How to Find the Best Renovation Projects Across the UK
There are only a handful of ways to find refurbishment properties:
Each of these have their challenges, and if you are looking for the largest number of potentials to consider, then it is the UK property portals that provide the most opportunities and that is what we focus on here.
We have found the most successful property investors & developers we know, use a systematic approach that combines active searching with automated alerts to identify promising opportunities before other investors spot them. This method proves particularly effective in competitive markets, in major cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham where renovation projects often attract multiple offers within days of listing from both homeowners and investors.
Step 1: Mastering the Active Property Search
The first phase involves conducting targeted searches using both Rightmove, Zoopla and On The Market effectively.
Unfortunately in the UK there isn’t one portal that has 100% of the properties listed. Rightmove has the majority with maybe 80%+ coverage, but to find all the opportunities you will need to look across all of the portals.
Start by setting up your search parameters based on your investment strategy and local market knowledge. Here’s how to optimise your search:
Set realistic price parameters based on your target area. For example, if three bedroom houses in your chosen Manchester postcode typically sell for £200,000 in good condition, searching up to £150,000 might reveal properties needing renovation while filtering out those priced at full market value.
When reviewing listings, focus on three critical indicators that often signal renovation and refurbishment potential:
First, analyse the number and quality of photos provided.
Properties with five or fewer images often indicate renovation potential, as estate agents typically showcase fewer images when a property needs work. A listing with just one or two external photos warrants immediate attention.
Second, study the external photographs carefully.
Look for signs that suggest update potential:
- Overgrown gardens or neglected exteriors
- Dated windows or doors
- Tired paintwork
- Broken rendering or exposed external wall insulation
- Missing or damaged guttering
- Old roof coverings
Third, examine property descriptions thoroughly.
Estate agents often use specific phrases that signal renovation potential:
- “In need of modernisation”
- “Requiring updating throughout”
- “Renovation opportunity”
- “Potential for improvement”
- “Would benefit from updating”
However, be cautious with properties advertised as “investment opportunities” that are currently tenanted – these might not offer the renovation potential you’re seeking. There are tools within the portals where you can set ‘keywords’ but we have found these limiting and can sometimes miss some really great deals.
So there isn’t a shortcut I am afraid to doing the work of checking the listings if you want to find the diamond in the rough.
Step 2: Setting Up Smart Property Alerts
The second phase involves creating a systematic approach to catching new opportunities as soon as they hit the market. It’s unrealistic to think you’ll be able to check the portals every day at the right time to spot the newest refurbishment deal, and thankfully you don’t have to.
This is where alerts come in.
Create specific alerts for each postcode you’re targeting on Rightmove, Zoopla and On The Market. For instance, if you’re interested in buy-to-let in the Warrington area, set up separate alerts for WA1, WA2, and WA5 postcodes, adjusting the price parameters for each postcode based on local values.
To manage these alerts effectively:
Create a dedicated email address specifically for property alerts and agent communications. This keeps your property search organised and prevents your personal inbox from becoming overwhelmed with listings.
Schedule specific times to review new listings. This could be daily, every 2-3 days or weekly, depending on your own availability and schedule. This disciplined approach helps you balance responsiveness with efficiency while ensuring you don’t miss promising opportunities.