First Time Buyer

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Purchasing your first home signifies more than just acquiring a property

it marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life.

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. That’s why getting expert advice from the very beginning is so important. With so many lenders in the market, going directly to one bank limits you to only their products and rates.

We work with a wide range of lenders, allowing us to compare multiple options and recommend the most suitable mortgage based on your financial situation.

A failed mortgage application can negatively affect your credit score. We’ve helped many clients in similar situations successfully secure mortgages for their dream homes. By working closely with multiple lenders, we guide your application in the right direction and improve your chances of approval.

The amount you can borrow depends on several factors, including your income, monthly expenses, whether you’re applying alone or jointly, and your credit history. Lenders also consider your existing debts—such as loans or credit cards—to calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally, a lower DTI increases your chances of borrowing more.

You can use our online mortgage calculator for an estimate, but keep in mind that borrowing limits can vary between lenders.

Your deposit size plays a key role in determining which mortgage deals are available to you. This is measured using Loan to Value (LTV). In most cases, a larger deposit gives you access to better interest rates.

The minimum deposit is usually 5% (95% LTV), though options may be limited at this level. A 10% deposit opens up more choices and better deals from a wider range of lenders.

While a larger deposit reduces the interest you pay over time, there are also government schemes available that may allow you to buy with just a 5% deposit, depending on your eligibility. Get in touch with us to explore the best option for your situation.

When budgeting for your new home, it’s important to factor in extra expenses such as conveyancing, solicitor fees, stamp duty, and any furnishing or renovation costs the property may require.

Stamp duty rules can change frequently, but the amount you pay typically depends on the property’s price band. Current rates (as of 24 March 2026) are applied based on these thresholds.

Stamp Duty Rates for a Single Property

If the property you are purchasing will be your only residential property, the following stamp duty rates will apply. However, if you already own another residential property, an additional 3% surcharge is usually added to these rates.

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) Rates:

  • Up to £250,000 → 0%
  • £250,001 to £925,000 → 5%
  • £925,001 to £1.5 million → 10%
  • Above £1.5 million → 12%

Example Calculation

Let’s say you purchase a property for £295,000 in October 2022. Your stamp duty would be calculated as follows:

  • 0% on the first £250,000 = £0
  • 5% on the remaining £45,000 = £2,250

Total Stamp Duty payable: £2,250

If you're still trying to grasp the process, this is the journey we will embark on together.

First-Time Buyer Glossary

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, especially with so many unfamiliar terms and industry jargon. To make things easier, we’ve put together a simple guide covering the most commonly used words and phrases you’re likely to come across during the process.

Your Moving House Checklist

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone—whether it’s a new property, a new neighborhood, or even a completely new city. It marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in your life.

However, moving can also be challenging. Being well-prepared and having everything organised in advance can make the entire experience much smoother and far less stressful.

What client says about us

admin@a2zfinanceprotection.co.uk

Phone

Office Landline: 020 3959 9258
Office Mobile: 07947 487 282

Address

32 - 33 Upper Street, London N1 0PN

Talk to a Qualified Mortgage Adviser

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