Top search tips

'You can get it if you really want it…'

If it's out there, you can find it through Property to You - but give yourself and us the best chance by providing the right information. Here are our top tips for success:

Location

Be specific about where you are looking for property. Use place names, postal areas, names of roads or estates. Try to avoid searching too large an area or people may think it's not worth replying. If you are interested in two or three different areas try placing separate listings for each. Avoid terms such as 'South Bristol' or 'Northwest London' - they are too big and too vague.

Property type

If it matters, say what you want, e.g. 'detached house', 'bungalow', 'ground floor flat'. If not, choose 'Any' or leave this open.

Minimum number of bedrooms

Pretty obvious, but does need to be included

Garage and/or parking available

Make any requirements clear, especially important in London.

Maximum price/rent

This should include the maximum you are prepared to pay. You may want to add a bit and hope to make an offer if something attractive comes up. On many property websites (including this one) you have the option to put a minimum as well as a maximum. This gives a clearer idea of the price bracket you are interested in. Be realistic - check out prices in your area. The sites on our 'Value your property' page will help.

Status of current property - if you are a cash buyer with your property already sold, you are a very attractive prospect! Make sure that people seeing your listing know this.

Rent - this can be given as your maximum available rent per week or per month, but remember to make clear which it is! Rental prices are now increasingly being shown as price per month.

Furnished or unfurnished?

Applies to rental property - decide which you want or if you are prepared to consider either.

Essential features

On Property to You, we have a checklist of features. Select any that are really important to you as these will display with your listing.

Further details

Getting these right can really make a difference to the success of your search. Think about what matters to you - garden, garage, access to services, separate dining room, utility room, stabling for the horse, space for a workshop, ensuite bathroom, wheelchair access, broadband, etc. It's this section that really lets you expand on your needs and gives those seeing your listing the clearest possible picture of what you are looking for. It's worth taking time to get this right - it will make an enormous difference to the quality of the replies that you receive.

A description in plain English, spelled and punctuated correctly gives a favourable impression and encourages positive replies (and yes, I did used to be a teacher!)


.