First Time Buyer Mortgage Broker

A strong credit score helps, but it is not always essential. Some lenders specialise in working with buyers who have limited or imperfect credit histories. We offer adverse credit mortgage advice for buyers who have had missed payments, defaults, CCJs, or other credit issues. We will assess your credit position early and tell you exactly where you stand. Read our guide to credit scores and mortgages.

Yes. Many of our clients deal with us entirely by phone or video call. There's no need to visit us in person, though you're always welcome at our Chorley office for a face-to-face chat.

Yes. Lenders will typically want to see at least two years of accounts or tax returns, though some will accept just one year. We offer specialist self-employed mortgage advice for sole traders, limited company directors, contractors, and professionals such as doctors, dentists and solicitors. As whole-of-market brokers, we have access to lenders who are flexible when it comes to self-employed income.

A mortgage in principle (also called an agreement in principle or AIP) is a written estimate from a lender of how much they would be prepared to lend you. It is not a guarantee, but most estate agents will want to see one before accepting an offer. Read our full guide to mortgages in principle.

From submitting a full application, a mortgage offer typically takes 2–6 weeks depending on the lender and the complexity of your case. The overall buying process from offer accepted to completion usually takes 8–12 weeks, though this varies.

Yes. Joint mortgages are common among first time buyers, whether with a partner, family member, or friend. All applicants' incomes and credit histories will be assessed. If a family member wants to help boost your borrowing without going on the property deeds, it may also be worth looking at a joint borrower sole proprietor mortgage.

Beyond your deposit, you'll typically need to budget for: solicitor and conveyancing fees (£1,200 to £2,000), a survey (£400 to £1,500 depending on type), mortgage arrangement fees (varies by product), and life and buildings insurance. Some first time buyers will be liable for Stamp Duty Land Tax (the temporary FTB relief threshold reverted to £300k from April 2025), so buyers purchasing above that figure need to budget for it. We'll give you a full picture of the costs upfront — no surprises.

A previous decline doesn't mean you can't get a mortgage. It often just means you applied to the wrong lender. We specialise in adverse credit mortgage advice and can review what happened, identify where the issue lies, and find a lender whose criteria fits your circumstances. Get in touch to talk it through.

The amount you can borrow depends on your income, outgoings, deposit, and the lender's affordability criteria. As a general guide, most lenders will consider lending between 4 and 5 times your household income, though some go higher in certain circumstances. The best way to get a reliable figure is to speak with us. We'll assess your situation quickly and give you a number you can rely on before you start viewing properties. Knowing your budget early also puts you in a stronger position when you make an offer.

Most first time buyers need a minimum deposit of 5% of the property's purchase price. A larger deposit (10% or more) typically unlocks better interest rates and a wider choice of lenders. If you're not quite at your deposit target yet, we can still help. We'll tell you exactly what you need, flag any schemes that could help, and give you a clear plan. Our first-time buyer checklist covers the full process from saving for a deposit to getting your keys.

Getting a mortgage is the first step — but it's worth thinking about what happens if things go wrong. If you were unable to work due to illness, or if you passed away, could your mortgage still be paid? We can advise on life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection. Find out more on our insurance page.

As well as first time buyer mortgages, we advise on remortgages, buy-to-let mortgages, home mover mortgages, and product transfers. We also have specialist advisers for self-employed applicants, contractors, and professionals. See our full range of mortgage services.