When we moved into our forever home, it was a mix of nerves, excitement, spreadsheets, and instinct. And for families who dream of a fresh start—whether in leafy suburbs outside London or in far-flung places like California or Ontario—the emotions are pretty universal. But if you’re planning a move across the Atlantic, there’s something you might not expect: just how different the house-hunting platforms are in the U.S. and Canada.
In the UK, we might browse Rightmove or Zoopla. But abroad, the home search is shaped by entirely different ecosystems—each with its own quirks, tools, and strengths. If you’re a UK family considering life in North America, here’s what you need to know about how their online platforms work, and how to use them to your advantage.
Zillow: The Search Giant of the U.S.
For most Americans, Zillow is where the house-hunt begins. Think of it like Rightmove, but with added bells and whistles. You can browse listings, filter by features like “home office” or “pool,” and even see what the home might be worth thanks to their built-in “Zestimate.” There’s also a section to contact agents, although it’s worth noting that the listed agent isn’t always the one representing the property—it could be a third-party lead agent, which can confuse overseas buyers.
It’s ideal for exploring market trends in the U.S., but it doesn’t cover Canada—and it doesn’t always reflect current inventory in real-time. Still, it’s a great tool for building an early wishlist.
Realtor.com: A Data-Rich Option With More Accuracy
Another major player in the U.S. is Realtor.com, which ties directly into the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) networks—making it more reliable than Zillow when it comes to up-to-date listings. Families can filter by school zones, pet policies, and even neighborhood vibes. Its interface may not be as flashy as Zillow’s, but it often reflects the real market better.
A helpful tool for expat families is its integration with Walk Score, letting you gauge how kid-friendly or car-dependent a neighborhood might be—super handy if you’re used to walkable British cities and towns.
Coldwell Banker: The Traditional Route Across Borders
If you’re someone who prefers a more traditional approach, Coldwell Banker may feel familiar. It’s a longstanding brokerage brand operating across both the U.S. and parts of Canada, offering both listing search tools and an agent-matching system. While it doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as newer tech platforms, it provides a reassuring blend of local expertise with global recognition.
You won’t get much in the way of independent agent ratings or user reviews, but for families who want a brokerage that handles the paperwork-heavy relocation process, Coldwell Banker can be a strong starting point.
Property Mesh: A Canadian Platform Built for Real Buyers
Now, if your eyes are set on Canada, you’ll want to pivot toward tools that work natively within that market. Unlike franchise-driven sites, Property Mesh focuses on helping buyers and sellers connect with independent Canadian agents—not just listings—offering both comparison across professionals and local insight into the housing market. This is especially valuable if you’re a UK family who doesn’t yet know which neighborhoods in Toronto or Vancouver make sense for you. Instead of being overwhelmed by cookie-cutter homes, you can explore listings by housing type, regional style, or even by how an agent presents their expertise.
And let’s be honest: when you’re moving an entire family to a different country, you want someone who understands you just as much as the property.
What UK Families Should Know Before Searching Abroad
Here’s the thing: no matter how pretty the photos or interactive the platform, you still need context. North American real estate terms can be confusing at first:
- “Condo” might not mean what you think—it could refer to ownership type, not just flats.
- “Strata fees” (in Canada) or “HOA dues” (in the U.S.) are monthly costs that aren’t always obvious up front.
- Square footage is usually quoted, including basements, even if they’re unfinished.
- Parking may not be guaranteed—even in suburban homes!
Using these platforms helps you start your search smartly, but always follow up with a real human being who knows the area. That’s where sites like Property Mesh give you an edge—they don’t just feed you listings; they introduce you to local professionals who’ve walked families through similar journeys.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Browse—Understand
Moving abroad is more than a transaction—it’s a full-family transition. The platforms you choose shape how confident and clear you’ll feel as you begin that journey. Whether you’re browsing through Zillow in Seattle, Realtor.com in Florida, Coldwell Banker in New York, or Property Mesh in Toronto, remember: these tools are just the beginning.
The real magic happens when the home you saw online becomes the life you build offline.
