Expert First Time Buyer Mortgage Guidance and Support
Getting onto the property ladder requires the right mortgage at the right price. Our specialist first time buyer services provide whole-of-market access to hundreds of mortgage products, helping you get a mortgage that fits your needs and make the most of your money when purchasing your first home.
We support first time buyers across Hampshire, London, and neighbouring regions through every step of the home buying process—from initial consultation to completion and beyond—including guidance on completing the necessary application form.
Why First Time Buyers Choose Professional Mortgage Advice
Purchasing your first property involves navigating complex lending criteria, government schemes, and hundreds of mortgage products. Working with a mortgage broker ensures you access deals that aren't available directly to the public while avoiding costly mistakes.
Whole-of-Market Access
We search across the entire market to find mortgages suited to your situation, including exclusive first time buyer products.
Expert Guidance
Understand mortgage terminology, eligibility criteria, and application requirements—including clarifying requirements for purchasing your main residence and understanding the different types of loans available to first time buyers—without confusion.
Time-Saving
We handle the research, mortgage application process, and liaising with lenders on your behalf.
Cost-Effective
Our transparent £395 fee often saves thousands compared to selecting unsuitable products or missing better rates.
Ongoing Support
Receive guidance from initial consultation through to completion date and future remortgage planning.
Professional mortgage advice ensures first time buyers make informed decisions. Lenders conduct strict 'stress tests' on monthly outgoings and projected monthly payments—including repayments on loans—during the mortgage application process to assess borrowing power. We help you prepare thoroughly so your application succeeds first time.
Budgeting and Affordability Guidance
Careful budgeting is the foundation for a successful first step onto the property ladder. As a first-time buyer, understanding your monthly mortgage payments—including how interest rates and repayment terms affect your budget—is essential to determine what you can truly afford.
Our First Time Buyer Services
Residential Mortgage Brokering
We provide comprehensive mortgage search services across the whole market for residential properties, including purchases on the open market. Whether you're purchasing a starter flat, a new build property, or a larger family home, we support joint applications—including those with a civil partner—and identify products that match your deposit, income, and property price requirements.
Our service covers various property types, helping you understand the differences between buying a property outright and shared ownership, as well as the distinctions between freehold and leasehold ownership, including ongoing costs such as ground rent and buildings insurance.
Agreement in Principle Services
A Decision in Principle (DIP), also known as an Agreement in Principle (AIP), is a statement from a lender showing how much they are willing to lend, making buyers more credible to estate agents and sellers. We fast-track your mortgage pre-approval so you understand your borrowing capacity before house hunting begins.
Having an AIP strengthens your position when making offers, demonstrating to sellers that you can proceed quickly with your purchase.
Our Top 10 First Time Buyer Mortgage Products
95% LTV Fixed Rate Mortgages
Lower deposit requirements for property ladder entry—ideal when saving a larger deposit isn't feasible. Borrow up to a certain percentage (typically 95%) of the property's value, making homeownership more accessible for first time buyers.
5% Deposit Government Scheme Mortgages
Access to government-backed lending programs providing security to lenders, enabling smaller deposits.
First Time Buyer Exclusive Products
Special mortgage rates available only to those purchasing their first home. Some government schemes, such as First Homes, offer a maximum discount of 30% to 50% on new-build homes, with the discount passed on to future buyers to ensure ongoing affordability for local key workers and residents.
Family Assisted Mortgages
Some lenders offer family-assisted mortgages, allowing family members to help first time buyers secure a mortgage by using their savings or property as security.
Flexible Income Mortgages
Suitable for self employed applicants and those with variable income requiring detailed income verification.
New Build Mortgages
Specialist products for purchasing new build homes, often compatible with developer incentives.
Help to Buy Compatible Mortgages
Working with the Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme, which allows first time buyers in England to purchase new build homes with a minimum deposit of 5%, while the government provides an interest-free equity loan of up to 20% of the property's value for the first five years. These schemes are particularly supportive for buyers with lower incomes, helping them access homeownership.
