Mortgages
First-time buyer mortgages
With so much to weigh up, the first step is the hard one. We walk you through the whole process, from working out what you can afford to collecting the keys.
To count as a first-time buyer for a UK mortgage, none of the applicants can have owned a home anywhere in the world before, even one that was bought for them or left to them in a will. If that is you, you qualify for lender products and stamp duty relief designed for first purchases.
We look at your income, your deposit and your outgoings, explain what lenders will and will not accept, and compare the market to find a deal that suits how you want to live. You get clear recommendations and one person to call throughout.
How it works
First-time buyer, step by step
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A conversation
A call of around thirty minutes about your income, deposit, plans and timescale. No forms yet and no credit search.
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A decision in principle
We approach a lender for an agreement in principle so you can make offers knowing roughly what you can borrow.
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The application
Once you have an offer accepted we prepare and submit the full application and chase the lender for you.
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Offer and completion
We keep you and your solicitor updated until the mortgage offer arrives and the keys are yours.
Good to know
First-time buyer questions
How much deposit do I need as a first-time buyer?
Most lenders ask for at least five per cent of the purchase price, and a ten per cent deposit opens up more products and better rates. The bigger the deposit, the lower the loan to value and usually the lower the rate.
What is an agreement in principle?
A statement from a lender, based on a soft check of your details, of roughly how much they would lend you. It is not a formal offer, but it shows sellers you are serious and it costs nothing.
Do I pay stamp duty as a first-time buyer?
In England and Northern Ireland first-time buyers pay nothing on the first £300,000 of a home costing up to £500,000. Our calculator shows the figure for your price. Wales and Scotland have their own taxes.
How much does WeSure charge?
Our broker fee starts from £495 and depends on your circumstances. We tell you the exact figure before you commit to anything, and lenders may also pay us a procuration fee, which we disclose.
Does asking for a quote affect my credit score?
No. Talking to us and getting an idea of what you could borrow involves no credit search. A lender only runs a search when you decide to apply, and we tell you before that happens.
Do you cover the whole of the UK?
We are based in London and advise clients across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland by phone and video. Most of the process happens online, so where you live rarely matters.
Ready to talk about first-time buyer?
Tell us a little about what you need and we will come back within one working day. No obligation, and nothing is applied for until you say so.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Our mortgage broker fee starts from £495. The exact fee depends on your circumstances and is agreed with you before you commit to anything.