Rightmove.co.uk: It lists more than 650,000 properties. There’s an easy-to-use search function, which you can modify to include only homes added recently. A handy London Tube and train map allows you to click on a station and find nearby property. 8/10

Primelocation.com: Specialising in the middle and upper end, it has properties from 4,000 agents, There is a “search by keyword” function, but this can produce erratic results. 5/10

Upmystreet.com: This site has a wealth of information about your local area and a decent search engine. 7/10

Globrix.com : With 1m properties for sale or rent, it can search properties by feature, such as whether they have a cellar or swimming pool, or are near a particular school. The search function can be clumsy. 7/10

Mouseprice.com: Uses Land Registry data to give past sales prices. Enter a postcode to get information about a street, how many properties there are for sale or rent, and examples of previous sale prices. It also features “property flirts” — houses that aren’t on the market, but whose owners might sell if the price is right. Some, such as the people asking £13m for a three-bedroom flat in Hackney, east London, are only teasing. 6/10

Houseprices.co.uk : Has the same Land Registry data as Mouseprice, with clearer presentation. You can sign up to track streets for any recent sales. 8/10

Zoopla.co.uk : Shows property for sale or rent and allows you to compare asking prices with those that have recently sold. Has just introduced a “Q&A” function. 6/10

Propertyhat.com: A “social networking” portal for selling your house. Sign up, specify the kind of property you’re looking for, and you will get alerts as soon as sellers put their homes on the site. Good for tracking houses that aren’t on the open market, although it doesn’t have as many properties as its rivals. 5/10

Gumtree.com: One of the first “no agent, do it yourself” property portals — but you’re on your own, so be careful. 2/10

Home.co.uk: Has 600,000 properties for sale, but it is poorly laid out and the photographs are small. 2/10

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