Mortgage Experts for First-Time Home Buyers

Buying your first home is a big milestone – there’s nothing quite like the moment you get the keys. But before you can unlock the door to your dream, there are plenty of decisions to be made. Let us help you navigate the process with expert advice and the best mortgage quotes for first-time buyers.

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Your Trusted Partner for First-Time Homebuyer Mortgages

Access to the best mortgage deals, clear advice—no hidden fees, expert guidance every step of the way, and fast approval with competitive rates.

Proven Expertise

With years of experience, we bring industry knowledge and a track record of success to help first-time buyers make confident financial decisions.

Smart & Transparent

Track your application every step of the way through our easy-to-use platform, giving you full visibility and peace of mind during the process.

Completely Independent

We work with a wide range of trusted lenders, ensuring that you get access to the best deals available—tailored to your needs as a first-time buyer.

What is a First-Time Buyer?

Best UK Mortgages specializes in helping first-time buyers navigate the mortgage process. While some lenders offer specific deals, first-time buyers generally have access to the same mortgage options as everyone else. We’re here to help you find the best deal for your needs.

You’re considered a First Time Buyer if:

You’re not considered a First Time Buyer if:

Government Schemes for First-Time Buyer Mortgages

Saving for your first home can be challenging, especially in today’s financial climate. But don’t worry—there are several government schemes designed to support First-Time Buyers who may not have family or friends to help with a guarantor or family-assisted mortgage.

Lifetime ISA

For those aged 18 to 40, the government offers a 25% boost to your savings, up to £1,000 per year, until you turn 50.

Right to Buy

This scheme allows tenants renting from a council or local housing association to buy the home they currently live in. Also known as “Right to Acquire.”

First Homes Scheme

Available to First-Time Buyers over 18, this scheme offers new-build homes at a discount of 30-50% off the market value.

Shared Ownership

Co-own a property with a landlord, typically a council or housing association. You can buy a share of your home and pay rent on the remaining portion.

Mortgage Guarantee Scheme

This scheme helps you secure a mortgage with just a 5% deposit, available until June 30, 2025, however, the government has announced that it is planning a replacement soon.

First-Time Buyer Mortgage Considerations

We’ve covered the basics, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

Monthly Repayments

Your first payment may be higher as it could include interest from your move-in date plus the next month’s payment.

Budgeting Beyond the Mortgage

Besides your mortgage, consider:

  • Survey costs
  • Solicitor’s fees
  • Buildings insurance
  • Monthly bills and service charges like gas, electricity, and food
Economic Factors

Economic changes, like the cost-of-living crisis, can affect mortgage rates and lending criteria. Be prepared for tighter lending and higher deposit requirements.

Ensuring You Can Afford Your Mortgage

Before approving your mortgage, lenders need to confirm that you can afford the repayments, even if interest rates rise. Here’s what they will typically review:

  • Employment: Job status and stability.
  • Income: Salary and any additional sources of income.
  • Expenses: Monthly expenses and their impact on your budget.
  • Credit Commitments: Existing loans, credit cards, and direct debits.
  • Debts: Outstanding debts or past defaults.
  • Other Financial Commitments: Additional costs like childcare or school fees.  .

 Your dedicated Best UK Mortgages advisor will guide you through the process, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your mortgage application

Why Choose Best UK Mortgages

Choosing the right mortgage depends on your personal circumstances, such as financial stability and preferences. Your specialist mortgage broker from Best UK Mortgages can help you navigate through all available options and often has access to exclusive offers.

Fixed Rate Mortgage

What it is: An interest rate locked for a period.

Pros: Protection from rising rates.

Cons: No benefit if rates fall; moved to SVR after the deal ends.

Standard Variable Rate (SVR) Mortgage

What it is: Rates set at lender’s discretion, can change.

Pros: No penalties for switching mortgages.

Cons: Higher interest rate than others, default rate.

Tracker Rate Mortgage

What it is: Follows an external indicator like BoE base rate.

Pros: Lower starting rates.

Cons: Rates can rise, increasing interest, payments.

Discount-Rate Mortgage

What it is: Set at a percentage below the lender’s SVR.

Pros: Lower rates if the SVR drops.

Cons: Rates are unpredictable and can rise.

Capped and Collared Mortgages

What it is: Variable rate with caps (max) and collars (min rates).

Pros: Caps protect from high rates.

Cons: Collars prevent benefiting from low rates.

Offset Mortgage

What it is: Uses savings to reduce interest payments.

Pros: Savings lower interest.

Cons: Requires significant savings; family offsets are available.

How to Apply for a Mortgage as a First-Time Buyer

The best time to apply for a mortgage is when you are in a stable financial position, your credit file is in good standing, and you’ve saved a reasonable deposit. The steps to take before applying are as follows:

Determine How Much You Can Borrow

Get a Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP). This document outlines how much a lender is likely to lend you. Many estate agents require this before allowing you to view properties.

Find a House You Love

Start your house hunt and identify a property that suits your needs.

Make an Offer

Once you find the right house, make an offer to the seller.

Submit Your Formal Mortgage Application

If your offer is accepted, submit your formal mortgage application for the agreed amount.

Documents You’ll Need

Before meeting with your Best UK Mortgages broker, make sure you have the following documents ready:

Proof of Identity

Passport or driving license.

Proof of Current Address

Utility bills or bank statements.

Proof of Income

Employed: 3-6 months of payslips

Self-Employed: 12-36 months of accounts and tax calculations.

Bank Statements

3-6 months of bank statements to show your spending habits and confirm you can manage repayments.

How Long Does a Mortgage Application Take?

The timeframe for a mortgage application can vary depending on individual circumstances and the lender’s efficiency. Here’s what to expect:

Typical Timeline:
  • Standard Process: Your mortgage could be ready in as little as 2 weeks.
  • Complex Situations: If your application is more complicated or if there are issues, it might take longer, generally around 4 weeks.
Potential Delays:
  • Back and Forth: Complex situations requiring additional documentation or clarification can slow down the process.
  • Valuation Issues: Problems raised during the property valuation can also extend the timeline.
Getting Accurate Estimates:

Advisor Insight: Your Best UK Mortgages advisor will provide a more precise timeline once they begin the process, tailored to your specific situation.

Buying Your First Home?

Be in touch with a Best UK Mortgages advisor today!

Whether you’re ready to start your mortgage application or simply looking for advice, we’re here to help. Get a quote now.

FAQ

Securing a First-Time Buyer mortgage can be tricky without the right guidance. A mortgage broker for first-time buyers can help you find the best rates and ensure your application is strong, increasing your chances of approval with top UK mortgage lenders.

Yes, you can still get a First-Time Buyer mortgage with bad credit. Specialized bad credit mortgage lenders offer options for those with lower credit scores, and a bad credit home loan broker can help you find the best deals suited to your financial situation.

As a First-Time Buyer, you typically need at least a 5% deposit to qualify for a 95% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgage. A larger deposit can help you secure better interest rates and increase your borrowing potential.

Repayment Mortgage: You pay both the capital and the interest, with the loan fully repaid by the end of the term.

Interest-Only Mortgage: You pay only the interest during the term, and the principal remains unpaid until the end of the term. These are more common with specialist mortgage lenders and require a plan to repay the original loan amount.

Yes, a parent or guardian can be a guarantor on a First-Time Buyer mortgage, which can help you secure a loan if you have a low deposit or credit score. A guarantor mortgage broker can help navigate this process for you.

Join Thousands of Successful First-Time Buyers

From finding the best mortgage deals to expert advice on your application, we give you access to top UK lenders — with complete transparency and fast approval.

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