Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) has created www.buyingyourfirsthome.co.uk. This site is aimed at twentysomethings and takes you step by step through the housebuying process, from deciding whether it is the right time to buy to checklists for moving day – our favourite point was getting a good night’s sleep before you move. As if. There are many links to various Halifax and Bank of Scotland services but for a comprehensive guide to buying a house, no other does it more thoroughly. Those who want to go straight to the figures might prefer the Halifax website www.hbosplc.com , which includes average house prices in various regions.

www.firstrungnow.com also gives a rundown on everything you might need to know about buying, from the absolute basics to detailed examples, such as a deed of trust template (essential for those planning to buy with friends). There are links to property deals and first-time buyer offers, plus sections on buy-to-let investing and buying overseas.

www.whathouse.co.uk has a useful section for first-time buyers, which includes information on raising a deposit, the best new homes for first-timers and, crucially, potential property hotspots, including areas with good transport.

With too few homes for sale, buyers must act within days to secure a deal. Arm yourself with information about an area and its prices so that you can quickly decide whether to buy a particular home and what to pay. A postcode search on www.mouseprice.com will allow you to see details of recent sales of the property in question, or those neighbouring it. The mortgage broker London & Country, www.lcplc.co.uk , has excellent calculators that will help you to work out what you can borrow, how much it will cost and what you might end up paying if interest rates rise further– crucial if you are thinking of taking on a large loan. Ex-local authority homes are typically 70 per cent cheaper than equivalent private homes. The website www.ex-localauthority.com is a rare guide to the pros and cons of purchasing former council property, including information on hidden costs, such as maintenance charges, and getting a mortgage, which can be difficult.

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