There’s no doubt many first-time buyers are struggling to get on to that all-important first rung of the housing ladder. So what are the tips a top lender is ready to give to the first-time buyer?

Probably the biggest problem first-time buyers have is finding a sensible deposit, closely followed by a mortgage they can afford to pay. It’s no surprise then that Halifax, the country’s biggest lender has come up with a few strategies to help out the first-time buyer.

Handy tips for first-time buyers revolve around a number of issues not least influence by the fact that not all ‘first-time buyers’ are buying a home for the first time. The council of Mortgage Lenders recently determined that as many as one fifth of ‘first-time’ buyers could actually be ‘returners’ to the housing market. Some of these, the CML said, have bigger deposits and therefore a less risky mortgage scheme. Other first-time buyers have a substantial deposit, but one they have been given by their parents. Their mortgage though, may be as difficult to repay as any other young first-time buyer.

In any event, Halifax says that since 2000, the deposit first-time buyers put down has significantly increased. Five years ago, the typical deposit was £9,894, equivalent to 42% of the average earnings. The typical deposit is now £23,967, equivalent to 76% of the average earnings of £31,485. In the same report Halifax said that it now takes the typical first time buyer five years to save a deposit.

Knowing your budget then, is sensible advice to any first-time buyer preparing to enter the housing market this year.

Before you do anything, visit a mortgage adviser who will help you work out how much you can borrow and also how much you can afford to pay each month.

Ask the mortgage provider to give you a written mortgage promise confirming this in principle – this will help to convince sellers that you are a serious buyer once you start viewings.

Halifax offers an online calculator to help first time-buyers work out how much they can afford to borrow, in principle. A free budgeting advice service, which covers all the costs involved in buying a home, is also available.

Research your local housing market using the internet, local estate agents and newspapers to find out what types of property fall into your price bracket. This will help you to understand what you will be able to get for your money.

Make a list of your requirements such as number of bedrooms, parking space etc and prioritise these in terms of 'must haves' and 'nice to have'. This will enable you to work out what is essential and what you are prepared to compromise on.

Try to look beyond décor not to your taste. It could help you to bag a bargain if you are prepared to put a bit of hard graft into making cosmetic changes.

As long as the property is structurally sound, things like kitchen and bathroom fittings, carpets and curtains and wallpaper and paint can all be replaced relatively cheaply and easily – but do put off a surprising number of buyers, particularly in a more competitive market.

Location is a key factor in determining the price of a property. Could you consider areas that fall outside the established hotspots? You may be able to get more for your money. Look at less fashionable areas that still have good transport links and facilities.

Similarly, if you don't need good schools yet, there's no point paying for an area that has them.

Key workers, such as nurses, firemen and teachers, can benefit from government initiatives offering interest free loans to assist with the purchase of a property. If you think you may be eligible, check the details at  www.odpm.gov.uk/keyworkerliving.

Make sure you have as big a deposit as you can afford and you are comfortable with you monthly budget. It may be frustrating but, if you cannot afford to buy at the moment, keep building up your savings until you can.

Do look at what mortgage deals may be on offer. Halifax offers first time buyers a menu of 'extras' designed to cut the cost of buying a home. First-time buyers can choose from a low variable or fixed rate, with any one, two or all three extras from the following: £250 cashback, refund of the cost of Halifax Valuation Report and / or Conveyancing Fees paid.