One of the most common bits of advice people give when you’re starting out in property is this:
“Just start looking on Rightmove. Something will jump out.”
Or even worse:
“Don’t worry about the money — find the investment and the money will come.”
Honestly? That kind of advice drives me mad.
It sounds empowering. It feels action-oriented. But if you’re someone who likes to do things properly — who wants to be confident in what you’re buying and why — that kind of vague guidance doesn’t just fall flat… it sends you in circles.
Here’s the thing: Rightmove is an amazing tool.
It’s basically the Google of UK property listings — covering homes for sale and to rent. And nearly everything that hits the market gets listed there at some point.
But unless you know how to use it properly, it becomes a time-wasting black hole.
I know — because I’ve been there.
Vague Advice = Vague Results
When I was starting out, I did “just start looking.” I opened Rightmove, typed in a postcode, and hoped for the best.
What I got was overwhelm. I felt like I was shopping for a sofa — just scrolling aimlessly.
Hours would pass, and I’d still have no idea what I was looking for or whether anything was actually suitable.
I wasn’t alone.
I remember sitting down recently with an investor after giving a presentation at a networking event. He told me how, when he started out, he just dove in. No strategy. No criteria. Just enthusiasm.
It wasn’t long before he was juggling a property he didn’t really understand, in an area that didn’t fit his goals, with numbers that didn’t quite stack up. I’ve seen this play out again and again.
In property, “ready, fire, aim” might sound bold — but it can cost you dearly.
As for “jump and the net will appear”? Try that without a plan and you’ll just splatter on the floor.
Don’t Just Start Looking. Start with Clarity.
Here’s what I wish someone had said to me:
Yes, use Rightmove — but use it with purpose.
Ask yourself:
- What’s my investment strategy — buy to let? HMO? Flip?
- What’s my budget — including refurb, finance, and fees?
- What kind of area suits this strategy — and do I understand the demand there?
- What are my must-haves and deal-breakers?
When you answer those questions first, Rightmove becomes powerful.
You stop aimlessly browsing and start filtering with confidence.
You can say no quickly to the properties that don’t fit, and focus your energy on analysing the ones that do.
You Don’t Need Fancy Software
There are plenty of expensive property tools out there — some of them are great.
But honestly? Most of the investment properties I’ve bought… I found on Rightmove.
It’s free. It’s accessible. And it works — if you use it the right way.
Want to See Exactly How I Do It?
It’s easy to nod along with this advice. But if you’re anything like me, you don’t just want to read it — you want to see it.
That’s why I’ve put together a short video showing exactly how I use Rightmove to search for investment properties — filters, shortcuts, and how I evaluate whether something’s even worth a second look.
I also created a one-page Property Finder Checklist to help you stay focused and stop wasting time scrolling.
👉 You can get both here: Rightmove Video + PDF
And when you download it, you’ll also join my community — where each week, I share tips, tools, stories and straight-talking guidance to help you invest safely and build wealth on your terms.
No hype. No jargon. Just the kind of insight I wish I’d had when I started.
If you’ve been stuck in scroll mode, or tired of feeling like you’re not making progress — this is the shift you need.
Because looking is only helpful if you know what you’re looking for.
And if you want more on this topic – check out my video:
Kelly Lemon
