First Time Buyer Mortgages

Making buying your first home easy!

5.0* on Trustpilot, from
3,000+ customers

No broker fees
for new clients

Whole-of-market,
independent advice

Mortgage & service
guarantee

Getting a mortgage as a first time buyer

Buying your first home is an incredibly exciting time, but it can sometimes seem like a bit of a daunting prospect. As the largest purchase you are likely to make, it’s important that you fully understand the process and costs involved, and get a first time buyer’s mortgage that fits your circumstances. That’s why we offer independent, whole-of-market advice with no broker fees, backed by thousands of happy customers, so you get expert support without paying to access it.

A mortgage for first time buyers isn’t impossible. Check out the different types of mortgage schemes and mortgage offers for first time buyers below. If you would like to quickly understand how much you could borrow, use our calculator.

How it works

01

02

03

Get mortgage ready


Get in touch with our friendly team of advisors and provide them with all the information they need via a free consultation. They will then start looking for the best deal.

Apply for a Mortgage in Principle

You’ll get an official estimate of the amount you can borrow, strengthening your offer and giving you peace of mind during negotiations.

Compare mortgage deals

We’ll present the best options for you and your finances. Consider interest rates, fixed vs variable and repayment terms.

04

05

Submit a formal application

You’ll provide income proof, bank statements and identification. We’ll ensure all documents are compiled and submitted.

Wait for your mortgage offer

Once we’ve chosen the best deal for you, our advisors will be with you every step of the way until you’ve successfully completed on your first home!

01

Get mortgage ready

Get in touch with our friendly team of advisors and provide them with all the information they need via a free consultation. They will then start looking for the best deal.

02

Apply for a Mortgage in Principle

You’ll get an official estimate of the amount you can borrow, strengthening your offer and giving you peace of mind during negotiations.

03

Compare mortgage deals

We’ll present the best options for you and your finances. Consider interest rates, fixed vs variable and repayment terms.

04

Wait for your mortgage offer

Once you’ve chosen the best remortgage deal for you, our advisors will be with you through each step of the way, until you’ve successfully remortgaged your home!

05

Wait for your mortgage offer

Once we’ve chosen the best deal for you, our advisors will be with you every step of the way until you’ve successfully completed on your first home!

Our simple and fee-free process for first time buyers

Get mortgage ready

We’ll help you assess your income and expenses, review your credit score and work out your deposit via a free consultation.

Apply for a Mortgage in Principle

You’ll get an official estimate of the amount you can borrow, strengthening your offer and giving you peace of mind during negotiations.

Compare mortgage deals

We’ll present the best options for you and your finances. Consider interest rates, fixed vs variable and repayment terms.

Submit a formal application

You’ll provide income proof, bank statements and identification. We’ll ensure all documents are compiled and submitted.

Wait for your mortgage offer

Once we’ve chosen the best deal for you, our advisors will be with you every step of the way until you’ve successfully completed on your first home!

Resources for first time buyers

Whether you want to find out how much you can borrow, or learn more about the first time buyer process, we’ve got resources that support you on your journey.

Borrowing calculator

New to the process?

We’ve helped thousands of first time buyers in the UK get on the housing ladder.

There are so many different options when it comes to mortgages for first time buyers, which is why it is always advisable to seek independent mortgage advice as early as possible in the process – that’s where we come in.

At Key Solutions we’ve helped secure thousands of great mortgage deals for first time buyers and take their first steps onto the property ladder. We will be with you every step of the way – from your free initial enquiry all the way through to the day you get your keys. Getting a mortgage for a first time buyer and knowing we have helped you buy your dream home is everything to us!

Blue Barclays logo
HSBC logo
Nationwide logo
Natwest logo
Royal bank of Scotland navy blue logo
TSB blue logo
Virgin money red logo

Our first time buyer services

Help to buy schemes

Can’t afford more than 5% deposit? Discover help to buy schemes for new build properties.

