First Time Buyer or Moving Home

Taking your first step onto the property ladder or buying again? We'll guide you through every stage of the process and help you secure the most appropriate mortgage deals available.

Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it.

First time buyers with keys

Your First Home Journey

We'll guide you through every step of buying your first home, from initial advice to completion.

1. Initial Assessment

We'll assess your financial situation, explain your options, and determine how much you can borrow.

  • Income and expenditure review
  • Credit score analysis
  • Affordability calculation

2. Mortgage Advice

We'll find the best mortgage products for your situation and explain all available schemes.

  • Government scheme guidance
  • Product comparison

3. Application

We'll handle your application from start to finish, keeping you updated throughout the process.

  • Application submission
  • Progress updates
  • Completion support

Government Schemes for First Time Buyers

Take advantage of government initiatives designed to help you get on the property ladder.

Government-backed Mortgage Guarantee Scheme

Government equity loan scheme helping you buy a new-build home with just a 5% deposit.

Shared Ownership

Buy a share of your home (10% - 75% ) and pay rent on the remaining share to a housing association.

Stamp Duty Relief

First time buyers pay 0% up to £300,000 and 5% on the portion between £300,001 to £500,000. If more than £500,000 standard rates apply .

Lifetime ISA

Government bonus of up to £1,000 per year on savings towards your first home deposit.

First Time Buyer Mortgage Options

Explore the different types of mortgages available to first-time buyers.

95% LTV Mortgages

Buy with just a 5% deposit. Perfect for those with limited savings but stable income.

  • Minimum 5% deposit
  • Competitive rates available
  • Various lenders to choose from

Fixed Rate Mortgages

Lock in your interest rate for peace of mind and predictable monthly payments.

  • Rate protection
  • Budgeting certainty
  • 2, 3, 5, or 10-year terms

Guarantor Mortgages

Family member guarantees your mortgage, potentially allowing higher borrowing or lower deposits.

  • Higher loan amounts
  • Lower deposit requirements
  • Family support options

First Time Buyer Checklist

Everything you need to prepare for your mortgage application.

Documents You'll Need

Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
3 months' payslips and P60
3 months' bank statements
Proof of deposit source
Proof of address (utility bills)

Preparation Tips

Check your credit score
Use services like Experian or Equifax

Save for additional costs
Budget for surveys, legal fees, broker fee and moving costs

Get a mortgage in principle
Shows sellers you're a serious buyer

Research the area
Schools, transport links, and future developments

Consider all costs
Council tax, insurance, maintenance, and utilities

Book Your Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from first-time buyers answered by our experts.

How much deposit do I need?

Most first-time buyers need a minimum 5% deposit, though 10% or more will give you access to better rates. Government schemes like the Government-backed Mortgage Guarantee Scheme can help reduce the deposit requirement.

How much can I borrow?

Typically 4-5 times your annual income, but this depends on your outgoings, credit score, and the lender's criteria. We'll calculate your exact borrowing capacity.

What are the additional costs?

Budget for legal fees (£500-£1,500), survey costs (£300-£1,000), Broker fees (£99-£900), mortgage arrangement fees, and moving expenses. We'll provide a full breakdown.

How long does the process take?

From mortgage application to completion typically takes 6-8 weeks, though this can vary. Having all documents ready can speed up the process significantly.

Should I get a mortgage in principle?

Yes! A mortgage in principle shows estate agents and sellers you're a serious buyer and gives you confidence when making offers on properties.

What if I have bad credit?

We work with specialist lenders who consider applications from people with credit issues. The key is being honest about your situation so we can find the Most appropriate solution .

Ready to Buy Your First Home?

Let our expert Advisers guide you through the first-time buyer process and find the perfect mortgage for your needs.

Quick decisions in principle