Assess your budget
Before you start searching for houses to buy, you need a clear idea of how much you can afford so that you narrow down the size of the home and the area where you can buy.
- Work out your maximum spend – Look at your savings, income, and potential mortgage offers to set a realistic ceiling.
- Factor in a deposit – In the UK, deposits usually range from 5% to 20% of the property value. Shared Ownership homes have lower deposit requirements.
- Account for extra costs – Stamp Duty, surveys, legal fees, and moving costs can add thousands to your budget.
Setting a firm budget helps you avoid wasting time on homes that are out of reach. It also gives you a stronger position when making offers, as sellers and estate agents will know you’re financially prepared.
Browse with free property search sites
If you want to find a property quickly, start with online property portals. These sites let you browse thousands of listings, compare prices, and get a feel for what’s available in your chosen area.
Popular free search sites in the UK include:
- Rightmove – The UK’s largest selection of properties for sale, including resale homes, new builds, and rental options. You can also filter for Shared Ownership homes.
- Zoopla – Known for historical price data, market trends, and local area insights. Offers valuation estimates and “worth of my home” tools.
- OnTheMarket – Often features properties before they appear on other portals, giving you an early viewing advantage.
- Share to Buy – The UK’s leading Shared Ownership property portal, listing homes from housing associations and developers.
Top tip: Use advanced filters to refine your search by location, budget, property type, square footage, and must-have features like gardens or parking. You can also save searches and set up instant alerts so you’re notified as soon as matching properties are listed.
Talk with local estate agents
While online searches are useful, local estate agents can give you a head start.
- Register with several agents in your chosen area.
- Be specific about your requirements – number of bedrooms, outdoor space, commuting needs, etc.
- Ask about upcoming listings – Some homes are sold before they’re even advertised online.
Estate agents can also give you valuable house viewing tips and arrange private viewings before public open days, giving you a competitive edge.
Check the local area when viewing a house
Even the perfect house might not be right if the location doesn’t suit your lifestyle.
When visiting, explore at different times of day to get a full picture. Consider:
- Transport links – Is the commute realistic? Are there good bus, rail, tube, or road connections?
- Schools – If relevant, check Ofsted ratings and catchment areas.
- Shops and amenities – Are supermarkets, GP surgeries, and leisure facilities nearby?
- Noise and safety – Visit at night to gauge traffic, noise, and lighting.
A home isn’t just a building - it’s also the neighbourhood that comes with it.
See what other homes have sold for in the area
Knowing recent sale prices can help you make informed offers.
You can check sold prices for free using:
- HM Land Registry – Official government records of past sales.
- Rightmove & Zoopla – Search by street or postcode to compare similar properties.
If homes in the area are selling quickly and for above asking price, you’ll know competition is high. If properties are sticking on the market, you may have room to negotiate.
Calculate the total costs of buying
Your budget isn’t just about the purchase price. The cost of buying includes:
- Deposit – Typically 5 - 20% of the price. (Lower with Shared Ownership)
- Mortgage fees – Arrangement and valuation fees.
- Survey costs – From basic condition reports to full structural surveys.
- Legal fees – Conveyancing and searches.
- Stamp Duty – Check the latest government thresholds.
- Moving costs – Removal firms or van hire.
Adding these together will give you a realistic figure for what you can spend.
Consider buying through Shared Ownership
If saving up for a full property deposit feels out of reach, Shared Ownership can provide a more accessible way to step onto the London property ladder.
Instead of purchasing 100% of a home outright, Shared Ownership allows you to buy between 25% and 75% of the property and pay rent on the remaining share. Because your deposit is calculated on the portion you’re buying - not the property’s full market value - it can be significantly smaller.
The main advantages include:
- Smaller deposit – only based on your purchased share
- Lower monthly costs – thanks to reduced mortgage and rent payments (check our affordability calculator for more information)
- Flexibility to own more over time – through a process called “Staircasing”
At Peabody New Homes, we offer a wide selection of Shared Ownership properties across London and the Southeast. From stylish studio apartments to spacious three-bedroom houses, you can find high-quality homes at prices designed to be more affordable.
Frequently asked questions about searching for a property
The most popular sites are Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket, and Share to Buy. These portals let you search by price, location, and features, and often include sold-price data.
Look for signs of structural issues (cracks, damp patches), test taps and lights, check storage space, and pay attention to noise levels. Always visit more than once, ideally at different times of day.
Ask about the property’s age, recent repairs, energy efficiency rating, local amenities, and why the owners are selling. This can reveal potential issues or negotiation points.
Use HM Land Registry for official data or property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla to compare prices for similar homes in the area.
