Access to accurate, reliable and comprehensive property information is essential for anyone making an informed decision in real estate. Whether that’s buying, selling, considering your options or simply planning ahead. Searching for property info plays a pivotal role in giving market participants the confidence they need to make what is typically their single largest purchase in life. A large data pool already exists and is growing by the day but this is not easily accessible and often requires hunting around multiple sources and takes time to piece together a useful picture.
It will come as no surprise that most property listings will highlight the positives though rarely tell you about the lumps and bumps. It’s understandable really, as you’re selling something of significant value and you want to encourage the best price possible, and agents are incentivised to help you achieve this. It usually takes a fair amount of investigation, typically with significant time and cost to reach a more complete view, and normally emerging towards the end of the buying process. This can unfortunately cast a shadow over what should be an exciting experience. Is there a better way?
Standardising data and making it more accessible holds significant potential in addressing this matter, a progression facilitated over time through well-executed initiatives like the Open Property Data Association and the technological integration exemplified by apps like Nokkel.
Let’s delve into the wealth of property info that’s right at your fingertips, and discover how it can empower you to tackle the real estate market with confidence. From uncovering hidden gems to making well-informed decisions, we’ll show you how property information can revolutionise the way we buy, sell, and own properties.
Types of publicly available property information
When it comes to property data in the UK, you’ll be amazed at the sheer amount of publicly available insight just waiting for you to explore. Seriously, it’s like diving into a treasure trove of information that gives you the inside scoop on everything from who owns a property to its transaction history and legal nitty-gritty. The UK’s public domain is packed with a whole bunch of categories that’ll illuminate the properties you’ve got your eye on – here are a few examples:
1. Property Attributes:
Explore details about a property, including its last sold date, market status, sale price, property type, floor space, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and reception rooms, construction year, land registry, previous ownership, floor plans and estimated value (… and with the help of a Nokkel Property Profile, self-logging your own values). You can also find information about features like driveways, associated parking, garages, off-road parking, and underground parking.
2. Area:
Get insights into the neighbourhood with information about public transport options, broadband availability, mobile network coverage, nearby schools, and a range of recreational spaces such as play spaces, public parks and gardens, golf courses, tennis courts, and even national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Crime statistics, including UK data about crime and policing, are also available, providing information on outcomes and stop and search data.
3. Amenities:
Remember: location is key. You can research the nearby amenities of a property, like supermarkets, restaurants, pubs and cafes. This’ll ensure you’ll have all the essential services conveniently located near your potential property.
4. Planning Applications:
Stay informed about planning applications in the area, this will give you valuable insights into potential developments and changes that may affect the neighbourhood.
5. EPC (Energy Performance Certificate):
Access information on the current energy rating, potential energy rating, EPC recommendations, window glazing type and proportion, main heating system, presence of photovoltaic supply, mechanical ventilation, solar water heating, availability of gas, and certificate date. This information helps you understand the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a property.
These categories of property information can be sourced from various reliable sources, including government databases, land registries, and public records. With the Nokkel app, you’ll find much of this information on a home’s very own Property Profile. It’s like a comprehensive information packet particular to every property in the UK, where you can find additional insights and tools to enhance your property research experience. With this information at your fingertips, you can make well-informed decisions and navigate the UK real estate market like a pro.
Property listing websites
Property portals and listing websites play a crucial role in making publicly accessible property information readily available to buyers, sellers, and researchers. In the UK, platforms like Zoopla, Rightmove, and OnTheMarket have become household names for anyone looking to dive into the real estate market. These portals act as centralised hubs where you can find a wide range of information about properties currently on the market – this typically provides visibility on 1-2 million of the c.28 million properties in the UK. From detailed property listings and eye-catching images to helpful floor plans and even price history, these platforms can provide a wealth of information to help you make informed purchasing decisions. Usually, the upload to such portals is manual and as such can sometimes contain erroneous information.
Nokkel takes the property search to an entirely new level. By using the Nokkel app, you not only gain access to much of the publicly available information in the UK, you’ll also unlock a range of unique insights and benefits that enhance your property search experience. Nokkel goes beyond the conventional offerings of other platforms and presents you with the opportunity to unearth hidden gems on & off the market. Imagine being able to explore properties that are not actively marketed but still available for sale – it’s like having a secret door to exclusive opportunities. Nokkel uses information provided only by trusted and verified sources such as Land Registry, Ordnance Survey and the UK Government.
With Nokkel, you can log the values of homes you own with your very own Property Profile. Not only that, but you can also rate and categorise properties you love, and even add notes to gain a comprehensive understanding of their potential. This means you can make more well-informed decisions and confidently navigate the market, armed with information that sets you apart from other buyers. Whether you’re exploring properties, comparing values, or searching for the perfect match, Nokkel will equip you with the necessary tools and insights to make the most of your property journey.
Where to search for property information
When it comes to accessing property information, government databases and land registries play a crucial role. The UK government, through platforms like data.gov.uk, ONS, Ordnance Survey & Police UK (to name a few) provides a base to access various types of data, including property-related information.
Land registries serve as official record-keepers of property ownership, titles, and legal restrictions. Essentially, they make sure everything’s on the up and up in property transactions by keeping rock-solid records. Individuals can access this information through online portals or by making specific inquiries, depending on the jurisdiction. Just keep in mind that the level of detail might vary, but these databases and registries are your go-to’s for getting the lowdown on who owns what and all the legal nitty-gritty you need to make informed decisions when it comes to property.
Local authorities and planning departments are another go-to source for property-related information. These folks are in the know when it comes to planning applications, building permits, and development plans. If you’re curious about what’s happening in a specific area, these are the people to turn to. They’ve got the scoop on upcoming developments, zoning regulations, and all that good stuff. So, how can you tap into this wealth of knowledge? Well, you can usually access this information through the local authority’s website or by reaching out to their planning department directly. Whether you’re a buyer looking to understand the future landscape of an area or a developer seeking opportunities, this info is like a compass guiding you towards making smart moves in the property world.
How to utilise publicly available property information.
When you’re diving into public property information, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of what you find. First up, accuracy and timeliness are key. While all information is a valuable resource, you should know that the data might not always be up-to-date or completely error-free. It’s possible that changes in ownership, property details, or legal restrictions may not be immediately reflected in the public records.
Next, let’s talk about the scope of available information. While you can generally find basic details like property ownership and transaction history, you might hit a roadblock when it comes to more specific info, such as the current condition of a property or its maintenance history. Some details may not be publicly accessible due to ongoing legal proceedings or confidentiality restrictions. It’s a good idea to verify and cross-reference the information you find using multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
Remember, it’s always smart to conduct due diligence and seek professional advice when needed. Publicly available property information is a great starting point, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. By doing your homework (with the use of apps like Nokkel) and getting expert guidance, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about the value of a home based on the available data.
All, in all…
In the modern real estate landscape, knowledge truly is power. The accessibility of property information has completely transformed how we approach buying, selling, and researching properties. With the ability to harness this wealth of information and utilise tools like Nokkel, you can gain the confidence to navigate the market effectively, discover hidden opportunities, and ultimately make well-informed decisions that pave the way for success in the property market.
