Starting Your Property Hunt

There are many more options open to the house-hunter now than just the local estate agent. The Internet has opened up a whole new way of discovering and viewing properties. Other possibilities depend on the type of property that interest you.

• The estate agent. Still most people's first port of call. Be firm about your requirements and price range but be prepared to receive details of properties that don't quite fit all your specifications. Estate agents know that what-be buyers will often compromise, or even change their mind and what they're looking for. It's worth stressing to estate agents that you are genuinely looking to buy, making clear what you're hoping to find. Developing a good working relationship with an individual at each agency makes it more likely that they will think of you when you property comes on their books.
• The Internet. Useful if you're planning to move some distance away and can't easily visit local estate agents. You can download details of properties on their sites and register at the same time. They will then e-mail or post you details of other suitable properties are come on the market.
• Private sales. Some people prefer to sell the property without incurring an agency. Check advertisements in the local paper. More unusual properties, or those in very popular locations, may be advertised in the national press - or on the Internet.
• Property developers. If you are interested in a newly built property it is worth contacting the National House Building Council for a list of members. Check whether any of them has building projects in your chosen area. Most of the larger companies advertise a new project in local papers.
• Buildings at risk. You may be hoping to renovate a building that is in need of extensive repair or even reconstruction. Estate agents are usually reluctant to handle such properties. Contact your local authority or try English Heritage. The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and the Scottish Civic Trust publish lists of such properties in Scotland.
• Auctioneers. Auction houses often have unusual properties on their books that may be in need of renovation or have a sitting tenant, and would not easily sell on the open market. Look in the Yellow Pages for details of local property auctioneers and register your interest. You'll be sent information about future auctions and can purchase the catalogues. See our section on how to buy at auction for more information.
• Self-build. Not quite as DIY as it sounds, though some people do choose to build their own. Basically, you buy a plot of land which already has outlined planning permission, then approach one of the many companies in design and make self-build houses. The manufacturer recommends a builder in your area who can construct the house to be required specifications. Self-build companies usually handle a planning application if the house you want doesn't figure outlined planning permission. Useful web sites include http://www.ebuild.co.uk and http://www.selfbuildit.co.uk.
• Shared ownership. Some housing associations operate a rental scheme in which a proportion is taken from each monthly payment and put towards eventual ownership of the property. Contact the National Housing Federation for more information.