How to use Plotlumen
Five things to know, in the order most people use them. It takes about five minutes to read.
1. Get and read a property report
- On the home page, start typing an address and pick it from the list.
- Click to create the report. It takes about a minute while we collect official records.
- Open “How to read this report” at the top: facts have no label, estimates are marked, and section F lists anything we couldn't find and how to get it.
- Every number has a small reference; click it to see the source and the date it was retrieved.
2. Save and monitor properties
- On a report, click “Save”. It appears in your Portfolio.
- Turn on monitoring to get a notification if a new sale or planning designation appears.
- In the Portfolio, add compliance dates (gas, electrics, EPC) and record rent and costs if you let it.
3. Check a property before you buy
- From a report, click “Open Deal Room”.
- Work through the due-diligence checklist: set each check to In progress, Verified or Requires attention, add notes and a source link.
- Attach evidence (PDF or photos). Only you can open them.
- Use the scam checker before you pay anything, and always confirm bank details by phone.
4. Run the numbers
- “Can I afford it?” shows what lenders lend on your income, your monthly payment and all upfront costs.
- For a let: the buy-to-let calculator shows cashflow after tax, plus conservative, expected and optimistic scenarios.
- The works planner turns measurements into materials, labour and a total for each trade; save, download or print it.
5. Track your purchase
- Once an offer is accepted, open “My purchase” and add the date.
- Each stage shows when it usually happens and what to chase; tick them off as they're done.
- Keep the document checklist and notes of every call in one place.
Getting help
- Read the property guide for freehold, leasehold, planning, letting and more, with official sources.
- Ask a property question in plain English.
- For anything about your account or a payment, contact support from your account.
Plotlumen gives information, not legal or financial advice. Conveyancing must be done by a solicitor or licensed conveyancer.