Best Rightmove Alternatives in the UK 2025

Looking for the best Rightmove alternatives in the UK? While Rightmove is the largest property portal, it isn’t the only option. Competitors like Zoopla, OnTheMarket, and PrimeLocation, plus niche sites for new builds, luxury homes, or private sales can offer listings you won’t find on Rightmove.

In this guide, we’ll compare the top Rightmove alternatives in 2025, explain their unique advantages, and help you decide which platforms are worth using whether you’re a house hunter, landlord, or estate agent.

Platform	Best For	Standout Feature
Zoopla	Data-driven buyers	Price history & running costs
OnTheMarket	Early-bird hunters	“Only With Us” listings (often 24h early)
PrimeLocation	Premium homes	Mid–upper market focus
The House Shop	Private sales	Free listings for private sellers
Waterside Properties	Coastal & riverside	Waterfront specialist marketplace

Why Look Beyond Rightmove?

Before diving into the alternatives, it’s worth understanding why you might want to explore beyond the property giant.

The Rightmove Reality Check

Market Dominance Brings Challenges:

• High competition – Most buyers start and end their search on Rightmove
• Oversaturation – With millions of listings, your dream property can get lost in the crowd
• Quick turnover – Popular properties disappear faster than you can book a viewing
• Limited differentiation – All agents and properties look similar in search results

For Estate Agents:

• High costs – Rightmove charges significant fees for premium listings
• Commoditization – Properties become just another listing in the crowd
• Limited branding opportunities – Minimal space to showcase unique selling points
• Fierce competition – Buyers often contact multiple agents from the same listing

The Benefits of Diversifying Your Search

For House Hunters:

• Less competition – Fewer buyers may know about alternative platforms
• Unique properties – Some listings may not appear on major portals
• Better deals – Properties on smaller platforms may be more competitively priced
• Specialized features – Niche platforms offer targeted search tools

For Estate Agents:

• Cost savings – Many alternatives offer lower fees or free listings
• Better targeting – Reach specific buyer demographics more effectively
• Reduced competition – Stand out in a less crowded marketplace
• Enhanced branding – More opportunities to showcase your expertise

Best Rightmove Alternatives in 2025

Zoopla — The #1 Rightmove Competitor

Zoopla is probably the largest alternative to Rightmove and the best known, with most estate agents now listing properties there by default. With over 25 million monthly visits, it’s the UK’s second-biggest property portal and offers everything you need to make your move easier.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive search – Browse properties across the UK with millions of listings
• Price comparison tools – Compare house prices and get instant online valuations
• Advanced analytics – Detailed market data and price history
• Expert guidance – Access to property guides and buying/selling advice

Unique Advantages:

• Smart Map Tool – Interactive mapping that lets you isolate streets or areas
• Travel Time Search – Find properties within specific commute times to work or school
• Heat Map Tool – Visual representation of most/least expensive areas (red = expensive, blue = affordable)
• Running Costs Calculator – Estimates monthly bills including mortgage, energy, water, and council tax
• Highest Reduction Filter – Search specifically for properties with the biggest price drops

Mobile Experience: The Zoopla app was one of the first on the market and still has the edge over many rivals. Users can save properties, share listings easily, and access the same functionality as the desktop version.

Best For:

• Buyers who want comprehensive market data and analysis tools
• Users who value travel time and commute planning features
• Property investors looking for detailed price history and trends

OnTheMarket — Exclusive Listings You Won’t See Elsewhere

OnTheMarket offers a unique proposition with their “Only With Us” properties – thousands of new properties every month that appear 24 hours or more before they’re advertised on Rightmove or Zoopla.

Key Features:

• Exclusive early access – See properties before they hit major portals
• Tailored matching – Guided search process that matches you with personalized listings
• Keyword search – Add specific features from “deal-breakers to nice-to-haves”
• Location-based matching – Find properties near workplace, schools, or transport links
• Free online valuations – Instant property value estimates

Market Position: OnTheMarket currently covers around 25% of the UK market. While this means fewer total listings than major portals, it also means less competition for the properties that are listed.

Unique Selling Points:

• First-mover advantage – Access to properties before they reach wider market
• Reduced competition – Fewer buyers know about exclusive listings
• Agent partnerships – Growing network of estate agents offering exclusive content

Best For:

• Serious buyers who want early access to new listings
• Users in areas with strong OnTheMarket agent representation
• Buyers who prefer a more curated, less overwhelming search experience

PrimeLocation — Premium & Luxury Rightmove Alternative

While not as well-known as Rightmove or Zoopla, PrimeLocation has more than one million properties for sale and rent from top estate agents and developers, with a focus on middle and upper-tier market properties.

