Stamp duty

BUYING a home can seem a bit daunting at first, but once you've set your sights on a property and have put in a bid, things really start rolling.

Preparing for the purchasing process can help to calm the jitters which all first-time buyers feel. And talking to someone who has just bought a house will shed some light on any worries you might have.

Start by finding a good solicitor through word of mouth. Bear in mind that the average price charged by solicitors is 1% of the purchase price, but considering the expense of homes in this country, this price can be negotiated.