Your first mortgage,
explained without the jargon.
CeMAP-qualified mortgage advice for first-time buyers across the UK. We compare 90+ lenders, explain every number, and stay with you from your first call through to the day the keys land in your hand.
Four things lenders
actually look at.
Most of the mortgage process is about evidencing these four things. If any are not in good shape, there is usually something we can do about it before you apply.
- Deposit. At least 5% saved (more deposit usually means better rates). Gifted deposits from family are accepted by most lenders with a short signed letter.
- Affordability.Stable income evidenced by 3 months' payslips or two years' accounts, and a clear picture of your outgoings, commitments, and dependants.
- Credit history. Lenders use Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Missed payments, defaults and CCJs all matter; we can pull your file with you and plan around what is on it.
- Identification. Photo ID (passport or driving licence) and proof of address (utility bill, bank statement or council-tax letter dated within three months).
There is more help available
than you might think.
Several first-time buyer routes are alive and well — and a few are no longer worth pursuing. We will tell you which is which, in plain English.
95% mortgages
Backed by the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme — buy with as little as a 5% deposit on properties up to £600,000.
Shared Ownership
Buy a share (typically 25–75%) of a property from a housing association and pay rent on the rest. Useful in higher-priced areas where a full purchase is out of reach.
First Homes
30–50% discount on selected new-build properties for eligible first-time buyers, with a local-connection priority in some council areas.
Family-assisted (JBSP)
A Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor mortgage lets a parent help you qualify on income, without being on the property deeds. Useful where affordability — not deposit — is the blocker.
Lifetime ISA
£1,000 government bonus on every £4,000 saved each tax year, usable on a first home up to £450,000. Best paired with a long savings runway.
Springboard / guarantor
Barclays Family Springboard and similar products let family help with a savings deposit you both get back later, instead of a gift you cannot recover.
From first call
to completion.
Five stages, one named adviser. We will not move forward until you are comfortable with every step.
Initial consultation
15-minute call to understand what you want to buy, your deposit, income and timing.
Research
We compare deals across 90+ lenders and recommend a shortlist with reasons.
Agreement in Principle
We secure an AIP so you can offer with confidence. Soft credit check only.
Full application
We submit and chase the lender; you sign documents we have already prepared with you.
Offer & completion
Mortgage offer issued, conveyancing runs in parallel, keys on the day.
Other ways we can help.
We work with the same clients through every move and every rate change — these are the next steps that usually follow.
- Remortgaging → When your fixed rate ends, or you want to release equity to fund improvements, consolidate or invest.
- Buy-to-let → Buying an additional property to let, in your own name or through a limited company.
Common questions,
clear answers.
Can't see your question below? Drop us a line — most enquiries are answered the same working day.
How much deposit do I need as a first-time buyer?
Most lenders now look for a deposit of at least 5% of the property's purchase price, and the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme means 95% loan-to-value mortgages are widely available again. A 10% deposit usually opens up better rates, and 15–25% tends to unlock the most competitive products. We will go through what is realistic for your circumstances and what each deposit level changes about your rate and your monthly payment.
How much can I borrow on my income?
Lenders typically lend between 4 and 4.5 times your annual income, but several will stretch to 5x or even 5.5x for higher earners, certain professions, or where affordability is strong. We compare what each lender will actually offer you — not just the headline cap — and factor in commitments, dependants, and the term you want.
Will speaking to a mortgage broker affect my credit score?
No. The initial conversation is a soft conversation only — no credit search runs at that stage. When we identify a likely lender and you agree to apply for an Agreement in Principle, a soft footprint is usually used; soft footprints are not visible to other lenders. A hard credit search is only carried out at full application stage with your explicit consent.
I am self-employed — can I still get a first-time buyer mortgage?
Yes. Most lenders ask for two years of accounts or SA302s/tax-year overviews, and a few will lend on one year of trading. Limited-company directors can often use salary plus dividends, or in some cases salary plus retained profit, which can change borrowing power significantly. We know which lenders treat self-employed income most favourably for your specific situation.
What schemes are still available to help first-time buyers?
Help to Buy (Equity Loan) closed to new applications in 2023, but several routes remain: the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme (5% deposit, up to £600,000), Shared Ownership, First Homes, the Lifetime ISA (£1,000 government bonus on £4,000 saved per year), and family-assisted mortgages such as JBSP (Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor) and Barclays Family Springboard. We will tell you which actually fit and which are marketing noise for your case.
How long does the mortgage application take?
From a complete application to a formal mortgage offer is typically two to four weeks, though it can be quicker with the right lender and a clean case. Conveyancing and completion are the longer part — usually 8 to 12 weeks from offer for a purchase chain. We sequence the steps so you are not waiting on us at any stage.
Is there an initial no-obligation consultation?
Yes. The first consultation carries no obligation. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice — the precise amount depends on your circumstances and will range from £99 to £995, disclosed to you in writing and agreed before any chargeable work begins.
A 15-minute call is all it takes.
Tell us what you're trying to do and we'll be in touch within one working day to arrange a convenient time. No obligation — we agree any fee with you before chargeable work begins.