It's wise to get a mortgage agreed in principle before you begin looking for a property, that way you know how much you've got to play with.
The loan is usually 3 times a single salary, or 2.5 times joint salaries, however this may vary. To work out how much you can afford you need to do a realistic costing, even down to how much you spend in the pub at the weekend. You don't want to end up with a shiny new home, but no life.
Costs to take into account when buying a property are the property price, including deposit (usually 5-10 per cent), a possible mortgage holding fee, solicitors and surveyors fees, removal fees and stamp duty on properties over £120 000. Also bear in mind that dependent on your chosen payment dates and completion date, your first repayment could end up being substantially more than the agreed amount.
There are many different types of mortgage, but the two basics are repayment, where you pay off both capital and interest each month, and interest only where, funnily enough, you only pay off the interest.
You can shop around for the best deal yourself, or go to a mortgage advisor who'll do all the hard work. Ideally choose an independent advisor, as they will search the entire market as opposed to just a few select lenders, thereby getting you the best deal.
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