Do not overload yourself with debt, either by extending yourself with the mortgage, or running up large credit card bills to furnish it. However hard it is, try and keep a small emergency savings fund at all times in case things go wrong. Remember that the bank rate may well increase another .25% in November which will make life even harder for those just moving onto the housing ladder.
Just buy the basic essentials. Do not expect to furnish your first home initially with all the stuff and to the standard which your parents eventually acquired after many years of married life. As long as you have a bed to sleep in, something to cook on and a table and chairs to sit on, you have the basic essentials of life.
If you have parents or friends who are prepared to help you view properties, take advantage of their advice and experience. They may know a lot more about buying properties than you and may help you from suffering some of the pitfalls of the inexperienced. And don't become disillusioned if at first you cannot find what you are looking for. House hunting can be a disappointing experience and the perfect house is impossible to find, unless you are wealthy enough to design and build it yourself., Just make a list of desirables: i.e. number of bedrooms, location, near to shops, etc. and be prepared to keep looking.