It’s a good idea to talk to a lender as early as possible in the homebuying process. They will ask you for information about your occupation, your income and expenditure and any debts you might already have. They will use this to give you a ‘mortgage in principle’, which is an official statement showing how much they’re prepared to lend you. As well as showing you the size of mortgage you can afford (and therefore the types of property you can consider) a mortgage in principle shows estate agents you’re serious about buying a home. And it will help speed up the mortgage application process when the time comes.

If affordability is a problem, there are a number of schemes to help you get on the property ladder, including the government-backed Help to Buy scheme.

Once you’ve had your offer accepted on a property, you’ll need to arrange a survey. The type of survey will depend on the property, but it’s an important stage in the process because it will help to reveal any potential repairs needed before you buy. Sometimes there’s a period of negotiation between buyer and seller, with the latter agreeing to arrange and pay for any repairs rather than leaving it to the buyer.

There’s a lot involved in the home-buying process, and a mortgage advisor can help you understand what to expect. They can handle the details and remove any stress, leaving you to enjoy what should be an exciting milestone in your life.