PostcodeCheck vs CrystalRoof 2026: Which UK Area Tool Is Better?
Both are free at the postcode level. The differences only show up when you need a portable report or address-level forecasts.
Quick answer
For free browsing, both work. Use PostcodeCheck if you want a downloadable PDF, an address-level damp risk score, a landlord compliance check, an Awaab's Law-friendly renter report, an investment forecast, or anything you can email to a partner / mortgage adviser.
Side by side
| Feature | PostcodeCheck | CrystalRoof |
|---|---|---|
| Free area report (crime, schools, prices) | ✓ no signup | ✓ ad-supported |
| Downloadable PDF | ✓ included in paid reports | — |
| Address-level damp risk (EPC-derived) | ✓ Renter Report | — |
| Landlord compliance check | ✓ Renter Report | — |
| Flood + coal + radon verdict | ✓ Buyer Report | — |
| Planning apps within 500m | ✓ Buyer Report | — |
| Investment forecast + rental yield | ✓ Buyer Report | — |
| Stamp duty + mortgage calc | ✓ | — |
| Town vs town comparison | ✓ 1,225 pages | ✓ subscription |
| Cost | Free + £4.99 / £7.99 add-ons | Free + Premium subscription |
When CrystalRoof is enough
If you are early in your search, browsing a few postcodes for crime trends and demographic mix, CrystalRoof is fine. Both sites pull from the same Police.uk and Ofsted data; presentation differs.
When PostcodeCheck wins
- You want a PDF you can email or save
- You are renting and want an Awaab's Law-readiness damp risk score for the property
- You want a landlord compliance check (deposit scheme, EICR, HMO licensing)
- You are buying and want flood, coal, radon and subsidence verdicts before you offer
- You want planning applications within 500m of a specific address
- You want investment forecast + rental yield for an investment purchase
- You want a fair-rent check vs local median
Check this address before you sign the tenancy
Damp risk from EPC, landlord compliance (EICR, deposit, HMO), fair rent vs local median, full monthly bills, broadband, noise. £4.99, instant PDF.
Pricing
PostcodeCheck's free area report is free forever, no signup. The Renter Address Report is £4.99 (cheaper than a single month's contents insurance). The Buyer Address Report is £7.99 (cheaper than the average bottle of wine at Waitrose). The Moving Pack bundle is £12.99. No subscriptions, no email collection, instant PDF + permanent web link.
Try the free area report
18+ data sections, no signup. Optional £4.99 / £7.99 address reports if you want the address-level forecasts.