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 in 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 a single salary or two-and-a-half times a joint salary, depending on which worked out higher.

Now increasing numbers 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 has developed a we site for first-time buyers (www.firsttime nerves.co.uk), which has all sorts of handy tips for viewing a property, as well as a printable checklist.

The website encourages buyers to ask lots of questions and look for hidden signs that could mean a property has structural problems.

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 web sites such as 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.

For more information visit www.firsttimenerves.co.uk or www.firstrungnow.com if you are seeking independent advice.