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Five Tips To Get Onto the Property Ladder

Words Krystle Sarkodie

Shutterstock

With the majority of the UK entering another national lockdown, choosing a new property is a little more difficult. You cannot physically measure or see if that master bedroom will fit the King-size bed that you have already pinned on Pinterest, or whether that walk-in wardrobe will be able to hold all the shoes and bags that you probably don’t need. Whatever the case, I will be giving you my top five property apps that will make your property hunt, so much easier.  

1. Rightmove 

   Rightmove is one of the UK’s leading property apps and offers detailed floor plans, photo galleries and transport links.

   
   This is definitely one of my favourite apps for property searches as it is so easy to maneuver. One of the things which I really love on the Rightmove app, is that they add YouTube links of properties, so you can have a virtual walk-through and get a good feel for the property. The app also provides key elements of the property letting you know if there is a balcony or conservatory area. If you are looking for a new home, I would definitely advise that you start with Rightmove.

2. Zoopla

   Zoopla is very similar to Rightmove, but I place it second as I believe that Rightmove has more choice of higher end properties, as well a larger catalogue of properties overall. One thing Zoopla is good for is price comparison. I often cross reference Rightmove and Zoopla as sometimes the property can show as slightly cheaper on Zoopla which is a bonus, so I would advise that you run both these apps and make sure you’re getting a bargain.

   
   Zoopla also offers you search options of nearby schools, and more, which is very useful especially if you have children or you're looking for a particular USP for an area.

3. On The Market

   I have used this app a few times. Listings can be seen 24 hours before many of the other property apps, which gives you a head start on other renters and buyers. They also show comprehensive floor plans, property details and google street views via the app. Another added feature is the option to search normal rental or student rentals which is a bonus for Students as often landlords want professionals only. This will eliminate looking at properties you won’t be able to rent.  

4. PlaceBuzz 

   PlazeBuzz is one of the newer apps I haven't personally used before, but I have heard a lot of whispering about. A key bonus is that it combines all the property listings from the major property portals, and puts them into one place meaning that you do not have to install multiple apps, but can just look in one place. It also offers Google street view of the property area, and also there is an option to receive push notifications once a property that matches your search settings comes on the market. This is a very handy feature as it means you are not continuously trawling through apps.

5. Room Planner: IKEA Home Design App

   Now this last one isn’t an app to look for properties, but I couldn't help but add something which can help you set up your new home. One of the things many of us struggle with when we are about to move is how we will layout our new home, especially if it’s a blank canvas (unfurnished). IKEA has created this awesome app where you can actually create your room layout with their furniture according to the dimensions of your room.
   

   This app can bring your ideas to life and with an extremely large range of furniture in all types of colours, materials and sizes, you can have hours of planning fun on it, creating your very own dream space. Maybe it’s just the bedroom or your workspace for now, but the amazing thing is that you can build your dream home up as you go along. You can plan your living room or kitchen, then look at the cost and begin to plan towards this so that when you are ready, you can just click and order! I think 2021 will definitely be the click and collect year for properties.