Your first step onto the property ladder
Buying your first home is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. We make it straightforward — explaining every step, searching a comprehensive range of lenders, and finding the right mortgage for your circumstances.
Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
What you need to know
Everything first-time buyers need — in plain English
As a first-time buyer, you are entering one of the most complex financial processes in adult life. Mortgage rules, government schemes, surveyors, solicitors, exchange and completion — it is a lot to get to grips with. That is where we come in.
We work with you from the very start: establishing how much you can borrow, identifying the right mortgage products, and walking you through the process step by step. We do not use jargon, and we do not rush you.
We compare products from a comprehensive range of lenders — including High Street names and specialist products not available direct — which means you get a broad view of what is available for your situation.
What first-time buyers ask us about
- How much deposit do I actually need?
- Can I use the Lifetime ISA or Help to Buy ISA?
- What is a mortgage in principle and do I need one?
- How much can I borrow on my salary?
- What is Shared Ownership and how does it work?
- What happens after my offer is accepted?
- How long does the whole process take?
- What are stamp duty rules for first-time buyers?
Why choose us
First-time buyer specialists
Comprehensive lender panel
We search products from a comprehensive range of lenders — including lenders who do not advertise direct — so you get a genuinely broad comparison.
Step-by-step guidance
From your first enquiry to getting your keys, we explain every stage clearly. No jargon, no assumptions — just straightforward advice.
Government scheme experts
We know the Shared Ownership, First Homes, and Lifetime ISA schemes inside out, and can advise whether any of them work in your favour.
Our process
How we help you buy your first home
No-obligation consultation
We review your income, deposit, and credit picture. We tell you exactly how much you can borrow and which lenders are most likely to approve you.
Mortgage in principle
We secure your Agreement in Principle — the document estate agents want to see before accepting an offer. This shows sellers you are a serious buyer.
Full application & completion
Once your offer is accepted, we submit your full mortgage application and manage the process through to exchange and completion.
Common questions
First-time buyer FAQs
Everything you need to know before you start.
Most lenders require a minimum deposit of 5% of the purchase price, though 10% or more will give you access to better rates and a wider choice of lenders. The larger your deposit, the lower your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio — and generally the more competitive the deals available to you.
A Mortgage in Principle (also called an Agreement in Principle or Decision in Principle) is a written indication from a lender that they would be willing to lend you a certain amount, subject to a full application and valuation. Most estate agents ask to see one before accepting an offer. We can arrange this for you quickly as part of our service.
Yes — if you have a Lifetime ISA (LISA), you can use the savings plus the 25% government bonus towards your first home purchase, subject to the property costing £450,000 or less and you being a first-time buyer. We can factor your LISA balance into your deposit calculations.
From having an offer accepted to completing a purchase typically takes 8–16 weeks, depending on the complexity of the chain and how quickly solicitors move. Getting your mortgage agreed in advance can significantly speed up this process.
This will be discussed at the time of your appointment.
Ready to take your first step?
Book a no-obligation consultation and we will tell you exactly what you can afford.
Initial consultations are completely free of charge. There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and will be agreed with you before proceeding but will range from £150 to £500 and this will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity.