Expert first time buyer mortgage advice, with support from start to finish
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
Guide to buying a home
01
We start by getting to know you, your circumstances, your goals and your timeline. Face to face, by phone or video, whichever suits you best.
At this meeting we need to understand your income, expenditure and other factors that could impact your mortgage options, such as budget, changes in circumstances or even the property itself.
02
We’ll confirm exactly what documentation is needed to support your mortgage application, this normally includes:
03
After assessing your circumstances and documentation, we will search up to 100 mortgage lenders to find the most suitable mortgage for your circumstances.
We will narrow down this list based on your priorities and financial situation and make a formal recommendation on the right deal for you.
04
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.
05
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.
06
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.
07
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.
08
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.
09
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.
10
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.
10
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.
Your Budget
Having a realistic budget is so important when it comes to making probably the largest transaction of your life.
Other Costs
It’s not just the cost of your new home you need to think about, there are other factors too
Protect ME
It is so important that you have the right safeguards in place to make sure you or your home is not as risk if you were impacted by a change of circumstances
Get a quick indication of your borrowing potential in minutes. Answer a few simple questions and we’ll show you what’s possible — no credit check, no obligation.
These figures are only illustrative . All mortgages are subject to the applicant(s) meeting the eligibility of the specific lender. An Assessment of your needs will be confirmed before a recommendation can be made
Why Choose ME
01
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.
02
We search across a broad panel of mortgage lenders to find a mortgage that suits your needs — not just the first option available.
03
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.
me financial
No obligation, no jargon. Just clear, honest advice from an experienced adviser who puts you first.
Common Question
Buying your first home can leave you with a lot of questions. These are some of the common questions people have about first time buyer mortgages.
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 the one you’ll almost certainly need — most lenders make it a condition of the mortgage, and it must be in place from the day you exchange contracts, not the day you move in. Beyond that, nothing is compulsory, but buying your first home is usually the point at which protection starts to matter. Contents insurance covers your belongings, and life cover or income protection means the mortgage can still be paid if something happens to you or your income. We’ll talk through what’s genuinely worth having for your circumstances, and there’s no obligation to take any of it through us.
Insights
No obligation, no jargon. Just clear, honest advice
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