Your first mortgage, explained from the start.
Buying your first home is a big deal and there is a lot of jargon in the way. We start by explaining the basics — deposits, LTV, agreement in principle, stamp duty, solicitors — before we look at rates. Most of our first-time buyers come to us because a friend recommended us, and most of them come back for their second property with us too.
- Up to 95% LTV — Access to lenders that will lend up to 95% of the property value, so you only need a 5% deposit.
- Help-to-Buy and shared ownership — We work with the specialist lenders active in these schemes.
- Affordability assessment — A clear picture of what you can actually borrow, before you fall in love with a property.
- Agreement in principle in 48 hours — Estate agents take you seriously when you can show one.
- Gift deposits and family assistance — We know which lenders are comfortable with parental deposits.
Three steps. One person. No jargon.
The same process for every first-time buyer mortgages enquiry, whether it is your first mortgage or your fifth.
Twenty minute call
Anth learns your situation before looking at products. Income, plans, what has already been said elsewhere. No pressure, no forms up front.
Whole of market search
We look across every mainstream and specialist lender, then sit down and explain the trade-offs plainly. You choose. We recommend.
Paperwork end to end
We handle the application, the valuation, the underwriter questions. You get the keys, and we stay in touch for the next remortgage.
What you will pay.
For mortgage advice we charge a fee of between £457 and £997, payable on completion. The exact figure depends on the complexity of your case and is agreed with you in writing before we start any work.
For most straightforward residential mortgages our commission from the lender alone covers our work and there is no fee to you at all. Where a case is more involved (buy-to-let portfolios, adverse credit, unusual income) the fee applies.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Questions we get about first-time buyer mortgages.
01How much deposit do I actually need?+
Most first-time buyer mortgages need at least a 5% deposit, but the rate you get improves noticeably at 10%, 15% and 25%. On a £200,000 property, a 5% deposit is £10,000, while 10% is £20,000.
02What does an agreement in principle mean?+
It is a soft indication from a lender that they would probably lend to you based on the numbers you have shared. It is not a formal offer, but estate agents ask for one before they take your offer seriously.
03Do I need Help-to-Buy or a shared ownership scheme?+
Only if the numbers require it. We look at both routes plus straight 95% LTV mortgages and recommend whichever gets you the property you want at the lowest cost. Sometimes a straightforward mortgage is cheaper than a scheme.
04What credit score do I need?+
There is no single number. Different lenders use different scoring systems. We check your credit file at the start of the process and match you to a lender whose criteria you actually meet.
05How long does the whole process take?+
From first call to a full mortgage offer is typically four to eight weeks depending on the lender and how quickly the valuation comes back. From offer to completion is usually another four to eight weeks and depends on solicitors and the chain.
Where clients typically go next.
Life happens.
Let’s take care of it together.
Book a call directly with Anthony. Evenings and weekends available. No forms up front, no pressure.