In the UK there are two types of purchases: 'freehold' and 'leasehold'.

Freehold means that you buy the property and the land on your own and permanently. Leasehold means you own the right to live in the property for a specified time, and you share responsibility for the common properties such as the roof.

Houses are almost always freehold, while most flats and apartments in properties with a shared roof and land will be leasehold. Leaseholders are responsible for a proportion of the costs of maintenance of the common areas and roof.

Anyone living and working in the UK has the right to buy or rent a private house, regardless of nationality.

The most common way to find properties is to visit an 'estate agent'. Estate agents are based in shops in all areas of the UK and are easy to find. They will have pictures, descriptions and prices of properties in their windows and will help you find a property you can afford.

Many estate agents will also help with rented properties. Nearly all of the larger estate agents now have websites:
www.your-move.co.uk
www.hartestateagents.co.uk

There is a good list of UK estate agents' websites here:
www.estateangels.co.uk

When in the UK, local newspapers may also contain adverts for properties. The paper Loot (www.loot.co.uk) is also a good place to look. University or work notice boards are also useful.

The Web is becoming an important resource for property. There are now may websites for selling, renting and buying properties. For example:
www.homesonsale.co.uk
www.homepages.co.uk
www.homefile.co.uk

You should always make sure that when you are dealing with estate agents that they are reputable and respected.

In addition, there are many free internet resources which offer advice on accomodation in the UK, such as:
money.guardian.co.uk/homebuying
money.independent.co.uk/property/homes
www.bbc.co.uk/business/money/youandyourmoney/mortgages

For purchasing you may need to borrow money in the form of a 'mortgage'. Mortgages are available from 'building societies', banks & mortgage specialists. They can quickly tell you how much a mortgage will cost you on a property and how much you can borrow (based on your income). Most estate agents can arrange this for you.

Other costs if you are buying will include solicitors' fees, surveyors' fees, Mortgage application fees & removal costs. You will also have to pay a purchase tax to central government. As a buyer, the estate agent's services to you are free. It is the seller who pays fees and service costs.

Renting is less common, although there are many rented properties. Renting can also be expensive, although there are a wide variety of available properties. It is cheaper to share a large house between a number of people. One-bedroom flats are expensive, particularly in the South and in London.

Rental agreements will usually be for a fixed time, usually between 6 months and a year. You will usually have to pay rent in advance and a deposit to cover accidental damage to the property and contents.

When looking for somewhere to live, it is also a good idea to find out how much 'council tax' you will be charged. Coucil tax is charged monthly on a property according to its value by the local municipality, and pays for local services such as removing household rubbish and maintaining the roads.

There can be large differences between different areas in the council tax - ask at the local Town Hall or visit the local government's website. You can find a list of UK municipal government websites at www.gov.uk