Calculate your monthly repayment capacity, factoring in various expenses.

Monitor and improve your credit score by ensuring on-time payments.

Speak to a mortgage broker, but also look at lenders’ direct products and search the internet.

Be practical. Think about the commuting time and whether you can afford to buy in the area.

Check out crime statistics, transport links, regeneration and, if relevant, schools.

Register with local estate agents, and use the internet to search for properties. Set up alerts.

Look at several properties, and visit ones you like more than once and with someone else.

If the market is slow, when making an offer, don’t be afraid to offer less than the asking price.

Make sure you have a survey – it could save you money in the long run by spotting any problems.

Compare quotes from solicitors, and ask your friends who they recommend.

Look at the results of searches your solicitor has done. They will tell you.

You must have buildings insurance in place for when you exchange contracts (not complete).

Shop around for a removals ­ firm, and ­find one that can move your possessions.

Your solicitor or estate agent will call you to tell you the property is yours.