Buying a house is one of the most important purchases you will make, and buying a home for the first time will be an even more daunting prospect. Add to this the vast array of mortgage products available from a wide range of sources and you could be left with a high-stress, confusing decision.

To help you make the right decision we have put together the following 10 top tips:

• Ensure that you are realistic when working out exactly how much you can afford to spend on your new house, you should ensure the intended mortgage is affordable by preparing a budget plan and allow for future increases in interest rates. 

• If you have been used to living at home with your parents, remember to budget for expenses such as Council Tax, gas and electricity bills, boiler servicing, and other home repairs.
 

• Before viewing properties seek confirmation that you can get a mortgage by obtaining a Decision in Principle certificate. You can use this to support any offer you make on a property to buy.

• Make sure that you factor in any additional expenses including  conveyancing charges and stamp duty land tax.

• Unless you're buying a newly built property under guarantee, don't forgot to arrange a detailed survey, which will highlight any defects and likely costs of repair.    

• It's worth remembering that the selling agent works for the vendor, don't reveal everything about your finances!
 

• Consider how your transport arrangements will change commuting from your new home. 

• When you find a property that may be suitable, knock on the door to see what your new neighbours are like. 

• If you are a heavy internet user, check to see that broadband or other high speed internet is available in the street you are moving into. The selling agent should be able to confirm this.

• If you're thinking of starting a family in the immediate future, check to see if the property is within the catchment area of good local schools.