MORTGAGES
First-time Homebuyer programs
- You'll experience an unrivalled customer service
- We offer a comprehensive range of products from across the market but not deals that you can only obtain by going direct to a lender.
- You can contact us 24/7, we're always available to help
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Advice and guidance for First-time homebuyer initiatives
First-time homebuyer programs is anyone planning to buy their first home to be used as their primary residence. In recent years it’s been difficult for First Time Buyers to get onto the property ladder, however, getting the right knowledge and preparing in advance of your application can be instrumental in obtaining a competitive mortgage offer.
Do I need an Agreement in Principle?
An agreement in principle, also known as a decision in principle, is a conditional mortgage offer from a lender, prior to your full application. This is by no means a requirement but can be beneficial to First Time Buyers.
Obtaining an agreement in principle prior to making a mortgage offer can increase the chance that your offer is given serious consideration by the vendor. First Time Buyers are in an incredibly strong buying position purely because they do not have to sell a property prior to buying and with confirmation via an Agreement in Principle this should ensure any offer made by a First Time Buyer stands out from the crowd.
The additional benefit as a First Time Buyer to obtaining an Agreement in Principle prior to finding a home and making an offer is peace of mind that the offer made can progress through to completion and avoid later disappointment of not being able to subsequently purchase the property you have fallen in love with.
How much can I borrow as a First Time Buyer?
The fact that you are a First Time Buyer shouldn’t determine how much you are offered by lenders. Your loan amount is calculated based upon your financial circumstances and credit score, much like any other applicant.
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Your mortgage offers are likely to vary from lender to lender, as they all have their own criteria. To get an idea in advance of how much you might be able to borrow, there is a range of free mortgage calculators available online, however the accuracy behind these calculators is based upon input placed within and we would strongly recommend liaising with one of our Mortgage Brokers to ensure delivery of accurate outcomes to avoid disappointment. A Mortgage Broker such as ourselves can also help you check your affordability with many lenders in the touch of a button, saving you time and effort, whilst also checking lending criteria requirements alongside.
How can improving my credit score help?
Alongside your income, your credit score has the most impact on whether or not your mortgage application will be accepted. Before approaching any lenders to apply for a mortgage, it’s essential to be aware of your credit rating, taking steps to improve it, where needed:
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How to improve your credit score
- Check that your current address appears on all accounts in your name
- Remain within 50% of your available credit for any existing credit agreements
- Ensure you’re on the electoral roll at the correct address
- Pay instalments on any credit agreements on time and in full, where possible
- Some will have a low score due to never having taken credit. A special credit builder credit card can be helpful to show yourself as a responsible borrower
How much deposit do I need?
What help is available for First Time Buyers?
The Help to Buy Equity Loan Scheme and NewBuy Scheme both give you the opportunity to borrow a loan from the government, tax-free. Both schemes only require a 5% deposit, with the help to buy scheme loaning you a further 20% of the property value and the new-buy scheme giving you access to a 95% mortgage at a lower interest rate.
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The shared ownership scheme is a particularly helpful option for those on a low income. It makes it possible for you to obtain a share of the property you want to buy, rather than the whole thing. Your mortgage only has to cover the portion that you buy, which means that both the deposit and monthly payments are much more affordable than when you buy 100% of the property. You will have to pay rent on the remaining share of the property, on top of your mortgage, however.
What fees are involved with buying a home?
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Arrangement Fees
Most mortgage lenders charge an administrative fee for the arrangement of the mortgage. This will vary from lender to lender. You may even find that some specialist lenders offer no arrangement fees for those in certain jobs.
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Valuation Fees
You will need to have your chosen property independently valued, again, these fees will vary depending on the lender chosen.
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Legal Fees
The mortgage application process requires the appointment of a solicitor, who will arrange conveyancing and local authority searches, usually payable directly to the solicitor.