Mortgages for young professionals

We work with a number of specialists to ensure you secure funding to buy your first home.

Guarantor & parental help mortgages

If your family is able to help you, we can find a suitable mortgage product.

Discount off market value

Certain circumstances allow you to access a discount scheme on new build properties.

Self-employed & contractor mortgages

We can help you find the right lender willing to provide the finances needed to purchase a home.

Adverse credit mortgages

Missing or late payments? We have access to a variety of specialist lenders who can help.

Flexible & offset mortgages

If you want some flexibility, our expert advisors can make recommendations for your circumstances.

Something else?

We work with you to find a mortgage that fits your situation. We guarantee you’ll be happy, or you get your money back!

Trusted by thousands of customers​

Helping you secure your first home

Can You Get A Mortgage With Bad Credit?

What documents do you need for a mortgage application?

Can You Get A Mortgage With No Deposit?

All the different mortgages explained

Complete Guide to Stamp Duty

Debunking mortgage myths

Your First Home Scheme: Could a 2.5% Deposit Help You Buy?

Understand the government's new scheme.

Any amount of savings towards a deposit is something you should be proud of. If you’re finding it difficult to save more than 5% for a deposit, there are mortgage options and schemes that may be able to help. The government’s proposed Your First Home scheme could allow eligible first-time buyers to buy a new-build home with a deposit as low as 2.5%. Find out how the Your First Home scheme could work and what we know so far.

Not sure where to start? Check out our helpful guides and resources.

FAQs about first time buyers

To qualify as a first-time home buyer, you generally need to meet the following criteria:

  1. Haven’t previously owned a property: This includes owning a home alone or jointly with someone else.
  2. Plan to occupy the property as your main residence: This means you intend to live in the property yourself, not rent it out.
  3. Meet the lender’s specific requirements: These may vary but often involve having a good credit score, sufficient income, and a minimum deposit amount.

The definition of a first-time buyer can vary slightly depending on the specific context, but generally refers to someone who has never owned a residential property before, either solely or jointly. This includes individuals, couples, or even some types of trusts.

Completion day is when the legal ownership of the property transfers from the seller to you. This typically involves signing final paperwork, exchanging keys, and paying the remaining balance of the purchase price. Your conveyancer will guide you through the process and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Buying your first home involves several steps:

  1. Get mortgage ready: Assess your finances, improve your credit score, and save for a deposit.
  2. Find your dream home: Explore the market and shortlist properties that meet your needs and budget.
  3. Make an offer: Negotiate a competitive offer with the seller.
  4. Apply for a mortgage pre-approval: Get an estimate of your borrowing power.
  5. Choose your mortgage: Select the best mortgage option based on your needs and financial situation.
  6. Submit a formal mortgage application: Provide necessary documents to the lender.
  7. Valuation and survey: The lender will arrange a valuation and you may choose to get a property survey.
  8. Wait for your mortgage offer: Receive and accept the formal mortgage offer outlining the loan details.
  9. Completion day: Finalise the purchase and become the legal owner of the property.

Generally, anyone who has never owned a residential property before, either solely or jointly, qualifies as a first-time buyer. This includes individuals, couples, or even some types of trusts. However, specific requirements may vary depending on government schemes or individual lenders.

The “best” mortgage depends on your individual circumstances and financial goals. Consider factors like interest rates, fixed vs. variable rates, repayment terms, and any government incentives available for first-time buyers. We recommend consulting a mortgage broker to discuss your options and find the best fit for you.

The minimum deposit required varies depending on the lender and your chosen mortgage product. While some lenders offer mortgages with a 5% deposit, aiming for a larger deposit (10% or more) can unlock better interest rates and save you money in the long run.

Anyone who has never owned a residential property before, either solely or jointly, is generally considered a first-time buyer. This includes individuals, couples, or even some types of trusts. However, specific requirements may vary depending on the context.