The property market was one of the industry sectors worst affected by the onset of the economic crisis. But as the housing market begins to recover and prices begin to rise, more and more individuals may look to get on to the property ladder amid pent-up demand.

Whether you are a property investor or a would-be first-time buyer, choose from the topics below to access information on websites offering useful advice and checklists to follow.

                General Advice

• Shelter: Contact the housing and homeless charity, for advice on all aspects of homeownership: from homeowners mortgage support to renting agreements, while the charity's website also offers legal advice and information about your rights, whether you are taking action or responding to a claim
• The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: RICS is the official regulatory body for property professionals in the UK and upholds standards of service in the property industry. Its website offers free advice guides for consumers on topics such as flooding, moving house and buying a home
• The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) is a trade association representing UK mortgage lenders. Its members include building societies, businesses, lawyers and conveyancers The CML's media section offers statistics on consumer activity, such as mortgage lending trends and home purchasing activity

                 
                Local Area

• UpMyStreet: Search for properties in your area, as well as local schools and amenities. You can also access house price statistics and region-specific information on council tax, crime and leisure activities
• UK Local Area: By entering a UK postcode, you can access free statistics on local house prices, council tax and energy prices. In addition, you can search properties to sale and rent via an online map, and research public transport, local businesses and the performance levels of nearby schools

               
                 Buying

• For comprehensive advice on all the stages of buying a home, view the housing section of the Citizens Advice Bureau website
• For help with viewing property, understanding key terms such as 'gazumping' and advice for first-time buyers, visit the BBC website's Homes section
• An online search tool for the prices of properties for sale in local areas is available at UpMyStreet
• Try this checklist to ensure you have all aspects covered before you submit an offer on a property.
• Free online calculators for mortgage and stamp duty costs are available here
• The Financial Services Authority also provides a free mortgage calculator here

                Selling

• It is possible for a seller to perform their own estimate of a property's market value by comparing how much similar properties in similar locations have sold for. A company called Mouse Price can give you the selling prices of properties on your road. This may give an indication of the price your property could receive.
• For planning the sale of a property, consider this checklist before moving on to this list of 'Dos' when selling property. However, try to avoid common pitalls.
• Free legal advice and a dowloadable document on your rights when selling property is available here from the Community Legal Advice website.

                
                Renting

• Access advice on different types of properties to rent, your legal rights over deposits, how to resolve problems with your landlord and more at the Government's Directgov website.
• For information on tenancy deposit protection schemes, click here, and for how this system applies to both landlords and tenants visit The Deposit Protection Service website.
• Information specifically for tenants from the Tenancy Deposit Scheme is available here
• Citzens Advice also include legal advice on renting, such as landlord discrimination, in their online Adviceguide
• For advice and standards that landlords are expected to meet, as outlined in an report from the National Landlords Association, click here

                
                Moving House

• To make moving home a less stressful and costly experience, try adhering to this checklist on the first steps to take
• Independent website HelpIamMoving.com also offers guides and checklists for prospective property hoppers
• After you've moved, you need to inform the relevant authorities of your new details. Try this list of who to contact when you've moved house
• Tips on stopping junk mail, switching to the cheapest utilities supplier and a free change of address service is available at iammoving.com
• Try this BBC Online guide for help and advice on packing, DIY experts and professional removal companies

             
                Planning and Building Regulations

• Government advice on all aspects of planning and building regulations, as well as information on how to apply for permission or find out more about a development near you, is available at the Planning Portal
• Legal advice on making planning applications, including checklists, links to relevant national bodies and a stage-by-stage guide to the process is available at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors' Planning Applications website
                  

                 Property Disputes

• Visit the Boundary Problems website if you are involved in a property dispute or want to access information and legal advice on issues such as land registration, rights of way, adverse posession and problems with neighbours

                Landlords

• For advice and standards that landlords are expected to meet, as outlined in an report from the National Landlords Association, click here
• For information on tenancy deposit protection schemes and how to register, visit The Tenancy Deposit Scheme website.
• The TDS offers a free legal advice booklet for landlords here