You wouldn't make an offer without checking out the area first. The Maps tab is your way of doing that before you even leave the house. Five different views, all in one place: street scene, aerial view, local amenities, postcode boundaries, and census data.
👉 The Maps tab — five views in the left panel, main map updates when you click each one.
👆 To open it, click the Maps tab at the top of any property page. Then pick a view from the panel on the left. Street View loads by default.
The Map Views:
Each one tells you something different about the property and the area around it.
🚶 Street View
This is your virtual walk down the street. It's the same Google Street View you'd use on Google Maps. Click and drag to look around, zoom in, and get a proper feel for the road and the property's surroundings.
⚠️ Check the capture date. Street View imagery isn't always up to date. If the photos show snow on the ground and it's currently summer, that's a clue the property may have been sitting on the market for a long time. Always treat it as a starting point, not the final word.
🛰️ Satellite
The aerial view gives you things Street View can't. What's directly behind the property, the size of the garden, access routes, nearby buildings, and any obvious issues like a busy road or industrial unit next door.
It's particularly useful for HMOs and larger properties where plot size and parking matter, or if you're thinking about extensions or outbuildings.
📍 Amenities
Shows you what's within walking or commuting distance. Supermarkets, GP surgeries, schools, train stations, bus stops, and more. This matters a lot for rental properties because tenants look for convenience.
A train station or medical centre nearby is a real positive for rental demand. Use this view to spot those quickly and factor them into your strategy.
💡 If you're buying to rent, strong local amenities often mean stronger tenant demand and lower void periods. It's worth spending a minute here.
📮 Postcode
Shows the postcode boundary for the area. Useful for understanding exactly which zone the property sits in. Handy when you're cross referencing against sold prices or rental figures from a specific postcode.
📊 Census Data
Pulls in demographic information for the local area, age ranges, employment types, household makeup, and more. It helps you build a picture of who lives in the area, which in turn helps you decide whether the property suits your strategy and your target tenant.
🔍 How to use maps as part of your due diligence
1. Start with Street View — walk the street virtually, check the condition, the neighbours, the feel of the area.
2. Switch to Satellite — check the plot, the garden, access, and what's sitting directly next to or behind the property.
3. Check Amenities — are there schools, transport links, and shops nearby? Good amenities = stronger rental demand.
4. Move on to Area Data — once you're happy with the location, head to the Area Data tab to see how it stacks up against the local market.