Whether you are buying or selling make sure you check out these websites

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By Paul Davies
Know Your Money Editor

Searching for a new property can be an arduous process, but the internet may be able to help make your search a little less stressful.

There are a huge range of property websites out there and the success of Rightmove - which boasts homes from estate agents across the country - has led to others embracing the web.

Before the internet, those looking for property were restricted to traditional media such as newspapers, where properties are advertised by various local estate agents.

It was also likely they would have visited the offices of their local estate agents on the high street and added their name to the mailing lists.

A serious home hunter would give out their details to all estate agents in the local area.

Of course, this method is still popular, but the internet could be quicker.

And findings suggest approximately 80 per cent of house hunters now use the web to begin their property search.

Research from traffic statistics expert Hitwise found around one per cent of the total internet traffic in the UK is property-related.

The benefits of using such searches are outlined by home.co.uk, which said: "In the UK around one million residential properties change hands every year. By using the internet, home hunters can potentially reduce the time spent looking for properties that match their requirements and house hunting can be done from work or home."

Below we take a look at some of the property portal options available to househunters.

Primelocation

According to the Telegraph, the most popular website for homes priced £500,000 or more is primelocation.com. The website offers a range of services for those looking to buy a home as well as those looking to make a sale.

People can also hunt for the top mortgages available and find advice to find a personal loan.

First Rung Now

This website targets first-time buyers (FTBs) and has information on low cost properties for sale. It claims to be the only independent website for FTBs and offers users 23 steps on their path towards buying a home.

A dedicated news section ensures people looking to get on the property ladder are kept up to speed with the latest news in the residential property market.

Findaproperty

FindaProperty.com states it is a leading property site offering a comprehensive search facility for househunters to find a home, whether to buy or to rent. It also offers users an independent editorial on the housing market, guides on different aspects of the buying, selling and renting processes, plus local information including council tax rates, school tables, crime rates, comments from people living in each area and in-depth guidebooks and photo albums to give a general feel for an area.

It states: "Launched in 1997, FindaProperty.com now publishes the details of over 626,614 properties to buy or rent from over 8,779 different agent offices. FindaProperty.com attracts in excess of two million unique users and 80 million page impressions a month."

Zoopla

Zoopla describes itself as the UK's leading property market resource. It states it was founded on the principles of "transparency and efficiency and everything we do aims to make the market more effective for both property consumers and professionals alike. Our mission is to provide the most useful online property experience".

You could find it of use as it displays property listings along with value and price trends. Local market information is also available and users can speak to professionals through the use of its AskMe! tool. It was named the Best Property Portal 2009 at the Daily Mail UK Property Awards.

Fish4homes

Part of the popular Fish4 network of websites, this portal has around 340,000 properties for sale or rent available every day. It offers additional services such as a directory of estate agents, mortgage and insurance comparison tools and a comprehensive advice section with tips for vendors, tenants and landlords.

Important Notice
This guide is intended for general information only and is not intended as, and does not constitute, any form of advice, recommendation or endorsement by us of any particular product(s) or services and you should rely on your own further research and professional advice in relation to your specific requirements and circumstances before purchasing any products or services. Use of this guide is subject to the Terms of Use of the KnowYourMoney site.