First-Time Buyer Mortgages Explained Properly
Your first step onto the property ladder should feel exciting, not confusing. There is a lot to take in when you are buying for the first time, but we will slow things down, answer your questions and make sense of it all together.
Your Home/Property May Be Repossessed If You Do Not Keep Up Repayments On Your Mortgage.
Everyone's First Home Feels Like This
Buying your first home is exciting and overwhelming in roughly equal measure. There are more questions than answers, most of them don’t have a one-size-fits-all response, and it’s easy to feel like everyone else already understands terms you’ve only just heard for the first time. That’s completely normal, and it’s exactly why we start with a conversation, not a checklist.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
How Much Could You Afford to Borrow?
Before you begin viewing properties, it helps to understand what your budget might realistically look like.
We’ll consider your income, deposit, regular commitments and wider circumstances to give you a clearer idea of how much you may be able to borrow and what your monthly repayments could look like.
We’ll also help you account for the costs beyond your deposit, including solicitor fees, surveys, moving costs and any other expenses you may need to prepare for.
That way, you can start your property search with a realistic budget and avoid wasting time on homes or mortgages that do not fit your circumstances.
Every First-Time Buyer's Journey Looks Different
There’s no single route onto the property ladder. You might be buying a traditional property, moving into a newly built home, exploring shared ownership, purchasing through Right to Buy, serving in the forces, or even planning a self-build project.
Whatever your plans, we’ll help you understand how the process works, which lenders may be suitable and what each option could mean for you in practice.
Shared ownership
A part-buy, part-rent route onto the ladder that suits plenty of first-time buyers, particularly around Cambridge where property prices can put a full purchase further out of reach. We’ll talk you through eligibility, staircasing, and whether it genuinely suits your plans.
New build and Self-build
New builds come with their own lending quirks, incentives and timelines, and self-build projects need a different kind of mortgage altogether, released in stages as the build progresses. Whichever route you’re taking, getting your finance sorted early helps make the whole process considerably less stressful.
Right to Buy
If you’re looking to buy your council or housing association home, Right to Buy mortgages work differently to a standard purchase, and we can explain how your discount affects what you’re able to borrow.
Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor
If you’re looking to buy your council or housing association home, Right to Buy mortgages work differently to a standard purchase, and we can explain how your discount affects what you’re able to borrow.
Michael has been brilliant.
As a first time home buyer, the process was frightening the life out of me! But Michael assisted me with much patience and care to make the whole ordeal a breeze. He is really passionate about his role as advisor and genuinely cares about the people he’s advising.
Working with Us
A relaxed
first conversation
We talk about your plans, your budget and what’s worrying you, not just numbers on a form.
Searching extensively across lenders
We search across our vast panel of lenders properly, rather than working from a limited list.
Clear
recommendation
Explained in plain English, with the reasoning behind it, so you know exactly why it’s the right fit.
We stay
involved
From application through to completion day, and beyond, if your circumstances change or you’ve got a question.
The Benefits of Buying Your First Home With Us
Plain English Advice
15+ years explaining first-time buyer mortgages in plain English, not complex industry jargon.
Consistent Support
One adviser from application to completion, no being passed between departments on your first purchase.
Help Beyond Mortgages
Help beyond the mortgage itself: solicitor referrals and a realistic view of the costs beyond your deposit.
Flexible Scheduling
Flexible appointments, mostly over video call, fitted conveniently around your work and viewings.
Should you fail to disclose or misrepresent a fact, then you risk the insurer only paying part of the claim, declining to pay all the claim and possibly declaring the policy invalid.
Once Your Mortgage's Sorted, What Protects It?
A mortgage is only half the picture. If illness, injury or worse stopped you working tomorrow, would it still get paid? Most first-time buyers haven’t thought about this yet, and that’s completely normal, it’s just worth a conversation before you complete, not after. Life insurance, income protection and critical illness cover each answer a different part of that question, and we’ll only ever suggest what genuinely fits your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much deposit do I need?
Most first-time buyer mortgages are available from a 5-10% deposit, with meaningfully better rates typically available above 15%. The right figure for you depends on the property, the lender, and your wider circumstances, so we’ll confirm what’s realistic rather than working off a generic percentage.
Is there a cost to speak to you?
No, the initial conversation is a no-obligation call. If we go on to arrange your mortgage, we’ll explain exactly how our fees work before you commit to anything, so there are no surprises later.
Do I need a Decision in Principle before viewing homes?
It’s not compulsory, but most estate agents expect to see one before they’ll take your offer seriously, so it’s usually one of the first things we sort out together. It’s quick to arrange, based on a short credit and income check, and doesn’t commit you to anything.
What if I'm self-employed, or buying with a partner or family help?
All common, and all catered for. Self-employed and contract-based income needs the right paperwork and the right lender, joint applications and guarantor arrangements have their own criteria, and gifted deposits are usually straightforward to account for. Tell us your situation and we’ll explain exactly what applies.
Am I eligible for Shared Ownership?
Eligibility depends on your income and the specific scheme, and it varies more than people expect, so it’s worth asking even if you’re not sure. Many first-time buyers qualify without realising it, particularly around Cambridge where it’s a popular route onto the ladder.
Am I eligible for Armed Forces Help to Buy?
If you’re serving in the regular armed forces and meet the scheme’s criteria, it can help boost your deposit alongside other first-time buyer routes. We’ll check your eligibility and talk you through how it works alongside a standard mortgage.
Can I get a mortgage for a self-build?
Yes, though self-build mortgages work differently to a standard purchase. Funds are released in stages as the build progresses, rather than as a single lump sum, so getting your finance structured properly from the outset makes a real difference to how smoothly the project runs.
What Our Clients Say
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Ready to Take Your First Step?
Book a no obligation initial consultation and get honest answers before you commit to anything.