Key Features:

• Premium focus – Specializes in quality properties from leading agents
• Advanced filtering – Search by travel time, school catchment, and specific home features
• Comprehensive property types – Houses, flats, farms, and barn conversions
• International reach – Properties in over 60 countries
• Professional network – Listings from over 16,000 estate and letting agent branches

Target Market: PrimeLocation attracts over 5 million visitors per month and specifically targets buyers in the middle to upper price ranges, making it ideal for premium property searches.

Unique Features:

• 24-hour exclusives – Some properties exclusive to PrimeLocation for the first day
• Detailed property guides – Comprehensive area information and market insights
• Reserve Buyers List – Service to match serious buyers with suitable properties

Best For:

• Buyers looking for premium or luxury properties
• International property seekers
• Users who want detailed local area information and market analysis

Niche Rightmove Alternatives (By Property Type)

Waterside Properties — Coastal, Marina & Riverside Homes

If you’re drawn to properties near water, Waterside Properties specializes in listings close to coasts, marinas, rivers, and lakes. This platform is perfect for buyers seeking:

• Coastal and seaside properties
• Marina developments and waterfront homes
• Riverside cottages and lakeside retreats
• Properties with water views and access

The platform offers specialized search filters for waterfront features, flood risk information, and maritime access details that general property portals often miss.

NewHomes.co.uk — New Builds & Developer Offers

For buyers interested in new builds, this platform lists over 2,300 new home developments from more than 250 developers across the UK:

• Latest new build developments
• Government incentive information (Help to Buy schemes)
• Developer partnerships and exclusive offers
• First-time buyer resources and guidance

The platform provides comprehensive information about upcoming developments, completion dates, and special offers that aren’t always visible on general property portals.

UK Land Directory — Plots & Self-Build Opportunities

For those considering building their dream home, the UK Land Directory offers:

• Free browsing – No charges for searching available land
• Planning permission status – Information on existing approvals
• Development potential – Insights into land use possibilities
• Rural and commercial land – Broader range than typical property portals

This specialized platform connects buyers with land opportunities for self-build projects, small developments, and unique construction opportunities.

Private-Sale Alternatives to Rightmove

The House Shop — Free Listings for Private Sellers

Unlike most property portals that restrict listings to estate agents, The House Shop allows private sellers to list properties:

• Free listings – No charges for private sellers
• Inclusive audience – Most varied viewership due to mixed listings
• Direct seller contact – Bypass estate agent fees and commissions
• Flexible terms – No long-term contracts or commitments

This platform is particularly valuable for finding properties at potentially lower prices, as private sellers may be more flexible on pricing without agent commission considerations.

Facebook Marketplace & Local Groups — Hyper-Local Opportunities

Social media platforms offer surprising property opportunities:

• Local community groups – Neighborhood-specific property discussions
• Marketplace listings – Direct seller-to-buyer connections
• Word-of-mouth networks – Properties shared through personal connections
• No fees – Completely free for both buyers and sellers

Many properties, especially rentals and unique situations, are shared in local Facebook groups before they reach formal property portals. This can provide early access to opportunities in specific neighborhoods.

Apps Like Rightmove (Mobile Options)

Zoopla App — Valuations, Trends & Advanced Filters

The Zoopla mobile experience offers several advantages over the desktop version:

• Property valuations – Quick estimates for any property
• Market insights – Price trends and area analysis
• Sharing functionality – Easy property sharing with family/friends
• Advanced search filters – Comprehensive search customization
• GPS integration – Find properties in your immediate vicinity
• Offline saved searches – Access your searches without internet connection

SpareRoom — Flatshares & Rooms to Rent

For rental properties and flat shares, SpareRoom provides specialized features:

• Room rental focus – Specialized in shared accommodation
• Tenant matching – Connect with compatible flatmates
• Budget tools – Affordability calculators and budget planning
• Safety features – Verified landlords and tenant screening
• Area guides – Neighborhood information for renters
• Bills-inclusive options – Transparent cost calculations

While the Rightmove app remains valuable for its comprehensive database and GPS integration, these alternatives offer specialized features and potentially less competition for specific property types.

