If we believe everything we read, it would seem that first-time buyers are something of a dying breed. Even if you are lucky enough to be a position to make a lunge for that first rung on the home-buying ladder, the property market can seem like a pretty daunting place.

All of a sudden your world becomes filled with talk of mortgages, land searches and structural surveys. Add to that the stress of getting caught up with a property chain, and you may start to have second thoughts.

The first thing you will have to consider is how much you can afford to borrow. Traditionally, mortgage lenders based the amount of money they would lend on multiples of the borrower's salary. So, for example, they would lend up to three times and single salary or two and a half times a joint salary, depending on which worked out higher.

Now increasing members of lenders are offering mortgages on the basis of affordability and not just income, so they will take into account other factors such as existing debts or whether you have children.

Once you know how much you have to spend, it's time to get down to the fun bit - choosing your new home.

Obviously, this is a huge investment, so it is a good idea to sit down and make a list of all your requirements before you start. Basic things like the number of bedrooms, the style and age of a property and the location are all important factors, but don't forget things like public transport links, the proximity to schools and the amount of council tax you will have to pay in that particular area.

It is likely that you will be visiting a number of different properties before you find your dream home, so it is a good idea to keep notes for each house you visit so you can compare the different features of each one.

The Skipton Building Society had developed a website for first-time buyers (www.firsttimenerves.co.uk), which has all sorts of handy tips for viewing a property, as well as a printable checklist.

The website encourages people to ask lots of questions and look for hidden signs that could mean a property has structural problems. For example, if a room looks like it has recently been decorated, it's worth asking why as it may be that the owners are trying to cover something up, or if doors stick when you try to close them, that could be a possible sign of subsidence. Of course, these are issues that would show up in a structural survey, but you can save time and money by identifying possible problems at an early stage.

On the outside of the house, have a look at the roof (you can do this from the ground), and check there are no tiles missing and that the guttering looks in good order. It is also a good idea to ask the existing owners about bills and if it has a central heating system, try and find out how old it is and when it was last serviced. Check the water pressure by turning the taps full-on and see how long it takes the hot water to come through.

The location of your home is often as important as the property itself, so check out the local area before you commit yourself to the purchase.

You can get information on general crime statistics from websites, such as www.upmystreet.co.uk and you can speak to the neighbours to see if there are any local issues that the sellers may be reluctant to divulge.