How to Find a Block of Flats on Rightmove

This guide shows a practical, step-by-step method to find small blocks of flats on Rightmove and quickly decide whether a deal is worth chasing. You''ll learn the filters I use, what to check in each listing, how to estimate rents, and what to ask the estate agent.

Short summary: start wide (region-level), filter intentionally (freehold + flats + 3+ bedrooms), exclude irrelevant listings, scan images and EPCs, then run the numbers in a deal analyser. Use Rightmove, OpenRent and SpareRoom to triangulate rents and demand.

Where I Like to Search

I often start in northern regions (e.g. Yorkshire) because yields tend to be higher and entry prices lower than the south. Adjust region choice to your budget and risk appetite — better yields often come where prices are lower.

• Region-level search: type a region (e.g. "Yorkshire") in Rightmove rather than a single postcode to find more opportunities.
• Set purchase price range: set this based on the capital you have available to deploy on the deal.

Rightmove Filters — Step by Step

1. House type: choose Flats / Apartments.
2. Bedrooms: set to 3+ — helps find small blocks rather than single one-bed flats.
3. Freehold: tick this filter — when buying a small block you usually want the freehold (ownership of the whole building and land).
4. Exclude unwanted types: uncheck auction properties, retirement homes and buying schemes if they don''t fit your strategy.

Why freehold? If you buy the freehold to a block, you own the entire building and can later split titles (leasehold each flat) or refinance more easily depending on lender rules.

Reviewing a Listing — Key Checks

When you click a listing, check these items first:

• EPC rating: properties below an E cannot be let; aim for D+ and preferably C+ given future regulation talk.
• Photos & plan: do images show multiple flats, communal stairs, or separate front doors that indicate a block?
• Location: proximity to train stations, schools and amenities — these drive demand.
• Is it sold/let: if the property is already rented, the listing may show current rental income — valuable for your model.

If the listing doesn''t explicitly say “block of flats”, use the photos and floorplans — or click through to individual flats to confirm whether the sale is for the whole block or an individual unit.

Analysing the Numbers

Once a listing looks promising, move to the numbers:

• If already let: input the advertised rental income into your deal analyser to check monthly profit and ROI.
• If not let: estimate rents by doing a like-for-like check on Rightmove (rent section) using the property postcode and a 0.25 mile radius.
• Always be conservative: assume some voids, higher repairs and a contingency buffer.

My rule: if the model shows positive cashflow (after mortgage, fees and 10–15% contingency) and decent ROI on capital deployed, it moves to the shortlist.

Finding Comparable Rents (Rightmove, OpenRent, SpareRoom)

To triangulate realistic rent figures:

• Rightmove Rent search: plug the postcode into the rent section and check similar flats within a quarter-mile radius.
• OpenRent: shows current landlord listings and asking rents.
• SpareRoom: useful to compare supply/demand using room adverts — a high demand-to-supply ratio indicates strong rental demand.

Sum the likely rents for each flat in the block and put the total into your deal analyser to test affordability and return.

Valuing Individual Flats & Title-Splitting

One key test: what would the individual flats sell for separately? Use Rightmove’s sold prices and like-for-like comparisons.

• If the sum of individual flat values > block purchase price, the deal likely has upside.
• Blocks purchased under one freehold title can sometimes be re-titled (lease each flat) — this can unlock refinance or resale opportunities.
• Work with a solicitor to understand costs and feasibility of title splitting in your area.

Calling the Estate Agent — What to Ask

Once comfortable with the numbers, call the listing agent and ask:

• How long has the block been on the market?
• Why is the seller selling?
• Is the block currently fully let? If so, have tenants been paying on time?
• Are the tenancy agreements ASSURED SHORTHOLD TENANCIES (ASTs)?
• Is the price negotiable?

Agents can also tell you about local buyer interest and give hints on negotiation room.

Quick Checklist

• Region & price range set on Rightmove
• House type = Flats / Apartments
• Bedrooms = 3+
• Filter = Freehold
• Exclude auctions, retirement, and buying schemes (if not relevant)
• Check EPC (D+ preferred), photos, proximity to transport/schools
• Estimate rents using Rightmove/OpenRent/SpareRoom and run the deal analyzer
• Check sold prices for like-for-like flats
• Call the agent with the prepared questions

Next Steps & Resources

If you want my exact deal-analyser or a copy of my Property Playbook, check the links below. If you would like personalised help, book a 1-hour strategy call or apply for mentorship.

Download Deal Analyser Book a 1-Hour Strategy Call Apply for Mentorship

Final tip: document every call, run conservative numbers, and always keep a contingency. Good deals combine location, numbers and the ability to act.