How do I search for properties to buy or rent on Rightmove?

Rightmove is a UK property portal whose homepage offers separate search paths for buying, renting, and checking sold house prices. To search, choose Buy or Rent, enter a location, and browse the results. You can also create a free account to save properties, set alerts, and track enquiries. The site describes itself as having the UK's largest choice of homes, so it is a reasonable starting point for a broad UK search, though you will still need to verify individual listings with the agent.

Start with the right search path

The homepage presents three main search boxes:

Choosing the correct path first matters because sale and rental listings are separate. If you are unsure whether you want to buy or rent, run both searches for the same area to compare what your budget covers.

Run a property search

1. Select Buy or Rent on the homepage.
2. Enter the location you are interested in.
3. Submit the search and review the results list.
4. Open individual listings to see property details and agent contact information.

The homepage also references a "Classic" and "AI Search" option, so you may see more than one way to enter a search. The core action is the same: location in, matching listings out.

Use sold prices to sense-check an area

The Search sold house prices entry lets you look up recorded sale prices rather than current asking prices. This is useful before making an offer or setting a rental budget: it gives you a view of what properties in an area have actually sold for, which you can compare against current listings.

Save searches and set alerts with an account

Rightmove invites visitors to sign in or create an account to "save properties, create alerts and keep track of the enquiries you send." If you are searching over weeks rather than minutes, an account reduces repeat work: you save a search once, then receive alerts when new matching properties appear, and you can keep a record of the enquiries you have sent to agents.

Related tools on the homepage

Beyond buy and rent searches, the homepage links to:

• Free home valuation — an agent valuation of your current home.
• Instant online valuation — a faster, automated estimate.
• Overseas property — homes for sale outside the UK.
• Commercial property — commercial sales and rentals in the UK.
• First-time buyer guides — help with affordability and the buying process.

These are optional, but the valuation tools are relevant if you need to sell before you buy.

Common sticking points

• Searching in the wrong section. A rental search will not show homes for sale, so pick the path that matches your goal.
• Treating asking prices as final. Listings show asking prices; sold-price searches show what buyers actually paid.
• Expecting alerts without an account. Saving properties and creating alerts requires signing in or registering.
• Assuming a listing is current. Always confirm availability and details directly with the listing agent before arranging a viewing.