These are steps which you should take when buying a property, it's not only first time buyers who need to follow rules all of us do. The steps will guide you and ensure that you are aware of all the risks and benefits available.

•  Write a list of all your particular requirements from the number of bedrooms you require to local amenities.

•  You might wish to look at property hotshots or up-and-coming areas, but check these match your list of requirements

•  Research the area's property prices by using the internet, checking local press and visiting estate agents

•  When you start viewing property keep your list of requirements in mind and rate everything you see against it

•  View the property as hart of the local area. For example, can you get to and from work easily, what are the local schools like and is there somewhere safe for the children to play?

If you're investing in property, remember you're not looking for somewhere you'd like to live, but that will appeal to the rental market

•  Ask the seller how long they have been there and why they are moving. What's the area like and do they get on with the neighbors?

•  Check regularly with your estate agent(s) whether any new properties that match your requirements have come on to the market

When viewing a property, look everywhere - from the cellar to the attic, if able to look more than once.

Check outside property for:

•  Cracks in the walls

•  Missing roof tiles

•  Damp and mould around drains and gutters

•  Signs of dry rot in window frames

•  The condition of neighboring properties

•  The condition of paths and drives

Check inside the property for:

• Signs of damp

• Cracks around window frames

•  Cracks in the plaster work

•  What fixtures and fittings are included

•  How old the central heating is

Instruct a solicitor or specialist conveyance by the time you put in an offer to keep things moving.

•  Recommendation is a good way to find one. You could ask your estate agent, colleagues or friends which firms they have used

•  Ask several solicitors fir quotes and check what is included in the fee

•  Choose the firm you feel happiest dealing with and that appears to be the most efficient from your initial contact with them

•  Get a surveyor to look at the property. You could use the same one as the mortgage lender, or ask your estate agent for a recommendation

•  To get a mortgage you need a basic valuation, but take advice as to the exact type of survey you need

•  If the property was built in the past 30 years, is conventional in type and in good repair, a Home buyer's report will be suitable

•  If it's old, unusually constructed, or if you wish to renovate or convert it, commission a building survey

•  Ask your surveyor for a rough estimate of costs if particular problems have been identified

By the time you put in an offer you should at least have a mortgage agreed in principle. This will show you are a serious buyer

•  Find out if any offers have been made and ensure yours is competitive - but still start lower than the asking price

•  Make it clear to the estate agent and seller that your offer is subject to contract and a satisfactory survey

•  If you are not in a chain make sure the seller knows this, as it could work in your favor if they are looking to sell quickly

•  Make sure the estate agent - or agents - take the property off the market once the offer has been accepted

•  Decide whether you're going to move yourself, use a removals company, or a have a relocation company do the job for you

•  If you are using a removals company get several quotes and compare them carefully. Look at the insurance or storage they offer before choosing a particular organisation

•  Cut down the amount of clutter you have to move and save doing it at the other end by having a big clear out when you pack

•  Check your contents insurance covers your possessions while they are in transit and is set up for the new house on moving day

•  Inform utilities companies that you're moving and set up suppliers at your new home at the same time