Most people in Northern Ireland own their own home. Buying and selling your home can be complicated and expensive. If you are thinking of buying your own home, particularly if it's for the first time, you need to consider your options carefully. Buying isn't necessarily the best option for everyone.

Before making the decision to sell your home, you should consider all your options. If you have been threatened with repossession or are having financial problems, you may need to act quickly.

Finding a place to buy

When you have worked out how much you can afford to spend, you'll need to decide what kind of property you want. You can then look for suitable available properties and arrange to view them. More

Buying a home

The process of buying a home is the same for all buyers. It usually involves dealing with estate agents, solicitors and your lender as well as with the seller. It can be long and complicated, particularly if you are involved in a chain of people who are trying to buy and sell at the same time. More

Problems when buying

Buying a home can be complicated and time consuming. Each stage of the process will take time, especially if you are involved in a chain of people who are trying to buy and sell at the same time. More

Selling your home

Many home owners sell their homes to move to a different area or to buy a bigger property. You may also want to sell if you are having problems paying for your home and need to move somewhere more affordable. More

Problems selling your home

Problems can arise at any stage when selling your home, particularly if you or the buyer are involved in a chain, selling one home to buy another. More

Negative equity

You are in negative equity if your property is worth less than the amount you owe on your mortgage or a secured loan. This usually only happens if property prices fall after you buy your home. It can be difficult to sell your home or get credit if you are in negative equity. More

Former Housing Executive property

If you bought your home from the Housing Executive or a housing association you may have to repay some of your discount when you sell you home. More