First-time buyer

🏠 First-time buyers

Big mortgage decisions,
made simple.

Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — and you shouldn’t have to do it alone, or in confusing financial jargon. We’ll guide you through every step, from ‘what can I afford?’ to picking up the keys.

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90+ lendersWhole of market access
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Decision in principleUsually within 24 hours
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Free 20-min chatNo commitment, no pressure
What to expect

Buying your first home: what to expect

There’s a reason first-time buyers feel overwhelmed — the process genuinely is more complicated than it should be. There are over 90 lenders in the UK, each with different criteria, and the comparison sites only show you a fraction of the actual market.

The good news: that complexity is exactly what a broker exists to navigate. Our job is to translate everything into plain English, find the right lender for your specific situation, and handle the paperwork on your behalf.

How it works

Step by step

01
Free 20-minute chat

Tell us where you’re at, what you’ve saved, and what you’re looking at. No commitment.

02
Affordability check

We work out exactly how much you can borrow, in your specific situation.

03
Decision in principle

Usually within 24 hours. Estate agents will ask for this.

04
Property hunt

We’re available to sense-check any property you’re considering.

05
Full mortgage application

We package the application properly so it sails through underwriting.

06
Keys in hand

We chase, update you, and keep you in the loop through to completion.

Checklist

What you’ll need

  • Deposit — typically 5–10% minimum
  • Last 3 months’ payslips (employed) or 2–3 years’ accounts/SA302s (self-employed)
  • Last 3 months’ bank statements
  • Photo ID and proof of address
  • Credit report (we’ll check it together)
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What it costs

A single broker fee, payable only when your mortgage completes. Free for NHS staff, Blue Light Card holders, teachers, social workers and the armed forces. Always confirmed in writing before any work begins.

FAQs

Common questions

How much deposit do I need?

5% is the practical minimum for most first-time buyers. 10% opens up substantially more lenders and better rates — the difference in monthly cost is often significant.

Will my Stamp Duty be reduced as a first-time buyer?

Yes. First-time buyers pay no Stamp Duty on properties up to £425,000, and a tapered rate above that up to £625,000.

I’ve been turned down by my bank — can I still get a mortgage?

Almost never a dead end. There are specialist lenders for almost every situation — self-employed income, contract work, adverse credit, non-standard property types. We know which lenders want your case.

How does a ‘decision in principle’ work?

It’s a soft credit check that gives you written confirmation of how much you can borrow. Estate agents will ask for it before accepting your offer. We get this sorted early so you can bid with confidence.

Can my parents help me buy?

Yes — gifted deposit, Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor mortgages, or guarantor mortgages all work. We’ll recommend the structure that makes the most sense for your situation.