Expert first time buyer mortgage advice, with support from start to finish
Buying your first home comes with a lot of questions — from understanding your budget to knowing what happens at each stage of the process. This page brings together everything you need to know as a first time buyer, helping you feel informed, confident, and supported from the very start.
Buying your first home involves a lot of steps, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. We guide you through each stage of the process clearly and methodically, so you always know what’s happening and what comes next.
We’ll start with an initial meeting to understand your circumstances and goals. This can be face to face, over the phone, or via video — whichever suits you best.
This conversation allows us to fully understand your situation and what you want to achieve, so we can give clear, relevant mortgage advice from the outset.
We’ll confirm exactly what documentation is needed to support your mortgage application and help us find the right deal for you.
At this stage, we’ll also take details of your chosen solicitor and explain any important points to consider before proceeding.
We’ll search across up to 100 mortgage lenders to find the most suitable mortgage for your circumstances.
We’ll clearly explain the costs involved, how the mortgage works, and any other factors you should consider — so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Once we’ve identified the right lender for you, we’ll arrange an Agreement in Principle (AIP). This confirms how much the lender is prepared to lend, based on the information you’ve provided.
An AIP gives you confidence when speaking to estate agents and allows you to make an offer on a property, knowing you’ve passed initial credit checks and affordability assessments.
Once your offer has been accepted, we’ll submit your full mortgage application to the lender. This includes completing all required paperwork and providing your supporting documents.
The lender will then review the application through their underwriting process, checking the information provided and carrying out further application checks before making a decision.
The lender will arrange a valuation of the property to ensure it provides suitable security for the mortgage. There are different types of valuation available, depending on the lender’s requirements and your priorities.
The lender will usually contact the seller or estate agent directly to organise this. In some cases, the cost may be included — and we’ll guide you through the options.
Once the mortgage valuation has been completed, the lender will review the results alongside your application. If everything is in order, your case will progress to a formal Mortgage Offer.
You’ll usually receive a copy of the Mortgage Offer directly, and a copy will also be sent to your solicitor so they can review the terms and continue progressing your purchase.
Your solicitor will review the Mortgage Offer in detail, along with the legal searches and enquiries relating to the property. They’ll also continue liaising with the seller’s solicitor to resolve any outstanding questions or issues.
This stage ensures everything is legally in place and that you’re fully informed before committing to the purchase.
Once all parties are satisfied and all legal checks have been completed, you’ll exchange contracts with the seller. At this point, the transaction becomes legally binding.
A completion date will be agreed, and your deposit will be requested by your solicitor. After exchange, neither side can withdraw without financial consequences.
A completion date is set, and your solicitor will ensure they have the required funds from you and the mortgage lender before transferring them to the seller’s solicitor to complete the transaction.
You’ll then collect the keys from the estate agent, sit down, have a cuppa — and your new chapter begins.
A completion date is set, and your solicitor will ensure they have the required funds from you and the mortgage lender before transferring them to the seller’s solicitor to complete the transaction.
You’ll then collect the keys from the estate agent, sit down, have a cuppa — and your new chapter begins.
Our life insurance and protection advice is designed to protect what matters most if the unexpected happens. From life insurance and family protection, to income protection, critical illness cover, and support where sick pay is limited or unavailable, we help you understand your risks and put the right cover in place — clearly, personally, and without jargon
Having a realistic budget is so important when it comes to making probably the largest transaction of your life,
Your mortgage is only one part of your monthly outgoings. It’s important to factor in household bills, council tax, utilities, insurance, and everyday living costs to make sure your budget remains comfortable.
While lenders may approve you for a higher amount, we encourage leaving some headroom in your budget. This helps protect you if interest rates change or your circumstances evolve in the future.
A healthy budget should still allow you to save. Whether it’s for emergencies, home maintenance, or life changes, having a financial buffer gives you flexibility and peace of mind once you’ve moved in.
It’s not just the cost of your new home you need to think about, there are other factors too
Buying a home involves legal costs such as solicitor or conveyancing fees, as well as Stamp Duty where applicable. Understanding these early helps you avoid surprises later in the process.
Most lenders will require a property valuation, and you may also choose to arrange a survey for added peace of mind. These costs can vary depending on the property and level of detail you need.
It’s also worth budgeting for the practical costs of moving in, such as removals, furniture, appliances, and any initial repairs or improvements you’d like to make to your new home.
Having a realistic budget is so important when it comes to making probably the largest transaction of your life,
Life doesn’t always stay the same. Changes to your income — such as redundancy, illness, or time off work — can affect your ability to meet monthly commitments, so it’s important to consider how you’d cope if your income reduced
Serious illness or injury can have both emotional and financial consequences. Thinking ahead about how you would manage your finances if you were unable to work for a period of time can provide valuable peace of mind.
Your home is one of the biggest commitments you’ll ever make. Planning how it would be protected if the unexpected happened helps ensure your loved ones can remain secure in the home you’ve worked hard to buy.
Buying your first home is a major milestone, and having the right advice makes all the difference.
We take the time to understand your circumstances and explain everything in plain English. You’ll always know where you stand, what your options are, and what happens next.
We search across a broad panel of mortgage lenders to find a mortgage that suits your needs — not just the first option available.
Our support doesn’t stop once your application is submitted. We’ll guide you through valuations, solicitors, and completion — and we’re here to help if your circumstances change in the future.
Looking to secure the best mortgage for your new home? We’re here to help! Our simple and straightforward process makes it easy to get a personalized quote tailored to your needs. Let us guide you every step of the way toward financial security.
Choosing the right protection can feel overwhelming at first. These FAQs cover some of the most common questions we’re asked, helping you understand how protection insurance works and what to consider before getting started.
You’re usually considered a first time buyer if you’ve never owned a property before, either in the UK or abroad. This includes properties purchased jointly or inherited. Being classed as a first time buyer can affect things like Stamp Duty relief and available mortgage options.
Most first time buyer mortgages require a minimum deposit of 5–10%, although having a larger deposit can give you access to better mortgage rates.
In some circumstances, there may be specialist mortgage options available that require a smaller deposit, or in certain cases no deposit at all. These options depend on your individual circumstances, income, and credit history — and aren’t suitable for everyone.
We’ll guide you through what’s realistically available and help you understand which options may be right for you.
You don’t always need one to view properties, but having an Agreement in Principle can make a big difference. It shows estate agents and sellers that you’re serious and financially prepared, and it can strengthen your position when making an offer.
In addition to your deposit, you may need to budget for solicitor fees, mortgage valuation or survey costs, Stamp Duty (if applicable), broker fees (if you use one – details on our fees are found here) and moving expenses. We’ll explain these costs clearly so there are no surprises later.
Every purchase is different, but from offer acceptance to completion typically takes 8–12 weeks. Timescales can vary depending on the property, the seller, and how quickly legal and lender checks are completed.
Buildings insurance is usually required from exchange of contracts. Other protection — like life insurance or income protection — isn’t compulsory, but it can help protect your home and finances if your circumstances change.
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