Buying yourfirst home?
Buying your first home can feel like a lot. We'll help you understand the mortgage side, from working out your budget to getting the keys.
Buying your first home comes with a new vocabulary and a lot of forms. You don't need to learn it all — that's what we're here for.
We'll talk through your deposit, what you might be able to borrow, and get you a clear Agreement in Principle so you can view properties with confidence.
From there, we stay with you through the application, the valuation, and everything up to exchange and completion.
Where do I start?
Most first-time buyer journeys follow the same shape: work out roughly what you could borrow, get an Agreement in Principle, start viewing properties, have an offer accepted, then move through a full mortgage application, valuation, exchange and completion.
It helps to do the mortgage groundwork before you fall in love with a property — that way you can move quickly and confidently when you find the right place.
How much deposit do I need?
Your deposit is usually expressed as a percentage of the property’s value — this is your loan-to-value, or LTV. Many residential mortgages start from around 5–10% deposit, though a larger deposit generally opens up a wider range of rates.
For example, a £25,000 deposit on a £250,000 property is a 10% deposit — a 90% LTV mortgage.
Try the mortgage calculatorHow much could I borrow?
Affordability depends on your income, outgoings, existing commitments, credit history and each lender’s own criteria — there’s no single multiple that applies to everyone, despite what you might read online.
Not sure where you’d fit? Talk it through with us and we’ll give you a clear sense of what’s realistic for your circumstances.
Talk to usWhat is an Agreement in Principle?
An Agreement in Principle (AIP), sometimes called a Decision in Principle, is an indication from a lender of how much they might be willing to lend you, based on an initial assessment of your circumstances.
It’s not a guaranteed mortgage offer, but having one in place shows estate agents and sellers that you’re in a serious position to proceed.
What costs should I budget for?
Beyond your deposit, first-time buyers typically budget for:
- Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) — first-time buyers often benefit from relief up to a certain property value, but thresholds change periodically.
- A property survey or valuation.
- Solicitor or conveyancer fees.
- Mortgage arrangement or product fees, where applicable.
- Removals and any immediate furnishing costs.
Stamp Duty thresholds and first-time buyer relief change periodically — always check the current rates on gov.uk, or ask us directly, before budgeting around a specific figure.
The mortgage process
We walk every client through the same five stages — the conversation, understanding you, exploring options, the application, and completion — with a clear idea of what’s happening at each step.
See how it worksFirst-time buyer FAQs
A mortgage broker looks at your circumstances and researches suitable mortgage options across the market, rather than offering products from a single lender. We handle the comparison, the paperwork and the lender liaison, and explain your options in plain English.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Mortgage availability, eligibility and the mortgage options presented depend on individual circumstances and lender criteria.
The information on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute personalised financial or mortgage advice. Any recommendation we make will only be given after we have assessed your full needs and circumstances. Not all buy-to-let mortgages are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
READY TOSTART?
You don’t need to have everything figured out.