How to Use Rightmove Alternatives Effectively

The Portfolio Approach: Successful property searching involves using multiple platforms strategically:

Primary Platforms (Daily Checking): • Rightmove – For comprehensive market overview • Zoopla – For detailed analysis and price comparisons • OnTheMarket – For exclusive early access opportunities

Secondary Platforms (Weekly Review): • PrimeLocation – For premium property options • Local agent websites – For off-market opportunities • Specialized platforms – Based on your specific property needs

Tertiary Sources (Monthly Scanning): • Social media groups – For community insights and opportunities • Local newspapers – For traditional listings • Niche platforms – For unique property types

Setting Up Effective Search Alerts:

Multi-Platform Alerts Strategy: • Rightmove alerts – Broad market monitoring with multiple search criteria • Zoopla alerts – Price change notifications and market updates • OnTheMarket alerts – Early access to new exclusive listings • Agent website alerts – Direct notifications from preferred estate agents

Alert Optimization Tips: • Use slightly different criteria on each platform to avoid duplicate notifications • Set up location-based alerts for multiple areas of interest • Include both broad and specific keyword searches • Review and adjust alert criteria monthly based on market changes

For Estate Agents: Cost-Effective Alternatives to Rightmove

Budget-Friendly Options: • OnTheMarket – Competitive pricing with exclusive listing periods • The House Shop – Free listings with optional premium features • PrimeLocation – Lower costs than Rightmove for premium market focus • Local portals – Regional platforms with targeted audiences

Digital Marketing Alternatives:

Email Marketing: • Segmented lists – Target specific buyer types with relevant properties • Exclusive previews – Send properties to your list before portal publication • Market updates – Regular newsletter with local insights and trends • Personal branding – Establish yourself as the local property expert

Social Media Marketing: • Facebook groups – Local community engagement and property promotion • Instagram stories – Behind-the-scenes content and property highlights • LinkedIn networking – Professional connections and referral generation • YouTube channels – Property tours and market analysis videos

Build Your Own Mini-Portal:

Essential Website Features: • Advanced search functionality – Match or exceed portal search capabilities • High-quality photography – Professional images and virtual tours • Detailed property descriptions – Comprehensive information and local insights • Lead capture forms – Convert visitors into qualified prospects • Mobile optimization – Seamless experience across all devices

Content That Keeps Visitors Engaged: • Local area guides – Comprehensive neighborhood information • Market analysis – Regular updates on property trends and prices • Buying/selling guides – Educational content that demonstrates expertise • Client testimonials – Social proof and success stories • Property alerts – Exclusive notifications for website visitors

Google Advertising: • Local SEO – Optimize for “estate agents near me” searches • Google Ads – Target specific property types and locations • Display advertising – Visual ads across relevant websites • Remarketing – Target visitors who’ve viewed your properties

Conclusion: The Multi-Platform Strategy That Wins

The property search landscape in 2025 offers more opportunities than ever before. While Rightmove remains the dominant force with its massive audience and comprehensive listings, the alternatives we’ve explored provide unique advantages that can transform your property journey.

Key Takeaways for House Hunters:

Diversify your search – Using multiple platforms increases your chances of finding the perfect property and reduces competition for the properties you discover.

Embrace early access – Platforms like OnTheMarket offer opportunities before properties reach the masses, giving you a crucial first-mover advantage.

Consider specialized needs – Niche platforms may be perfect for unique property requirements, whether that’s waterfront homes, new builds, or private sales.

Don’t forget traditional methods – Local newspapers, agent relationships, and social media groups still yield hidden gems that never appear on major portals.

Strategic Insights for Estate Agents:

Cost-effective alternatives exist – You don’t have to rely solely on expensive Rightmove fees to reach qualified buyers effectively.

Specialization pays – Niche platforms can connect you with highly qualified, motivated buyers who are specifically looking for what you’re selling.

Multi-channel approach wins – Combining portals with direct marketing creates the strongest market presence and reduces platform dependency.

Your website is crucial – Building your own platform reduces dependence on third-party portals and creates direct relationships with clients.

The Future is Multi-Platform: Success in today’s property market comes from understanding that no single platform has all the answers. Whether you’re hunting for your dream home or marketing properties as an agent, the most successful approach combines the reach of major portals with the unique advantages of specialized platforms.

Remember the fundamental truth: While Rightmove captures the biggest audience, your competition is also fighting for attention in that crowded space. By exploring alternatives, you can find opportunities that others miss, reduce competition, and potentially discover your perfect property or ideal client in places where few others are looking.

The property market is evolving rapidly, and those who adapt their strategies to include multiple platforms and approaches will have the greatest success. Whether you’re seeking a waterside retreat, a new build development, or an off-market investment opportunity, there’s likely a platform beyond Rightmove that caters specifically to your needs.

Start exploring these alternatives today, and discover the opportunities that exist beyond the property giant. Your perfect property or your ideal client might be just one platform away.