Buyers: Top 20 websites for property info

Researching Property Information –

Whether you are buying or selling a property, carrying out your own research can help you feel informed and confident before moving forward. The websites listed below are useful tools when researching a home, its surroundings and the wider area.

We always recommend speaking to your estate agent and conveyancing solicitor before relying on any detailed property information. They will advise how to interpret what you find and, in many cases, solicitors will obtain official searches on your behalf as part of the conveyancing process.

Rightmove

One of the UK’s largest property portals and a useful starting point for comparing asking prices, tracking price changes and understanding how long properties have been on the market. You can try Zoopla too, but take any online valuation with a pinch of salt.

Wishart Estate Agents website

Our website provides access to locally marketed properties, detailed descriptions and insight into the York and Tadcaster areas that national portals cannot always offer.

The public EPC register

Allows you to check a property’s energy performance rating and review recommendations for improving efficiency. https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate

HM Land Registry

Provides access to title registers and boundary plans, which can help clarify ownership details and land boundaries. https://www.gov.uk/search-property-information-land-registry

Local authority websites and planning portals

Useful for reviewing past, current and nearby planning applications that may affect a property or its surroundings.

Council tax bands

Enables you to check the council tax band for a property and compare it with similar homes nearby. https://www.gov.uk/council-tax-bands

The Leasehold Advisory Service

An essential resource for buyers of leasehold properties, offering guidance on lease lengths, service charges and legal rights. https://www.lease-advice.org

Drains and sewers

Provides information on responsibility for drain and sewer maintenance and repairs. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Septic tanks and private drainage

Important for rural properties or those not connected to mains drainage. https://www.gov.uk/permits-you-need-for-septic-tanks

Broadband and mobile coverage

Allows you to check mobile signal strength and broadband availability before committing to a purchase. https://checker.ofcom.org.uk

Conservation areas

Confirms whether a property is located within a conservation area, which may affect future alterations. https://www.northyorks.gov.uk https://her.york.gov.uk

Listed buildings

Enables you to check whether a property is listed and understand the implications of listed status. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list

Flood risk and flooding history

Provides information on long term flood risk and previous flooding events. https://www.gov.uk/check-long-term-flood-risk

School information and Ofsted reports

Useful for understanding local school options, performance and catchment areas, even if you are not currently planning for children, it may add to the homes resale value in future. https://www.gov.uk/find-school-in-england https://www.ofsted.gov.uk

Public transport information

Local council and transport operator websites provide details on bus routes, timetables and connections.
National Rail Enquiries Useful for checking train services, journey times and commuting options. https://www.nationalrail.co.uk

Public rights of way and footpaths

Particularly relevant for village and rural properties, helping identify public access routes near or across land, not to mention the best walks for your pooch! https://www.gov.uk/rights-of-way-open-access-land

Local amenities and services

Mapping tools can help identify nearby shops, GP surgeries, pharmacies, green spaces and leisure facilities.

Local news and community information

Local news websites and community pages can provide insight into planned developments, infrastructure changes and local events. (Beware the keyboard warriors, every location has them!)

Crime statistics

Provides access to reported crime data by area to help build a broader picture of the neighbourhood. https://www.police.uk

A final word

Online research is a helpful starting point, but it should always be combined with professional legal advice, a suitable survey and local knowledge.

If you would like to discuss any of the information you have found, or need guidance specific to a property or area, we are always happy to help.