Shared Ownership Mortgages
Financing options for shared ownership arrangements where you purchase between 25% and 75% of a property and pay rent on the remaining share through a housing association. Shared equity schemes are designed to assist buyers with lower incomes by sharing the costs based on eligibility.
Professional Mortgages
Enhanced lending terms for key workers including teachers, nurses, armed forces personnel, and other eligible professions.
Long-Term Fixed Rate Mortgages
Stability and certainty for first time buyer budgets with fixed monthly mortgage payments over five years or longer.
Our First Time Buyer Process
Initial Consultation (2 Hours)
We begin with a comprehensive assessment of your financial situation and property goals. The first step in the home buying process is determining how much you can afford, which includes assessing your savings for a deposit, understanding your borrowing capacity, and preparing the necessary application form to start your mortgage journey. We discuss available mortgage options, first time buyer schemes, and help you understand what you need to pay beyond the deposit—it is recommended to set aside approximately 15% of the property's value for additional expenses beyond the purchase price. We also guide you on how to make the most of your money when budgeting for your first home.
Mortgage Research and Application
Our whole-of-market search identifies the most suitable mortgage products and loans for your circumstances. We compare repayment mortgage options, interest only mortgages, and other types of loans to find competitive interest rates, appropriate terms, and the right borrowing solution for you. There are two basic types of mortgages: repayment mortgages and interest only mortgages. With a repayment mortgage, your monthly payments cover both the capital borrowed and the interest, gradually reducing your loan balance over time. In contrast, an interest only mortgage requires monthly payments of just the interest, with the capital due at the end of the term. We explain which approach and monthly payment structure suits your situation. The average mortgage term in the UK is typically between 25 to 30 years, but this can vary based on your financial situation and preferences.
Agreement in Principle and Property Search Support
Once your offer is accepted, you will need to arrange a mortgage, which typically takes about three weeks from application to formal offer. We secure your mortgage approval to strengthen property offers and guide you through the property search process. Once you have a budget, the next step is to start searching for properties that meet your criteria, which can involve using estate agents, online listings, or local newspapers. We advise on making competitive offers and understanding market value in your chosen area, including options to purchase homes on the open market for greater flexibility.
Completion Support and Ongoing Service
The legal process of transferring ownership, known as conveyancing, involves making enquiries and searches to ensure there are no issues with the property before contracts are exchanged. We support you through solicitor selection, coordinate with the seller's solicitor—who is responsible for preparing documentation, conducting searches, and ensuring the property's legal status is clear—and guide you through surveys and final mortgage completion. Home buyers should always arrange their own independent survey to check for structural issues and should not rely solely on the lender's valuation. When buying a home, additional costs can include survey fees, valuation fees, Stamp Duty Land Tax (in England), Land Transaction Tax (in Wales), land registry fees, local authority searches, and solicitor costs. If you are purchasing through a scheme such as Right to Buy, note that having rent arrears does not automatically disqualify you, but any arrears must be cleared before the sale can proceed. The process of buying a home typically takes around five months, depending on the complexity of the transactions involved.
Legal Process Support for First Time Buyers
Navigating the legal process of buying your first property can seem daunting, but with the right support, you can move from offer to completion with confidence. Your estate agent and solicitor will guide you through each stage, ensuring all legal requirements are met and your interests are protected.
Customer Testimonials
"We had no idea where to start with getting a mortgage. The whole-of-market search found us a rate we'd never have discovered ourselves, and the support through completion was invaluable."
Sarah T.
First Time Buyer, Hampshire
"The transparent £395 fee meant no surprises, and having access to products not available on the high street saved us thousands over our mortgage term."
Marcus and Claire D.
First Time Buyers, London
"As a self employed buyer, I thought getting a mortgage would be impossible. The guidance through income verification and finding flexible lenders made our first home purchase happen."
James K.
First Time Buyer, Surrey
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Your First Home Journey Today
Take your first step onto the property ladder with expert mortgage guidance. Our two-hour initial consultation explores your options, assesses your borrowing capacity, and identifies suitable mortgage products and government schemes.
Service Areas: Hampshire, London, Surrey, and neighbouring regions
See the regulatory information in the website footer. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.