Look for properties for sale on websites like S1homes, Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket. Use filters to find properties that meet your needs and budget.

You can either buy:

• an existing home sold by the current owner

• a new build home sold by a property developer

Buying an existing home

Most properties are advertised as "offers over". This means you'll usually have to offer more than the amount listed.

Some properties are advertised at a fixed price. This means the seller will consider or accept an offer of this amount.

Some properties are sold at auction. This can sometimes be a faster way to buy a property, but it can also be riskier.

Your mortgage adviser or solicitor can tell you how much a home is likely to sell for.

Check the home report

When you find a property you're interested in, ask the estate agent or seller for the home report. They must send it to you within 9 days.

The home report is a document pack that tells you:

• the value of the property – this is usually the maximum amount you can borrow with a mortgage

• the size, layout and location of the property

• the property's age and building materials

• what condition it's in and any serious repair issues

• any alterations that have been made to the property

• the council tax band

• how energy efficient it is

• how accessible it is

When you view a property, check that what you see matches the home report. Consider any repair issues and how much they might cost.

Getting your own survey

The home report includes a basic visual survey. If you have any concerns about the property's condition, you can pay to get a more detailed survey done.

You can make an offer conditional on the outcome of a survey. Ask your solicitor for help with this.

If the property has repair problems

If the home report or survey says urgent repairs are needed, you could:

• ask the seller to fix the problems before you buy

• get a quote for the cost of repairs, and use this to negotiate a lower price

Buying a new build home

New build homes are usually sold at a fixed price. New build homes do not need a home report, but you should still get an energy performance certificate.

You can buy a home that is:

• completed

• currently being built

• yet to be built, sometimes called off-plan

Ask the developers when your home will be ready. If there are unreasonable delays to your home being ready, you can usually cancel the purchase and get any fees back that you've paid.

New build homes usually come with a 10-year warranty for structural problems. Check that the home has a warranty before you buy.

Finding an accessible home if you're disabled

Get advice from Housing Options Scotland for help with:

• finding a property that's suitable for your needs

• making adaptations so that your home meets your needs

• paying for adaptations