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Stamp Duty
Under normal circumstances, Stamp duty is due on the purchase of all properties and is based upon the value of your home, amongst other things. First Time Buyers currently benefit from an exemption on Stamp Duty on purchases up to £300,000.
How can Mortgage Matchmakers help First Time Buyers?
Buying your first home can be intimidating.
From trying to establish which type of mortgage is best suited to you, through to finding a lender offering competitive mortgage rates to First Time Buyers. Qualified and experienced Mortgage Brokers can be comforting and reassuring throughout the process of making life-altering decisions.
Even the most confident buyer, however, can benefit hugely from Mortgage Brokers’ advice. We have a wide market view, which gives us access to mortgage deals that you won’t find on the high street. This means that we can not only find you the most suitable mortgage deals available but are able to divert your efforts towards those lenders most likely to accept your application.
Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Some Buy-To-Let Mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Happy Clients
Sharmila Rumpa2024-05-28Excellent and professional service, wanted to call out Bhavna Gover especially, she helped me to sort out a Ltd Company buy to let mortgage. She's very thorough in her work. Please ask for Bhavna if you need a mortgage in future, she will be happy to help for sure.
Kash Anis2024-05-23We approached Mortgage matchmakers regarding to get an options as we alreday tried few brokers before.Mohit introduced Bhavna which helped us out through out our journey.We felt it was difficult as our situation was bit tricky, but Bhavna worked out the best resoultion and sort this out. We have no words to say thank you, as it was amazing support from Bhavna and got the mortgage offer. Bhavna was fantastic,friendly and very passionate person, she is very professional Mortgage Advisor. Once again I would like to say Thanks so much for helping through out my journey to get mortgage for my new house.
Larushhh O2024-05-18It was a pleasure working with Paul over the last few months with my remortgage. He took away the stress of remortgaging with his professionalism and patience till the deal was finalised. I highly recommend him as a broker. Thanks for your support and help once again.
Aromes Bienmaison2024-05-15Paul was very helpful and provided a great guidance throughout the whole process
Shalaka2024-05-14We couldn't have asked for a better mortgage advisor! Mohit has been an absolute asset, always there when we had a question, and believe me, we had plenty! Being first-time buyers, his guidance was invaluable. What we appreciated most was his honesty and the fact that he never made us feel rushed into any decision. We're still in the process, but we already feel confident with his support. Totally recommend him to anyone in need of mortgage advice!
Dinesh Johnson2024-05-13Mohit was simply brilliant and helped us to understand all the options available in the market and choosing the best and importantly the right product for our need. Mohit is very efficient, he goes out of his way to help his clients and keep his client’s interest at top of his priorities. He was very professional and knowledgeable, would certainly don’t think twice to get his service in the future. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs advice and support in sorting their mortgages. Thank you soo much Mohit for your hard work and support in sorting our both residential and BTL mortgages! Tharaka & Dinesh
Bagya P2024-04-30If anyone looking for hassle-free mortgage process, then I would suggest to discuss with Mohit. Mohit explained the process more in detail, assessed the situation very well and gave perfect suggestions to get the process done. Also, he closely connected with Solicitor and made the whole process easy. Additionally, I would like to thank Bhavana for her exceptional work. She tried many options to get the better deal from different Vendors. She explained all my queries on time and appreciate her professionalism. Thanks a lot once again Mohit and Bhavana for all your support.
Oliver Harris2024-04-24Mohit was a great help with finding my first mortgage. He talked through all options clearly and found the best deal to suit my needs. I'd thoroughly recommend using his services.
Veronica Ihonor2024-03-03The team was very professional with spontaneous delivery in line with agreement. Well done guys
Ogechi Eke2024-01-14If you’re looking for a professional mortgage broker who actually goes above and beyond his role then look no further. Ankur Daru is your main man. He is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Even when the interest rate dropped for my lender, without prompting, he sent me an updated deed. There are so much more I could write but I’ll sum him up in a few words: Professional, knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you for securing the deal for me Ankur! I look forward to the next one! Ogechi