So, you're about to take that first step up the property ladder and buy your first home. It's an exciting time - but probably a little confusing, too. There's so much to think about, and when you're a first-timer on the property scene, it can be difficult to know what to tackle first.

Follow our guide for an easy entry into the property market.

1. First home financing

Before you even think about starting the search for your ideal home, get your finance in place. Very few of us these days can afford to buy a home outright, so unless you happen to have inherited a fortune, or won the lottery, you're going to need a mortgage. There are various different types of mortgages available: fixed interest, variable rate, 25 year duration, 35 year duration... If you're unsure which is best for you, speak to an independent financial adviser, who will be able to guide you through the maze.

The amount your mortgage lender is willing to lend you will depend on your income, debts, and savings, so it's important to find out just how much you have to spend before you set your heart on a home that turns out to be out of your league. Remember, too, that not all lenders will loan you the full amount of your property - some will give you only a percentage of the price, so you may also need to save up for a deposit.

2. Finding your first home

You don't need us to tell you where to go looking for your first home. Real estate agents, local newspapers and the internet all provide happy hunting grounds for prospective home buyers - or you can do it the old fashioned way and just go for a drive in the area you're looking to buy in, keeping an eye out for 'For Sale' boards. An increasingly large number of home owners are also now choosing to sell their homes themselves, rather than relying on estate agents, so don't forget to check out 'for sale by owner' sites.

3. Surveys

Once you've found the home of your dreams it can be tempting to place an offer on it right away, so that you can get on with the fun part of moving - buying furniture, choosing decor etc. Before you do any of this, however, you'll need to have the house surveyed, to make sure that it meets building standards, and that there aren't any nasty (and expensive) surprises hidden in the brickwork. You should, by now, have appointed a solicitor to oversee the legalities of your sake, and they will normally be able to arrange a survey for you.

4. Making an offer

Once your survey is complete and satisfactory, its time to make an offer. Your solicitor will be able to do this for you, or, if you're buying a house that's for sale by owner, you can make an informal offer verbally to your seller. However your offer is made and accepted, however, the next step is to get the details down on paper, in the form of an official deed of sale, which clearly states how much you will pay, what is included in the sale (i.e. white goods, items of furniture, outbuildings etc.), and when you can move in.

Happy house-hunting!