How do I begin the process of homeownership?

I will agree with the poster who recommended saving a deposit, the smaller your mortgage the easier you will find to pay it back, and the best way is to start with a huge deposit. Why not open a high interest savings account purely for your huse money, and put every last penny you can afford into it. Then, when you see the right place you have money for the deposit and the solicitors fees all ready to go.

The first thing you need to do is save a big deposit. The bigger your deposit, the better you will be able to negotiate the interest rate on the loan for your house. This is because of the risk involved to the lender, so they typically charge higher interest rates to people borrowing a greater % of the home purchase price. A deposit will also protect you if things go wrong eg house prices crash. Don't be tempted to rush into things and buy on a 100% loan. Good luck!

no idea, how about a bank financing..