4.97 out of 5 based on 2,400+ reviews

First-Time Buyer Mortgage Advice ​

Buying your first home is a huge milestone, and getting your mortgage right from the start helps you step onto the property ladder with confidence.

Rated 4.97 out of 5 from 2,400+ reviews

Happy first-time buyer couple holding the keys to their new home among moving boxes

Key Takeaways:

Specialist first-time buyer mortgage advice can help you set a realistic budget, understand affordability and credit requirements, choose the the most comfortable deposit and Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio, and account for the full cost of buying a home. Securing a Decision in Principle (DIP) can strengthen your position when making an offer, while choosing your mortgage product — often a fixed-rate deal — should reflect your long-term plans and attitude to risk. Checking your eligibility for government schemes and preparing key documents early can also make the process smoother, faster, and more secure.

Mortgage Advice Designed Around You

Buying your first home can feel exciting, but also overwhelming — especially when trying to understand mortgages, deposits, affordability, and where to begin. For over 26 years, Private Finance has been helping clients across the UK secure suitable mortgages with clear, straightforward advice.

With whole-of-market access to over 300 lenders — including high street banks, specialist lenders, and private banks — we can search a wide range of mortgage options to help find the right solution for you. Every lender has different criteria, rates, and areas they specialise in, and our experienced team understands which lenders are suited to different types of buyers and circumstances.

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

Why First-Time Buyers Use a Mortgage Broker

Compare Options Across
The Whole Market

We work with over 300 lenders — including private banks and specialist providers — giving you access to mortgage deals and rates that may not be available directly to the public or through comparison websites.

Guidance Through The
Entire Process

Our consultants handle every aspect of your mortgage from enquiry to completion. We’ll always be on hand if you ever have any queries about mortgages – and we’ll be there to help when your current deal expires.

A Mortgage Suited To Your Circumstances

We understand that every client’s circumstances are unique. That's why we take the time to understand your situation and compare a wide range of options to help find the right mortgage for your needs and long-term goals.

Reduced
Stress and Confusion

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with lenders, paperwork, affordability checks, and legal processes. We handle much of the work on your behalf — helping to make the process feel far more manageable.

How Much Can I Borrow?

The amount you can borrow will depend on factors such as your income, monthly commitments, credit history, deposit size, and overall affordability. 

While many lenders use income multiples as a guide, each lender assesses applications differently. Our mortgage calculators can give you an initial estimate, and our brokers can help you understand what may realistically be available based on your individual circumstances.

Get a Decision In Principle

A Decision in Principle (DIP) gives you an indication of how much you may be able to borrow before you start viewing properties. It can strengthen your position when making an offer, show estate agents and sellers that you’re a serious buyer, and help you search with greater confidence and clarity around your budget.

Calculate My Mortgage Repayments

Work out how much your monthly mortgage payments could be with our easy-to-use repayment calculator.

Our mortgage repayment calculator can help you estimate your monthly payments based on the property value, deposit amount, mortgage term, and interest rate.

Speak to a
First-Time Buyer Specialist

Not sure where to start? Speak with one of our mortgage brokers for a free initial chat. Ask the questions you want answered, understand your options, and get clear guidance with no pressure to continue speaking with us after.

We offer a free initial call, which usually takes around 20 minutes. It’s an opportunity for us to understand your circumstances, discuss what you’re looking to achieve, and see how we may be able to help.

Our Proven Process

Frequently Asked Questions

Typically 5–10% of the property value, though higher deposits (10–15%) give access to better rates and products.
Yes — including Help to Buy, shared ownership, and stamp duty relief. Eligibility depends on income, property type, and location.
Assess your budget, consider all costs, and factor in future changes. We create a mortgage plan tailored to your financial comfort zone.
Timelines vary by lender and complexity, but you’ll typically go from DIP → full application → valuation → mortgage offer → legal work → completion. Delays are often caused by missing documents, valuation issues, or conveyancing hold-ups.
Options can include Shared Ownership, Lifetime ISA, and other affordable home ownership routes, with eligibility rules that vary by scheme and location. Your advisor can confirm what applies to your situation and build it into your plan.
An initial lender assessment showing how much you could borrow. It’s not final approval but helps when making offers.
Absolutely, though documentation requirements are stricter. We help prepare accounts, tax returns, and proof of income to maximise approval chances.
Most lenders base borrowing on income, committed outgoings, credit history, and affordability stress tests. A mortgage broker can assess your full profile (including bonuses or self-employed income) to estimate borrowing more accurately than quick online tools.
It depends on the lender. Some DIPs use a soft search (doesn’t leave a visible footprint to other lenders), while others may use a hard search. A DIP is not a mortgage offer, but it can strengthen your position when making an offer.
Often yes—many lenders accept gifted deposits, but you’ll typically need a formal gifted deposit letter and evidence of the donor’s funds. Your solicitor and lender will usually require checks for source of funds.

Trusted by over 2,400 happy clients

Bespoke Mortgage Requirements?

Whatever your situation, our premier mortgage team can advise on suitable solutions. We specialise in complex and bespoke mortgage solutions to help you find competitive terms.

Comparing over 300 lenders
Free initial consultation with no obligation to proceed
25+ years of industry experience and relationships