As a first time buyer, you'll need a deposit — typically a minimum of 5% of the property value — and a mortgage to cover the rest. The amount you can borrow depends on your income, outgoings, and the lender's affordability criteria.
There are a wide range of mortgage products available to first time buyers, including fixed rate deals (where your monthly payment stays the same for an initial period) and tracker mortgages (where the rate follows the Bank of England base rate).
We'll compare the whole market, explain your options clearly, and handle the application from start to finish — including liaising with your solicitor and the estate agent.
Most lenders will require a minimum of 5% of the purchase price. A larger deposit (10%+) will usually give you access to better rates. We'll help you understand exactly what's available based on your deposit size.
An Agreement in Principle (AIP) is a conditional confirmation from a lender that they'd be willing to lend you a certain amount. It's not a full mortgage offer, but it gives sellers confidence you're a serious buyer. We'll get this in place before you start making offers.
Beyond the deposit, budget for solicitor/conveyancing fees (typically £1,500–£2,500), a survey, and potentially Stamp Duty (though first time buyers are exempt on properties up to £425,000). We'll give you a full cost breakdown upfront.
From application to mortgage offer, the process typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on the lender and your circumstances. From offer to completion, it usually takes a further 6–12 weeks. We'll keep you updated at every stage.