It's hard but not impossible to climb on property ladder

Thus conditions are ripe for first-time buyers, who are returning to the market in ever larger numbers, accounting for 20 per cent more purchases in June than in May.

Nevertheless, many are still struggling to get that first foot on the ladder. It was Abraham Lincoln who said: "Property is the fruit of labour; property is desirable; it is a positive good in the world." In the current climate, these ideals can seem out of reach for young borrowers in Scotland.

First-time buyers are the lifeblood of our housing market. According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders, they made up around 40 per cent of all home purchases in Scotland during the first three months of 2010.

But while getting a foot on the property ladder is an exciting prospect, it seems that many first-time buyers spend more time choosing the perfect property than thinking about how they're going to finance it.

As a result, we're seeing an increasing number of house sales fall through due to problems with finance not being granted, even in cases where a mortgage approval in principle has been obtained.

Many young people can afford to pay monthly mortgage repayments, but they simply can't afford the required deposit. As a result, they have no choice but to continue renting, live with their parents or turn to the "bank of mum and dad" for the deposit. It's no surprise, therefore, that the average age of a first-time buyer is now 37, according to recent reports.

Research from Moneycorp, the foreign exchange specialist, has revealed that almost three quarters of people who don't yet own their own home say they've abandoned plans to buy in the UK due to inflated prices. Uncertainty in the housing market has led to a cautious mood, leading a third of the first-time buyer population to say they're wary of investing in property. And one in four claim they'd consider buying a home overseas where they expect to get more for their money.

What's the answer? Sadly, there is no easy answer, but it's crucial for borrowers to be upfront and honest when talking to lenders or brokers about their financial circumstances. If material facts are not disclosed at an early stage, and the offer of a loan is withdrawn as a result, this can have a big effect on housing chains, not to mention the huge disappointment caused to all those involved.

There's also some valuable advice available for first-time buyers to help ensure they're ready to enter the property market. Here are a few tips:

1. Save, save, save. The bigger the deposit you have, the better the mortgage deal you're likely to get. Set up a standing order to transfer money into a savings account every month, and make sure you're receiving a good rate of interest.

2. Seek advice. Applying for a mortgage can seem very daunting, but there are experienced professionals ready to help and support you through the whole process, and to find you the best possible deal. Whether it's a mortgage lender or an independent broker, don't be afraid to ask questions.

3. Obtain a mortgage approval in principle. This will give you an idea of how much you can borrow and what price range you can consider. But you must be honest. Most lenders will base how much they lend you on your income and your existing financial commitments. Never be tempted to exaggerate one or downplay the other. This could result in the loan offer falling through.

4. Consider additional costs. There are many costs over and above the purchase of the property and these must be factored into your budget so make allowances for things such as legal fees, stamp duty, insurance, new furniture, removal costs and utility bills. Set a budget and stick to it.

5. Think about buying with others. Many first-time buyers receive financial help from relatives. It's also possible to obtain a guarantor mortgage, where your parents guarantee to meet payments if you fall behind. Or look at shared equity schemes, where you buy a percentage of the property and a commercial partner such as a housing association owns the rest.

6. Improve your credit score. Make sure you're on the electoral roll, even if you don't plan to vote. As most lenders will want to see recent bank account statements, avoid going into an unauthorised overdraft, and don't let any cheques or regular payments bounce.

7. Don't be afraid to put in a cheeky offer - it might net you a bargain.

• Claire Sutherland is conveyancing manager at law firm Russel + Aitken LLP