If you think that you'll never get a first foot onto the UK property ladder, think again! This readable guide shows you how to buy your first home without having to borrow more than you can afford. Clued-up first-time buyers will understand the pros and cons of a wide range of alternative routes to home ownership, from the legal intricacies of buying with friends to part-rent part-ownership schemes. It's the biggest financial decision of your life and it's tough at today's prices, but if you're prepared to compromise a little then there are plenty of options.

“…easy to understand advice for first-time buyers looking to get on the property ladder…” (Southampton Daily Echo, 6^th October 04)

“…packed with invaluable tips and insider advice…empowering guide…” (North East House Hunter, 15^th October 04)

“...First-time buyers ... can now turn to a book for help...simple yet comprehensive...” (Daily Record, 13^th November 2004). 

“…shows you how to buy your first home, without borrowing more than you can afford…” (moneywise, March 05)

 

Melanie Bien is personal finance editor of the Independent on Sunday. She also writes and edits the paper’s property section. For the past seven years, she has written about property for a variety of national newspapers, magazines, and Web sites. She has also written several books and pamphlets to accompany television programmes on property makeovers and design, buying, renovating, and selling property.
She is also author of Buying and Selling Property For Dummies and co-author of Renting Out Your Property For Dummies. She lives in East London with her boyfriend Andrew and their two cats, Wilma and Lulu.