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First Time Buyer Mortgages

Taking your first step onto the property ladder? Our expert advisers will guide you through the entire process, from deposit to completion.

Find Your Mortgage Options

Find Your Mortgage Options

Find Your Mortgage Options

Find Your Mortgage Options

Find Your Mortgage Options

Find Your Mortgage Options

Find Your Mortgage Options

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Your First Home Journey

Buying your first home can seem daunting, but we're here to guide you through each step of the process.

  • Save for a Deposit

    Most lenders require at least 5-10% of the property value as a deposit. Government schemes like Help to Buy and Lifetime ISAs can help boost your savings.

  • Get Mortgage Ready

    Check your credit score, gather necessary documents, and understand your budget. We'll help you prepare for the mortgage application process.

  • Find Your Dream Home

    With a mortgage in principle, you can start viewing properties within your budget and make offers with confidence.

  • Complete the Purchase

    Once your offer is accepted, we'll guide you through the legal process, surveys, and final mortgage application to completion.

  • Move In

    Congratulations! You've completed your purchase and can now move into your first home. We'll still be here for any future mortgage needs.

Your First Home Journey

Buying your first home can seem daunting, but we're here to guide you through each step of the process.

Save for a Deposit

Most lenders require at least 5-10% of the property value as a deposit. Government schemes like Help to Buy and Lifetime ISAs can help boost your savings.

Save for a Deposit

Most lenders require at least 5-10% of the property value as a deposit. Government schemes like Help to Buy and Lifetime ISAs can help boost your savings.

Get Mortgage Ready

Check your credit score, gather necessary documents, and understand your budget. We'll help you prepare for the mortgage application process.

Get Mortgage Ready

Check your credit score, gather necessary documents, and understand your budget. We'll help you prepare for the mortgage application process.

Get a Mortgage in Principle & Find Your Dream Home

With a mortgage in principle, you can start viewing properties within your budget and make offers with confidence.

Find Your Dream Home

With a mortgage in principle, you can start viewing properties within your budget and make offers with confidence.

Complete the Purchase

Once your offer is accepted, we will research to find the best deal and submit your application to the lender. We will liaise with your solicitor to help you in the mortgage process.

Complete the Purchase

Once your offer is accepted, we'll guide you through the legal process, surveys, and final mortgage application to completion.

Move In

Congratulations! You've completed your purchase and can now move into your first home. We'll still be here for any future mortgage needs.

Move In

Congratulations! You've completed your purchase and can now move into your first home. We'll still be here for any future mortgage needs.

What Schemes Are Available For A First Time Buyer?

There are several government-backed schemes designed to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder.

Lifetime ISA

If you're aged between 18 and 40, the government could add a 25% boost to your savings (up to a maximum boost of £1,000 per year) until you're 50.

However there are very small number of building societies and banks that offer this.

Right to Buy

This scheme gives tenants who rent from a council or local housing association the chance to buy the home they live in.

Significant discounts may be available based on how long you've been a tenant.

Starter Home Scheme

Available to people under 40 years old, this scheme aims to offer first-time buyers one of around 200,000 new homes priced 20% less than their market value.

These homes are built on brownfield sites specifically for first-time buyers.

Shared Ownership

Allows you to co-own a property with a landlord (typically a council or housing association).

You can buy between 25% and 75% of the property and pay rent on the remainder.

How Much Can I Borrow?

Lenders determine your borrowing capacity using income multiples, typically offering around 4-4.5 times your annual income (or joint income for couples). Beyond this initial calculation, they'll conduct a detailed affordability assessment reviewing:

  • Credit history
  • Employment and income stability
  • Regular expenditure and existing debts
  • Deposit size

How Much Deposit Do I Need?

A deposit serves two crucial purposes: demonstrating your financial discipline and reducing the lender's risk. Larger deposits typically secure more favourable interest rates.

Minimum requirements:

  • 5% deposit:Available with some lenders, but expect higher interest rates
  • 10% deposit:Unlocks more competitive deals
  • 15-25% deposit:Significantly improves available rates and product options

For the most advantageous mortgage terms, aim to save at least 10-15% of the property value.

How Can Friends Capital Help with First Time Buyer Mortgages?

Friends Capital have existing relationships with first time buyer mortgage lenders. We can search the entire market and get access to the best and most exclusive deals available. Then we will choose the deal that is most appropriate to your personal circumstance. We can:

Our experienced mortgage advisers understand the challenges first-time buyers face and are dedicated to making your journey onto the property ladder as smooth as possible. We'll be with you every step of the way.

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to common questions about buying your first home and securing a mortgage.
How much deposit do I need as a first-time buyer?
Most lenders require a minimum deposit of 5-10% of the property value. However, a larger deposit (e.g., 15-20%) will typically give you access to better interest rates. Government schemes like the Lifetime ISA can help you save for your deposit.
What costs should I budget for beyond the deposit?
You should budget for solicitor fees (£1,000-£1,500), survey costs (£400-£1,500 depending on type), mortgage arrangement fees (£0-£2,000), stamp duty (though first-time buyers have relief up to £300,000), removal costs, and initial furnishings.
How long does the mortgage application process take?
The entire process from application to completion typically takes 2-3 months. Getting a mortgage in principle can be done in 24-48 hours, while the full application and underwriting process usually takes 2-4 weeks. The remaining time is for legal work and property surveys.
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?
Yes, it's possible to get a mortgage with bad credit, though your options may be more limited and interest rates higher. We specialise in helping clients with less-than-perfect credit histories find suitable mortgage solutions. The key is being upfront about your circumstances so we can approach the right lenders.
What government schemes are available to help first-time buyers?
Several schemes are available, including the Lifetime ISA (25% government bonus on savings up to £4,000 per year), Help to Buy Equity Loans (government loans of up to 20%, or 40% in London), Shared Ownership (buy a share of a property and pay rent on the rest), and First Homes (discounted new-build properties for local first-time buyers).
Do I need a mortgage adviser as a first-time buyer?
While not mandatory, a mortgage adviser is highly recommended for first-time buyers. We can access the whole market to find deals not available directly to consumers, explain complex terms, handle paperwork, and guide you through the entire process, often saving you money in the long run despite our fee.

Ready to Take Your First Step on the Property Ladder?

Our expert advisers are ready to guide you through the entire process, from saving for a deposit to getting the keys to your first home.

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