Your first mortgage, explained from the start.
From "how much could we borrow?" to picking up the keys — one adviser, the whole market, and no question too small.
A lot of firsts, one steady guide.
Buying your first home is exciting — and full of things nobody has explained to you yet. Our job is to make the mortgage side smooth, clear and honest from the first conversation.
The process runs from deposit to keys: work out what you can borrow, get an Agreement in Principle, find the property, apply, and see the application through valuation and underwriting to a formal offer. We guide you through every one of those steps, in plain English, and deal with the lender for you.
Because we're independent, we search the whole market rather than one bank's shelf — including deals designed specifically for first-time buyers. If your deposit is on the smaller side, or family are gifting part of it, we'll find the lenders whose criteria genuinely fit.
And if your situation is a little out of the ordinary — self-employed, a complex income, or you're a foreign national — that's familiar ground for us too. Explore specialist mortgages
Your first conversation is free, and there's no obligation. See how it works
Fixed or variable? Here's the honest version.
Most first-time buyers face this choice early on. Neither is automatically right — it depends on your budget and how much certainty you want.
| Fixed rate | Variable rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Your monthly payment | Stays the same for the length of the deal | Can move up or down while you hold it |
| If rates fall | You keep paying the rate you fixed | Your payments may fall too |
| If rates rise | You're protected until the deal ends | Your payments may rise, so you need headroom |
| Usually suits | Buyers who want certainty for their first budget | Buyers with room to absorb changes, who'd rather stay flexible |
How it goes from here.
A free first chat
We get to know you, your income and savings, and what you're hoping to buy — then tell you honestly what looks possible.
We search the whole market
We compare lenders across the market, including first-time buyer deals, and sort out your Agreement in Principle.
A clear recommendation
One plain-English recommendation, and the reasons behind it. Say yes, and we handle the application through to your keys.
The things first-time buyers ask us.
How much deposit do I need to buy my first home?
A bigger deposit generally unlocks better rates, but you may need less than you think. We regularly help buyers with smaller deposits, and with deposits gifted by family. We'll show you exactly what your savings put within reach.
Can my family help with my deposit?
Yes — many lenders accept gifted deposits from family. There's a little paperwork to confirm the money is a gift rather than a loan, and we'll handle that with you. It's one of the most common ways first-time buyers get moving.
Why use a mortgage adviser instead of going straight to my bank?
Your bank can only offer you its own products. We're independent and search the whole market — including deals aimed specifically at first-time buyers — then find and arrange the mortgage for you. More choice, less legwork, and someone on your side throughout.
What is an Agreement in Principle, and do I need one?
It's a lender's indication of how much you could borrow, and it shows sellers and estate agents that you're a serious buyer. We can usually arrange one within 24 hours, depending on the lender and your circumstances. It's a sensible first step before you start viewing.
What documents will I need?
Generally proof of income, recent bank statements, photo ID and details of any debts or other financial commitments. We'll give you a simple checklist at the start so nothing holds the application up.
What do you charge?
There are no upfront fees, and your first conversation is free. We explain our charges before any work begins, and any fee is typically only payable once your mortgage offer is issued.
My income is complicated — can you still help?
Yes. Lenders just assess income differently, and we know which ones look most favourably on which situations. We actively help self-employed buyers, people with complex incomes and foreign nationals — see our specialist mortgages pages.
Big step. Easy first chat.
Tell us roughly where you're up to and we'll come back to you within one working day. No hard sell, no obligation, no jargon.