These days it feels as if all we want to know is at the touch of a button (Google, that is). Certainly, there are some excellent online resources to search for property and information on the UK property sector. The following are some of our favourite ‘go to’ sites:
Resources and analysis
Sites such as Propertydata.co.uk and Home.co.uk give average price analysis for all areas of the UK. This includes both buying and renting. The former will also provide the average yield for different sized homes in particular areas. The analysis on both sites is in-depth and gives you a good idea of what you should be paying for your property, as well as the average return you can expect.
Property and landlord forums
There is plenty of online chat and advice handed out in property forums. As you would expect, some are better than others. It’s a good way to get the news ‘from the horse’s mouth’ as it were, since many of these are run – and contributed by – seasoned property investors. Some of the more popular forums include Property Tribes, Property Hub and Landlord Zone.
Social media groups
There are a number of public UK property Facebook groups out there. Ones we most regularly take a look at include UK Property Traders, Property Practitioners and Progressive Property Community.
Podcasts
You’re not anyone if you don’t have a podcast these days – certainly if you mean to be a serious business. It’s a great way of getting information across in a leisurely ‘interview’ style. Here at Sourced, we have our very own podcast, which you can find on iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, Google Play and various other providers. Meanwhile, other podcasts worth listening to are The Property Geek, UK Property Podcast and Progressive Property Podcast.
White papers
These are a great way of really getting to grips with a subject you’re perhaps not quite sure of. They explain it in an easy and unbiased way, without (hopefully) getting too technical and in-depth. In other words, they are designed to be meaningful to the average man in the street with little knowledge of the subject area, rather than an expert in the field.
Property listings sites
The big two in this field are Rightmove and Zoopla. Others that are also getting a good name include OnTheMarket and Prime Location. It’s also a good idea to check online estate agency sites in geographical areas you’re interested in. Local estate agents have local knowledge and more listings for the area.
Property auction sites
All auction sites will have an online catalogue of properties that are coming up for sale. Much of the time, it is repossessions or refurb properties that need a lot of work done to them that come up at auction. It’s a good place to get a bargain though – especially if you’re prepared to renovate (or get someone to do it for you).
It’s possible to get someone to bid for you, or you can do it yourself – by phone! If you win, the sale will usually be completed within one month. Always get a survey completed on the property you’re bidding for beforehand!
Author
Chris Kirkwood
