For most of us, buying our home is the biggest financial decision we ever make. The good news is that you'll find plenty of help available, although you need to be clear what sort of help you're being offered. Take care to shop around and ensure that you are getting the sort of help you need.

And, whatever the level of help you need, always make sure that the firm you're dealing with is on our Register and is allowed to sell or advise on mortgages before handing over your money. If they aren't regulated by us and things go wrong, you won't have access to complaints and compensation procedures. To find out if a firm is on our Register, see Check our Register.

If you’re having trouble meeting your mortgage repayments or think you may have trouble soon, contact your lender as soon as possible. The earlier you act, the more help you may be able to get.

You can get help from your lender and free and independent advice agencies. You may qualify for help from the State, and you may even have insurance that can help. See our tips to help you deal with Mortgage arrears and repossessions.