Deposit and loan-to-value
The deposit affects the percentage you need to borrow. A larger deposit can open different product ranges, but the funds and their source must be acceptable.
Buying your first home
Understand your budget, deposit and lender options before making an offer. We guide first-time buyers from an initial affordability review through to mortgage offer.
From deposit to keys
A first-time buyer mortgage is assessed using your income, deposit, regular commitments, credit history, mortgage term and the property you plan to buy. The advertised rate is only one part of the decision; fees, incentives, monthly affordability and lender criteria also matter.
Getting advice early can help you understand how much deposit you may need, what documents to prepare and whether an agreement in principle is sensible before you begin viewing properties.
The deposit affects the percentage you need to borrow. A larger deposit can open different product ranges, but the funds and their source must be acceptable.
An initial lender assessment can indicate possible borrowing and help demonstrate that you are prepared, although it is not a mortgage offer.
Loans, credit cards, car finance, childcare and other regular costs can affect affordability even when payments are maintained.
Budget for legal work, surveys, searches, mortgage fees, insurance and any property tax due, rather than using every available pound as the deposit.
Make an informed comparison
The right mortgage should be affordable now and remain suitable if rates, income or household costs change.
Keeping some savings back for legal costs, furnishings and emergencies may be more sensible than using the maximum possible deposit.
A fixed rate gives payment certainty for an agreed period. Variable and tracker rates can move and may offer different flexibility or early repayment terms.
A longer term can reduce the monthly payment but usually increases total interest. The term also needs to fit the lender’s maximum age and affordability rules.
Flats, new builds, shared ownership, non-standard construction and properties above commercial premises can have different lender criteria.
The advice process
We gather the relevant facts, compare suitable routes and explain the costs and risks before you decide whether to proceed.
We review income, deposit, commitments, credit history and likely purchase costs.
Where appropriate, we identify a suitable lender for an initial decision based on the information available.
After your offer is accepted, we compare suitable products and check the property against lender criteria.
We help organise documents, submit the application and communicate with the lender through valuation and offer.
Use the enquiry page and select the option closest to your plans. An adviser can clarify the route after reviewing the initial details.
Useful next steps
Common questions
The minimum depends on lender availability, the property and your circumstances. Some products may be available with a smaller deposit, while a larger deposit can provide more choice and potentially different pricing.
No. It is an initial indication based on limited information. The full decision depends on verified documents, a credit assessment, the property valuation and the lender’s criteria at application.
Many lenders accept gifted deposits, usually subject to a declaration confirming the funds are a gift rather than a repayable loan. The donor’s identity and source of funds may need to be evidenced.
Student loan deductions are commonly considered within affordability. The effect varies between lenders and depends on income, the deduction and your other commitments.
Yes, subject to the housing association, property and lender criteria. You normally buy a share and pay rent on the remaining share, with both costs included in affordability.
Common requirements include identification, proof of address, bank statements, payslips or self-employed income evidence, deposit evidence and details of financial commitments.
Complete the short enquiry so the team can understand what you are looking to achieve and direct you to an adviser experienced in that area.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.