Mortgages

First-Time Buyer Mortgages

Getting on the property ladder for the first time? We search 130+ lenders to find the right mortgage for your circumstances, budget, and goals.

Your First Home

Expert guidance for first-time buyers

Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. The mortgage market can be overwhelming, with hundreds of products, varying rates, and complex criteria. That is where we come in.

Doulton Bridging Finance searches 130+ lenders to find the mortgage that best fits your income, deposit, and circumstances. We guide you through every step, from your initial application to picking up the keys.

130+

Lenders Searched

Min Deposit

4.5x

Income Multiples

Free

Initial Advice

Government Support

Schemes to help you get on the ladder

Several government-backed schemes can reduce the deposit you need or make your first property more affordable. We can advise on which schemes you may be eligible for.

Shared Ownership

Buy a share of a property (usually 25-75%) and pay rent on the rest. This reduces the deposit you need and makes homeownership accessible at a lower price point. You can increase your share over time through a process called staircasing.

First Homes Scheme

A government scheme offering new-build homes to first-time buyers at a discount of 30-50% below market value. The discount is passed on to future buyers, keeping the property affordable in perpetuity. Local eligibility criteria apply.

Lifetime ISA

Save up to £4,000 per year and receive a 25% government bonus (up to £1,000 annually) towards your first home. Available to those aged 18-39. The property must cost £450,000 or less. A valuable way to boost your deposit.

Right to Buy

If you are a council or housing association tenant, you may be eligible to buy your home at a significant discount. Discounts vary by region and length of tenancy, but can be substantial, sometimes exceeding £100,000.

Affordability

What lenders look for

Income and Employment

Lenders typically offer 4 to 4.5 times your annual income. Stable employment history strengthens your application. Self-employed borrowers usually need at least two years of accounts.

Credit History

A clean credit history helps, but it is not the only factor. Some lenders are more flexible with limited credit history, which is common for younger first-time buyers.

Deposit Size

A larger deposit unlocks better rates. While 5% deposits are available, putting down 10-15% significantly improves your options and reduces your monthly payments.

Outgoings and Commitments

Lenders assess your monthly spending, existing debts, and financial commitments to determine how much you can comfortably afford to repay each month.

Property Type

Standard properties are straightforward to mortgage. Non-standard construction, ex-local authority flats, or properties above commercial premises may require specialist lenders.

Age and Term

Most lenders require the mortgage to be repaid before retirement. Younger buyers benefit from longer terms, which reduce monthly payments and improve affordability.

The Process

How it works

Decision in Principle

We search 130+ lenders to find the best deals for your circumstances and obtain a decision in principle. This confirms how much you can borrow and strengthens your position when making offers.

Find Your Property

With your budget confirmed, you can search for your home with confidence. Estate agents take offers more seriously when you have a decision in principle in place.

Full Application

Once your offer is accepted, we submit your full mortgage application. We handle the paperwork, liaise with the lender, and keep you updated at every stage.

Valuation and Legal Work

The lender instructs a valuation and your solicitor begins the conveyancing process. We coordinate all parties to keep things moving and resolve any issues quickly.

Completion

Once the lender is satisfied and legal work is complete, the mortgage funds are released and you pick up the keys to your new home.

Ready to find your first mortgage?

Speak to our team for free, no-obligation mortgage advice. We will search 130+ lenders to find the best deal for your circumstances.

Get a Quote Book a Call

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What types of UK mortgage can Doulton arrange?

Residential, buy-to-let, portfolio, limited-company BTL, HMO, commercial, semi-commercial, high-value, private bank, expat, interest-only, second-charge and specialist adverse-credit mortgages. We work across the whole of market.

How much can I borrow?

Residential borrowing is typically 4-5.5x income depending on the lender and profile. Buy-to-let lending is sized on rental income against stress-tested interest cover ratios. High-value lending and private bank cases are assessed holistically on wealth and serviceability.

What is the minimum deposit?

Residential mortgages typically need 5-15% deposit. Buy-to-let usually requires 20-25%. Specialist, high-value and expat ranges often require 25-40%. Larger deposits unlock better rates across every product.

Can I get a mortgage with complex income or adverse credit?

Yes. Self-employed, contractor, commission-based, bonus-reliant and multi-currency incomes all have specialist lender homes. Borrowers with recent defaults, CCJs, DMPs or historic bankruptcy can also be placed, with pricing reflecting the risk profile.

How long does a mortgage application take?

Straightforward residential applications reach offer in 2-4 weeks. Specialist, high-value and expat cases typically take 4-8 weeks. Conveyancing and exchange after that is driven by your solicitor's speed.

Related finance

Explore related pages

Other Doulton specialisms and lenders that commonly fit alongside this one. We always compare the full 130+ lender panel before recommending a deal.