Housing

Buying a house

What you need to know

Buying a property is an exciting time and can be a great investment. But it's also a big responsibility and there are lots you need to know before you can go ahead and make an offer.

What you can do

Use the websites below to think about the following:

• The different mortgages available and which would suit you best.
• How much you will be able to afford or borrow.
• Consider if you'll have a lodger, buy to let, buy with someone else or on your own.
• Where you'd like to live and what amenities, transport links and the type of property you want.
• Be realistic and keep within your budget.
• Consider the additional costs such as stamp duty, surveyor, solicitors.
• Will you need to spend extra money on the property fixing things.
• Is now the right time in your life to be buying and do you feel happy about it
• Take a look at the housing sections in the Sunday papers such as The Sunday Times, Telegraph and the Financial Mail on Sunday.

• Read full article on 'Buying a house'
• Who can help with 'Buying a house'?