The internet has revolutionised the way people look for homes. Estate agents list properties they're marketing on property sites such as Globrix, Findaproperty, Prime Location, Fish4homes and Rightmove.
These allow you to search through lists of properties matching your criteria in your area of search. Beware that not all estate agents use all of these sites so your search should include a visit to the estate agents in your search area, if possible.
They will be able to provide you with details of properties to consider. Many will also have a floorplan to help you visualise the property layout. The agent will arrange for you to view suitable properties in your search area.
Estate agents say: choose the five most important things to you. If a property meets three you'll probably look at it. If it meets four, you'll probaby buy it.