to see Property Store in action.
Got a question? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions Page for answers to common concerns or you can contact us here.
Interested in Property Store's Investment Calculator? Check out our blog highlighting the features of Property Store CRM's Investment Calculator.
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