First Time Buyer Mortgages
First time buyer mortgages from 5% deposit - including government scheme products, 95% LTV, gifted deposits, and new build - with whole-of-market comparison across 130+ specialist lenders.
More options than you think
The 5% deposit mortgage market has expanded significantly in recent years. Government-backed schemes, specialist high-LTV lenders, and brokers with access to products not available direct all mean that first time buyers have more routes to home ownership than ever. The challenge is not the absence of products - it is knowing which lender fits your income, deposit source, and property type without burning hard credit searches on applications unlikely to succeed.
Every first time buyer situation handled
5% Deposit Mortgages
95% LTV residential mortgages available from multiple lenders under the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme on properties up to £600,000. We compare all available 95% products to find the most competitive rate for your property and income profile.
Gifted Deposit Accepted
Gifted deposits from immediate family members accepted by most specialist and mainstream lenders. The giftor signs a letter confirming no repayment is expected. We identify lenders most comfortable with your specific gift arrangement.
Government Schemes
Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, Shared Ownership, and First Homes scheme all require lenders with specific scheme experience. We work with lenders approved for each scheme and advise which is most appropriate for your income and property target.
New Build Properties
New build mortgages require lenders with extended offer validity - typically 9 to 12 months to cover the build period. We work with developers' preferred lenders and independently source the best available new build rate.
Complex Income First Time Buyers
Self-employed, fixed-term contract, or recently employed? Specialist lenders assess your real income rather than declining based on contract type alone. We match your income structure to the right lender criteria.
No Unnecessary Credit Searches
We assess your profile against lender criteria before submitting any application - identifying the lenders most likely to approve your case at the best available rate, without generating hard credit searches from applications that should not have been made.
How it works
Tell us your situation
Share your deposit amount, income, and property target. We provide an initial indication of the mortgage available and which lenders are most likely to accept your specific application.
Lender matching
We assess your profile against the criteria of 130+ lenders - including deposit source, income type, property type, and scheme eligibility - before approaching any lender.
Application and full process management
We manage the application, coordinate the valuation, and liaise with your solicitor. First time buyers benefit from a broker who manages all parties - the process has more moving parts than it appears.
Mortgage offer and completion
Typical timeline: 2 to 4 weeks from full application to mortgage offer. Completion after that depends on conveyancing speed and the property chain.
Ready to get your first mortgage?
Tell us your deposit, income, and property target. We compare 130+ lenders and come back with the most competitive deal for your circumstances - same working day.
Frequently asked questions
How much deposit do I need as a first time buyer?
As little as 5% from specialist lenders and under the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme for properties up to £600,000. A 10% deposit opens a wider range of products at materially better rates. Maximising deposit within your savings capacity produces the best long-term mortgage outcome.
Can a gifted deposit be used for a first time buyer mortgage?
Yes. Most lenders accept gifted deposits from immediate family members. The giftor must sign a letter confirming no repayment is expected. Some lenders also require bank statements showing the donor has the funds. We identify which lenders are most straightforward with your specific gift arrangement.
Can I get a mortgage as a first time buyer if I am self-employed?
Yes. Self-employed first time buyers need lenders who assess SA302 income correctly rather than relying on payslips. Specialist lenders with flexible self-employed criteria are available - the key is matching to the right lender for your specific income structure.
How long does a first time buyer mortgage take?
2 to 4 weeks from full application to mortgage offer for straightforward cases. New build purchases need to factor in build completion timelines - often 6 to 12 months for off-plan properties - which require lenders with extended offer validity.
Does using a broker cost more than going direct to a lender?
No - and in most cases less. Broker-exclusive rates are often below the same lender's direct rates. Our advice fee is disclosed upfront. The difference between a broker-sourced rate and the best direct rate typically saves more over the mortgage term than any advice fee costs.