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Stage 2 of 10Find your home·Two weeks to six months

How to find your first home in the UK — a practical buyer's guide

Where to search, what to ask the agent, and what to spot before you make an offer. The UK first-time buyer's guide to viewing and shortlisting.

Typical timescale
Two weeks to six months
Approximate cost
Free (just your time)
When in the journey
Phase 2 of 4 — Find your home

What happens at this stage

You search Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket, visit properties at different times of day, and shortlist.

What to do, in order

  1. 1Set up alerts on the portals for your postcode and budget.
  2. 2Book 5–10 viewings in your shortlist.
  3. 3Ask each agent why the seller is moving and how long it's been listed.

Watch out for

  • Falling in love before checking leasehold terms, EPC rating, or broadband speed.
  • Ground rent and service charges on leasehold flats (£200+/month is common).
  • Single-visit decisions — go back at different times if you can.

Frequently asked

Which is the best UK property search site?
Rightmove has the largest inventory; Zoopla shows sold-price history; OnTheMarket often gets new listings 24 hours before the others. Use all three plus the smaller PrimeLocation for higher-end properties.
How many viewings should I do before making an offer?
Most buyers see 10–25 properties before making a serious offer. View your shortlist at least twice, ideally at different times of day, before committing.
What's the difference between freehold and leasehold?
Freehold means you own the property and the land. Leasehold means you own the right to occupy it for a fixed term, usually paying ground rent and service charges to the freeholder. Most flats in England are leasehold.

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Last updated: 1 July 2026 · Clinkeys is not a regulated advisor. For binding decisions, always confirm with a solicitor, broker, or surveyor.