Back in the olden days you would need newspapers or trips to the highstreet to peer through the estate agents window to find your dream property. In 2024 it's a different story and finding your dream home has never been easier, thanks to a plethora of property apps available at your fingertips. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer looking to upgrade, or a savvy property investor seeking the next opportunity, these apps can be invaluable tools in your house hunting journey. In this guide, we'll aim to highlight the best apps for houses in the UK, showcasing their unique features and how they can help you overcome house hunting overwhelm and become a property market master.
1. Rightmove
Rightmove is undoubtedly the behemoth of the UK property market, and for good reason. As the nation's largest property portal, it offers an extensive database of properties for sale and rent across the country, making it a go-to app for many house hunters looking to cast a wide net.
Key Features:
- Extensive property listings
- Advanced search filters
- Property price history
- School checker tool
- Travel time search
Rightmove's user-friendly interface and comprehensive search options make it an essential part of any digital property toolbox. You can easily filter properties by price, number of bedrooms, property type, and even specific keywords. The app also provides valuable insights such as price history and local school information, helping you make more informed decisions as you navigate the property market.
One standout feature is the 'Travel Time' search, which allows you to find properties based on commute times to work or other important locations. This can be particularly useful for commuter-belt property hunters balancing their dream home aspirations with practical considerations like daily commutes.
2. Zoopla
Zoopla is another heavyweight in the UK property app market, offering a wealth of information beyond just property listings. It's a must-have for the data-driven property buyer looking to dive deep into market trends.
Key Features:
- Property listings for sale and rent
- Advanced search options
- Property value estimates
- Area statistics and trends
- Running costs calculator
What sets Zoopla apart is its focus on providing in-depth property intelligence. The app offers estimated property values for nearly every home in the UK, not just those on the market. This can be incredibly useful for understanding local market trends and assessing whether a property is fairly priced, giving you confidence as a property market trend watcher.
Zoopla's area guides are particularly helpful, offering insights into local amenities, crime rates, and even broadband speeds. The running costs calculator is another standout feature, helping you estimate the ongoing expenses associated with a property, from council tax to energy bills - a crucial tool for buy-to-let landlords and first-time buyers alike.
3. OnTheMarket
OnTheMarket has been gaining traction in recent years, positioning itself as a serious competitor to the more established property portals and offering some unique features for the organised house hunter.
Key Features:
- 'New & exclusive' properties
- Clean, user-friendly interface
- Draw search tool
- Instant property alerts
- Virtual property tours
One of OnTheMarket's unique selling points is its 'New & exclusive' feature, where some properties are listed on the platform 24 hours before they appear on other portals. This can give you a head start in competitive markets where properties are snapped up quickly - a real boon for the property viewing ninja who needs to act fast.
The app's draw search tool is particularly useful, allowing you to outline specific areas on a map where you'd like to search for properties. This can be handy if you're interested in particular neighbourhoods or want to avoid certain areas, making it a great tool for the focused city centre flat finder or rural retreat seeker.
4. Keller Williams
While not as well-known in the UK as some of the other apps, Keller Williams offers a unique perspective on property hunting, leveraging its independent estate agent network. It's an excellent resource for those looking to tap into international property expertise.
Key Features:
- Access to Keller Williams' agent network
- Property listings
- Mortgage calculator
- Saved searches and favourites
- Direct communication with agents
The Keller Williams app stands out by providing direct access to its network of estate agents. This can be particularly beneficial if you're looking for personalised advice or want to tap into local market knowledge, making it a valuable tool for the real estate decision pro.
The app's mortgage calculator is a handy tool for estimating monthly payments and understanding what you can afford. While the property listings might not be as extensive as some of the larger portals, the app can be a valuable addition to your house hunting toolkit, especially if you're interested in new build properties or developments.
5. Property Tracker: Your Personal House Hunting Assistant
Developed by Add Jam, a leading app development team based in Glasgow, Property Tracker is an innovative app designed to streamline your house hunting process and alleviate property search chaos.
Key Features:
- Save listings from multiple sources
- Add personal notes to properties
- Set reminders for viewings or follow-ups
- Track property status changes
- Collaborate with partners or family members
Property Tracker stands out by addressing a common pain point in the house hunting process: keeping track of multiple properties across different platforms. With this all-in-one property organiser, you can save listings from various sources, including Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket, all in one place.
The ability to add personal notes to each property is particularly useful for the efficiency-focused house hunter. You can jot down your thoughts after a viewing, list pros and cons, or note any questions you want to ask the estate agent. The smart viewing reminders feature ensures you never miss a viewing or forget to follow up on a potential property, alleviating viewing schedule nightmares.
One of the most valuable aspects of Property Tracker is privacy. Throughout the house buying journey there are a lot of advertisers and supplier that would love to know your data - Property Tracker is a private locker for your home hunting journey. The content stays private on your device.
Making the Most of Property Apps
While these apps provide a wealth of information and features, it's important to use them effectively in your house hunting journey. Here are some tips for the modern house hunting methods enthusiast:
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Use multiple apps: Each app has its strengths, so using a combination can give you a more comprehensive view of the market and help you become a true property market master.
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Set up alerts: Most apps allow you to set up notifications for new properties that match your criteria. This can help you stay ahead in competitive markets and be the first to pounce on new listings.
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Look beyond the photos: Use features like street view and local area information to get a better feel for the neighbourhood. This is especially important for relocation seekers or those looking in unfamiliar areas.
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Keep track of your favourites: Use an app like Property Tracker to save and organise properties you're interested in. This can be a real house search sanity saver when you're dealing with multiple listings.
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Don't neglect in-person viewings: While apps provide a wealth of information, nothing beats seeing a property in person to get a true feel for it. Use the apps to narrow down your choices, then become a property viewing ninja in person.
Conclusion
The UK property market is dynamic and complex, but these PropTech solutions can significantly simplify your house hunting process.
Remember, finding your dream home is about more than just scrolling through listings. It's about understanding the market, knowing what you can afford, and being able to act quickly when you find the right property. By leveraging these apps effectively, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the property market with confidence, whether you're searching for a flat in London or a rural retreat in Scotland.
