First-time buyer advice, from your initial budget through to completion.

Let's start with the honest bit.

A good mortgage broker finds the deal that fits your situation, which is often not the lowest rate on a comparison website. We search 90+ lenders, read the small print, and tell you when a deal is good and when it isn't.

For first-time buyers, that matters more than ever. You don't know what you don't know yet, and there's a lot to know. We've been doing this for 20 years. Let us make sure nothing trips you up.

What we do for you, step by step.

1. An honest conversation first

   Before anything else, we work out what you can comfortably afford, rather than simply what a lender will offer you. We talk about your goals, your timeline, and whether now is the right time to buy.

2. Agreement in Principle (AIP)

   We secure an AIP from a suitable lender. This gives you a real borrowing figure and shows estate agents and sellers that you're a serious buyer, which matters in a competitive market.

3. House hunting with confidence

   You search for properties knowing exactly what you can offer. We're available to flag anything worth knowing, leasehold issues, ex-local authority restrictions, anything that could affect your mortgage down the line.

4. Full mortgage application

   Once your offer is accepted, we handle the full application, liaise with the lender on the valuation, and chase any queries. You won't be fielding calls from the bank asking for documents you've already sent.

5. Through to getting your keys

   We stay involved until completion. If anything comes up, and sometimes things do, you have someone who answers the phone and knows your situation inside out.

Mistakes we help first-time buyers avoid.

• Borrowing the maximum amount offered

  Just because a lender will give you £300,000 doesn't mean you should take it. We stress-test your payments at higher rates so you know the mortgage will stay manageable if rates rise.

• Only looking at the headline rate

  Product fees, early repayment charges, flexibility, overpayment limits, they all affect the total cost. The lowest rate on paper is often not the cheapest deal over the full term.

• Leaving protection until later

  People buy their first home, then put off sorting life insurance. The right time to get it is before you need it, and ideally before you move in.

• Not checking your credit report before you apply

  Most first-time buyers have never looked at their credit file, and some discover errors or surprises only after a lender flags them. Check before we submit anything. Check My File combines information from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion in one report. Individual lenders may use one or more of these agencies alongside their own checks. Try it FREE for 7 days, then £16.99/month at the time of writing, cancel online any time.

First-time buyer FAQs.

• How much deposit do I really need?

  Technically 5% of the purchase price. Realistically, aim for 10% if you can, the jump in rates and lender choice at 90% LTV is significant. Our deposit guide goes into detail.

• What is an Agreement in Principle, and do I need one?

  It's a soft commitment from a lender showing they'd be willing to lend you a specific amount, subject to a full application. Estate agents and sellers will often expect to see one before considering your offer seriously. We arrange it as part of the process.

• What does it cost to use a mortgage broker?

  Ours is typically £600. Many brokers are "fee-free", be aware that means the lender pays them, which can quietly bias which lender they recommend. We charge so our advice stays focused on you, not the lender.

• How long does it actually take to buy a house?

  From offer accepted to keys, typically 8–12 weeks. The mortgage application itself is usually 2–4 weeks; the rest is conveyancing and chains. We push for the lender side; your solicitor pushes for the legal side.

• What happens if I get declined?

  It depends on why. Sometimes it's a simple fix (wrong lender for your situation). Sometimes it points to something that needs addressing first (credit file, recent job change). A broker's whole job is to apply to the right lender first time, and to know what to do if the answer comes back as no.

• Should I get my credit report before applying?

  Yes. Checking your credit information before applying can help you spot errors or unexpected entries while there is still time to address them. Checkmyfile is one paid option for viewing information from all three main credit reference agencies, though individual lenders may use different agencies and their own checks.

Discuss your first-home plans →

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.