Understand your position
We review your goals, income, commitments, deposit or equity and timescale.
YOUR FIRST HOME
First-time buyer mortgages
Clear advice on deposits, affordability, lender criteria and your first application. Speak to an adviser who will assess your full circumstances, not just a headline number.
No obligation · Initial conversation does not affect your credit score
Written and reviewed by Smart Mortgages specialistsReviewed 21 August 2026 · FCA reference 912358
YOUR COMPLETE FIRST-HOME JOURNEY
Go to the First-time Buyer Hub →Everything a first-time buyer needs, in one place.
Follow the buying process step by step, check your budget, understand deposits, build a document list and find the right adviser.
How we help with first-time buyer mortgages
The right mortgage is about more than finding a rate. We assess affordability, income, deposit or equity, credit history, property and future plans before recommending an appropriate route.
Compare suitable options
We assess lender criteria, overall cost and suitability, not only the initial rate.
Manage the application
Your adviser and case manager keep the lender, valuation and legal process moving.
Your first-home plan
We can help you understand a realistic budget before you begin viewing, explain deposit options and prepare an Agreement in Principle when the time is right.
Affordability
Understand how lenders assess income, spending and existing commitments.
Deposit options
Explore personal savings, gifted deposits, Lifetime ISAs and eligible low-deposit routes.
Offers and valuations
Know what happens after an offer is accepted and how the lender values the property.
Keys in hand
Your adviser and case manager guide you from application through to completion.
First-time buyer FAQs
How much deposit will I need?
Some buyers may have options with a 5% deposit, while a larger deposit can widen the choice of products. Eligibility depends on the applicant, property and lender.
Should I get an Agreement in Principle before viewing?
It can help establish a budget and show agents that you have begun preparing, but it is not a mortgage offer or guarantee.
Can family help with my deposit?
Many lenders accept gifted deposits, subject to evidence about the source and confirmation that the gift is not repayable.
Specialist knowledge that can make the difference
Our team regularly works with first-time buyers, low deposits, gifted deposits and Co-Ownership. If a lender or another broker has already said no, that does not always mean there is no route forward. We can review your circumstances and whether a different lender or structure may be appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I borrow?
It depends on the property, income or rent, deposit or equity, experience, credit profile and lender policy. We provide a case-specific assessment.
Does an initial conversation affect my credit score?
No. An initial discussion with our team does not involve a lender credit search.
Can you help throughout the UK?
Yes. Our branches cover Northern Ireland and Scotland, and we advise clients across the UK.