In theory you can look at houses before having any mortgage in principle. Given that an appointment with an advisor may take a few weeks, starting to look early maybe the best option.

To help you with figures there are several online mortgage calculators that will give you a GENERAL idea of how much you can borrow.

However by using your wage slips and doing a credit check an advisor will give you a more accurate figure. In addition they will be able to give you a mortgage certificate which most estate agents will ask to see.

After viewing lots of houses you are ready to make an offer on one.

Estate Agents are legally obliged to forward on any offer no matter how low.

It is always advisable to negotiate by making your inital offer below the asking price. Although if there are other interested parties it may not be the best option.

Remember the bank will not lend more then what they think the property is worth so do not go overboard with you offers.

If you get your offer accepted then you must:

1). Find/contact your solicitor

2). See your mortgage lender to formilse the mortgage and amount they can lend.

3). Arrange a survey for the property.