First-Time Buyers

First-time buyer mortgage advice

Getting a mortgage for the first time is a big deal. We walk you through the whole process from working out what you can afford, to getting an Agreement in Principle, to picking up the keys. No jargon, no pressure, just clear advice.

Talk to us

Mortgage advice, made simple

Get clear advice before you apply.

Tell us where you are in the buying journey and we will explain your next step.

FCA regulated, whole-of-market mortgage advice.
No jargon and no pressure to proceed.
We explain fees, risks and next steps before any application.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Some specialist or buy-to-let finance may not be regulated by the FCA.

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Prefer to talk? Call 01772 217917.

FCA Regulated

From 5% deposit

Whole of market

No jargon

Buying your first home

The mortgage market can feel overwhelming when you have never done this before. There are hundreds of lenders, thousands of products, and a mountain of paperwork. That is where we come in. We do the searching, the comparing and the applying. You just need to find a house you like.

We have helped hundreds of first-time buyers get the keys to their first home. Whether you have a 5% deposit or 25%, whether your income is straightforward or complex, we find the right mortgage and guide you through every step.

How we help first-time buyers

Deposits and savings

Most lenders need at least 5% of the purchase price as a deposit. A bigger deposit means better rates. We explain the options and help you work out what is realistic, including schemes like Lifetime ISAs and shared ownership.

Guarantor and family help

If your income does not stretch far enough, a guarantor mortgage uses a family member's income or savings to boost your borrowing. Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor arrangements also avoid stamp duty surcharges for the helper.

Affordability explained

Lenders look at your income, your outgoings, your credit history and the property itself. We run the numbers before you start house-hunting so you know your budget. No wasted viewings, no disappointment.

The whole process

From your first enquiry through Agreement in Principle, full application, valuation, legal work and completion. We manage the timeline, chase the solicitors and keep you updated at every stage.

What does it cost?

Beyond the deposit, there are several costs to budget for:

Solicitor fees (typically GBP 1,000 to GBP 1,500)
Stamp duty (first-time buyers pay nothing on the first GBP 300,000)
Survey or valuation fees
Mortgage arrangement fees (some deals have none)

Agreement in Principle

Before you start viewing properties, we get you an Agreement in Principle. This is a statement from a lender confirming how much they are prepared to lend you. Estate agents take you seriously when you have one, and it speeds up the process once you find the right home.

Common questions

How much can I borrow?

Most lenders will lend 4 to 4.5 times your annual income. Some will stretch to 5 or 5.5 times for certain professions or higher earners. We check across the whole market to find your maximum.

What credit score do I need?

There is no single "passing" score. Each lender has its own criteria. If you have had credit issues in the past, we know which lenders are more flexible. A clean credit file with no missed payments in the last 6 years gives you the widest choice.

How long does it take?

From first enquiry to picking up the keys, a typical first-time purchase takes 8 to 12 weeks. We keep things moving by chasing the lender, the valuer and the solicitors so you are not left waiting.

Do I need a solicitor?

Yes, you need a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal side of the purchase. We can recommend firms we have worked with before who are reliable and reasonably priced.

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