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First-Time Buyers: Your First Home, Explained Step by Step

Buying your first home is a big moment, and the mortgage side can feel like a maze. We take you through it in plain English, so you know what you can afford and what happens next.

Where First-Time Buyers Get Stuck

The Questions Everyone Asks

Most first-time buyers come to us with the same handful of questions. How much can I borrow? Is my deposit big enough? Will my credit history be a problem? What if I have just changed jobs, work part-time or earn bonuses?

The honest answer is that it depends on the lender. Each one assesses income, outgoings and credit differently, and two lenders can offer very different amounts to the same person. That is why going straight to your own bank is not always the best first step.

How We Help

From Budget to Keys

Working out your budget

We look at your income, regular commitments and savings, then show you a realistic borrowing range and what your monthly payments could look like.

Making the most of your deposit

Many lenders accept a 5% or 10% deposit. We explain how rates change at different deposit levels and whether family help, such as a gifted deposit or a joint borrower, sole proprietor mortgage, could work for you. [INSERT CURRENT GOVERNMENT-BACKED SCHEMES AT TIME OF PUBLISHING.]

Getting you ready to make offers

An agreement in principle shows estate agents and sellers that you are a serious buyer.

Managing the application

Once your offer is accepted, we handle the application and keep in touch with the lender, valuer, solicitor and estate agent until completion.

Protecting your new home

We can also advise on life insurance, income protection and buildings and contents cover.

If You Are Self-Employed or Newly Employed

Less Straightforward Income Is Not a Barrier

Being newly self-employed, on a probation period or on a fixed-term contract does not rule you out. Some lenders will consider you sooner than others. As the sister company of Futurewise Accountancy, we are particularly comfortable helping first-time buyers whose income comes from a business or contract.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I borrow as a first-time buyer?

Lenders typically lend a multiple of your income, adjusted for your commitments. Our calculator gives a rough idea; we can then give you a figure based on your circumstances.

Does using a broker cost more?

[FEE STRUCTURE]. You will know exactly what you pay before we start, and we will tell you if going direct would genuinely be better.

Home Movers and Remortgagers

Moving up the ladder, downsizing or coming to the end of a fixed rate? We review whether to port your current mortgage, switch lender or take a new product, and look at the full cost, not just the rate.

View Home Movers and Remortgagers →

Landlords and Portfolio Investors

Whether you own one rental property or twenty, we arrange buy to let mortgages in personal names and through limited companies, plus portfolio refinancing and bridging for auction or refurbishment purchases.

View Landlords and Portfolio Investors →

Self-Employed and Contractors

Sole traders, partners, company directors, CIS workers and day-rate contractors often find high street lenders difficult. We know which lenders assess your income fairly, and with our accountancy background we can present it properly.

View Self-Employed and Contractors →

How it works

Working With Us Remotely

We work with clients in every corner of the UK, and almost all of our work is carried out online.

Free initial consultation

A short call or video meeting to understand what you want to achieve and what your finances look like.

Online meetings

Talk to your adviser by video or phone at a time that suits you, including [EVENINGS / WEEKENDS, CONFIRM].

Secure document upload

Send payslips, bank statements and accounts through our encrypted portal the moment you have them.

Electronic ID verification

Confirm your identity online in minutes.

E-signatures

Sign your paperwork digitally, from your phone if you like.