ServicesFirst-time buyers
First-time buyers
From "we've got a deposit" – or "we haven't" – to "we've got the keys." Whether you're saving in a LISA, looking at one of the newer low-deposit products, or just trying to work out where to start, we'll tell you what's realistic for your situation and what to expect at each step.
How we help
The work usually breaks into three phases.
Before you offer
We sit down (in person, by video, or on the phone – whichever you prefer) and look at income, deposit, credit, and any quirks. We give you a realistic borrowing range, talk you through which route fits, and get you an Agreement in Principle so estate agents take you seriously.
Between offer and exchange
Full application, valuation, survey, and chasing the bits that need chasing. We coordinate with your solicitor so the mortgage offer and the legal work move in step, not in sequence.
Completion and beyond
We make sure any protection (life cover, income protection) is sized to what you'd actually need. We diarise your fix end date so you're not auto-rolled onto a standard variable rate when your deal ends.
When you are ready, call us for a short conversation or complete the online questionnaire – we will come back with sensible next steps and no obligation.
Call us Complete the questionnaire
The schemes and products worth knowing about
Most first-time buyers still go a conventional deposit and fixed-rate route. There are also named schemes and product types that can change the path – eligibility and rules sit with the providers and government guidance, not with us as tax or savings advisers.
Lifetime ISA (LISA). A government-backed savings product that some first-time buyers use toward a deposit. Check current rules and eligibility on gov.uk. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client, and may be subject to change in the future. We do not provide tax or savings advice under our mortgage permissions.
Low-deposit and no-deposit mortgages. Some lenders offer higher loan-to-value products for first-time buyers. Availability, rates and criteria vary; not every applicant or property will qualify.
Shared ownership. Buy a share of a property and pay rent on the rest, with the option to buy more over time (staircasing). Service charges, resale conditions and rent reviews all need looking at properly.
Family-supported products. Some lenders offer arrangements where a family member's support unlocks a better rate or larger loan. Whether that fits depends on the lender and your circumstances.
Rates, eligibility and small print vary considerably between lenders. We look across our panel and tell you what is realistic for your situation – and if none of the options fit, we say so.