First steps when buying a house in the UK
Check you are eligible and able to obtain a mortgage. Currently there are many mortgages on the market it is therefore important to carefully calculate what you can afford and which mortgage suits your circumstances. In general, the larger your deposit, the better the repayment deal.

Selling first?
Put your house on the market as soon as soon as you decide to buy your new home. If you can get an offer before you begin house hunting any subsequent offer you make will be taken seriously. Make it clear that you will not move out until you have found a new home.

Viewing houses
If you see a house or houses you are interested in, view as soon as you can, use lunch hours or visit on your way home. As a guide treat it as a job not a hobby and invest time and effort. If you are eager to view estate agents will put you at the top of the list when something new comes on the market. Take your time looking round a property; don't let yourself be rushed by the owner or estate agent. Do not be put off by furnishings or shabby décor that is not to your taste. Focus instead on the condition of the property and the layout of the rooms. Do not think about the property in isolation; check out the surrounding area and nearby amenities. Try to view a property you are interested in at various times of day and on different days of the week - even if you just view it from the outside. Ask the vendor questions about the running costs of the house.

Making the offer
If the price is reasonable and the property is what you want you could consider paying the full asking price. This means you will be taken seriously and lessen the possibility of someone else stepping in. Alternatively you can offer a lower amount than the asking price and negotiate via the estate agent until you and the vendors are happy with the amount agreed. All offers should be made with the stipulation of taking the property off the market.

Getting your survey
The lenders survey is simply a mortgage valuation to establish the amount and terms of the loan. It will not point out structural defects or tell you if the property is worth the money you will be paying for it. To find this out commission a chartered surveyor before you sign any contracts. There are two main types of survey, a homebuyers report and a buildings survey.

Homebuyers Report
If you property you wish to purchase is in reasonable condition and is less than thirty years old then this is the survey for you. This is a cheaper option, which aims to provide judgment on whether to proceed with the purchase, assess if the property is a reasonable purchase at the price agreed and highlights actions to be taken before contracts are exchanged.

Buildings survey
If the property is unusual, has had extensive alterations, is older than thirty years or in need of repair then this report will give detailed technical information on construction, materials used and a listing of major and minor defects. The cost is upwards of £400 and you should expect to receive the first report within three weeks of the survey.

Which surveyor?
Your estate agent, mortgage lender or friends and family may be able to recommend a surveyor. If not try the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Chains
When buying a house you will probably be part of a chain, where you are dependant on each sale going through at the same time. One in three chains fall apart (for numerous reasons), often at the last minute and properties are lost. There is little that can be done to alter the process. A 'Home Sellers Pack' is being introduced in the UK, where necessary surveys, searches and paperwork are arranged in advance. The best way to ensure a chain does not break is to stay in regular contact with your solicitor and estate agent, hopefully highlighting any potential problems early on. Consider moving into renting accommodation if it keeps the chain firm or moving quicker than anticipated.

Overbidding rivals (gazumping)
Overbidding rivals (gazumping) is something estate agents are powerless to stop. Under the Estate Agency Act they are obliged to pass on all offers. Tips to improve your position: Take out one of the insurance schemes available. Be nice to the seller, if you've established a relationship it is harder for them to let you down.