Here in Scotland it's even simpler - most properties are advertised by solicitors and you buy for a small (usually fixed fee) through your own solicitor.

There are a number of "Solicitors Property Centers" where groups of solicitors got together to create websites listing all of the properties in their areas:

http://www.espc.com - Edinburgh

http://www.aspc.co.uk - Aberdeen

http://www.hspc.co.uk - Highlands