In England, they have people who are called estate agents that act like realtors. They can show you homes within your price range and according to your needs that are in their portfolios. Unlike realtors in the States, they will not show you other properties listed with other estate agents. Some estate agents will pick you up from base and they generally work Monday to Friday 0930-1730, Saturdays 0930-1430 and are closed Sundays and Bank Holidays. Some will not show houses on Saturdays. Between Christmas and New Year you can expect them to have shorter hours and generally not be available, so plan ahead. If you are arriving around this time, either come in the beginning of December or come after the new year.