First Time Buyer Guide
First-time buyer mortgages work like other mortgages, but they are designed specifically for people who are buying their first property. The main difference is that first-time buyer mortgages may have more favourable products, enhanced income multiples, and require a smaller deposit, making it potentially easier for people with limited savings to get onto the property ladder.
To be eligible for a first-time buyer mortgage, you will need to meet certain criteria set by the lender, such as having a good credit score and meeting their affordability requirements. You will also need to provide evidence of your income, outgoings, and savings.
The amount you can borrow will depend on your income, credit history, and the value of the property you want to buy. Most lenders will offer you a mortgage up to a certain percentage of the property’s value, usually around 95%, but this can vary between lenders.
What is an Agreement in Principle, or AIP?
An Agreement in Principle (AIP), also known as a Decision in Principle (DIP), is a certificate or statement from a mortgage lender that indicates how much they are likely to lend you, based on an initial assessment of your financial situation. Here are some benefits of obtaining an AIP:
- Help with property search: An AIP can help you narrow down your property search by giving you a clear idea of how much you can borrow. This can help you avoid wasting time looking at properties that are out of your price range.
- Increased bargaining power: Having an AIP can also give you more bargaining power when it comes to making an offer on a property, as it shows the seller that you have already been approved for a mortgage up to a certain amount.
- Streamlined application process: Once you have an AIP, the mortgage application process may be streamlined, as the lender has already assessed your financial situation and is familiar with your circumstances.
- Reduced stress: Knowing how much you can borrow and having an AIP in place can also reduce stress and uncertainty during the property buying process.
In terms of validity, AIPs are typically valid for around 30 to 90 days, depending on the lender. However, this can vary depending on the lender and the specific mortgage product you are applying for. If you don’t find a suitable property within the validity period, you may need to apply for a new AIP. It’s important to note that an AIP is not a guarantee that you will be approved for a mortgage, and the lender will still need to conduct a full assessment of your financial situation before making a final decision.
How much can I borrow?
Several factors can determine how much you can borrow with a mortgage, including:
- Income: Your income is a key factor in determining how much you can borrow. Lenders typically use a multiple of your annual income to calculate the amount you can borrow. This multiple can vary between lenders, but it’s usually capped at around 4 – 5 times your income.
- Employment status: Lenders will want to see that you have a stable source of income and may ask for proof of employment, such as payslips or a letter from your employer.
- Credit score: Your credit score can affect how much you can borrow and the interest rate you are offered. Lenders will look at your credit history to assess your ability to repay the mortgage.
- Outgoings: Lenders will also consider your monthly expenses, such as bills, loans, and other debts, when assessing how much you can borrow.
- Deposit: The amount of deposit you have can also affect how much you can borrow. The larger your deposit, the less you may need to borrow, and lenders may offer you more favourable interest rates.
- Interest rates: The interest rate you are offered can affect how much you can borrow. Higher interest rates mean higher monthly payments, which can affect the amount you can borrow.
It’s important to keep in mind that each lender may have their own criteria for determining how much they will lend, and the factors they consider may vary. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to seek professional advice from a mortgage broker to help you understand your borrowing capacity and to ensure that you are getting the best possible deal.
Do I qualify as a first-time buyer?
When it comes to paying stamp duty, a First-Time Buyer (FTB) is defined as someone who has never owned a property before. It’s important to note that all buyers involved in purchasing the property need to meet this criterion to be eligible for any government incentives that may be available.
However, certain mortgage lenders may consider someone to be a First-Time Buyer if they haven’t had a mortgage in the past three years. Additionally, there are mortgage options available that allow one borrower on a joint application to be considered a First-Time Buyer in order to take advantage of FTB-specific products.
When should I apply for a mortgage?
As a first-time buyer, it’s a good idea to start thinking about applying for a mortgage well in advance of when you plan to buy your first property. This will give you time to research your options, get your finances in order, and make sure you’re in the best position to get approved for a mortgage with favourable terms.
Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Start saving for a deposit as early as possible: The larger your deposit, the better your chances of getting approved for a mortgage with a lower interest rate. Aim to save at least 5% of the property’s value, but the more you can save, the better.
- Check your credit score: Your credit score will play a big role in determining whether you’re eligible for a mortgage and what interest rate you’ll be offered. Check your credit score and report regularly and take steps to improve it if necessary.
- Research different mortgage options: There are many different types of mortgages available, each with their own pros and cons. Research different options, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, and tracker mortgages, and consider what would work best for your individual circumstances.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Before you start house hunting, it can be helpful to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a better idea of how much you can afford to borrow, which can help you narrow down your search.
- Apply for a mortgage when you’re ready to make an offer: Once you’ve found a property you’re interested in buying, you can apply for a mortgage. Keep in mind that the process can take several weeks or even months, so it’s a good idea to get started early.
Overall, it’s best to start thinking about applying for a mortgage as early as possible, ideally several months before you plan to buy your first property. This will give you plenty of time to research your options, get your finances in order, and make sure you’re in the best position to get approved for a mortgage with favourable terms.
How much deposit do I need as a first-time buyer?
The amount of deposit you’ll need as a first-time buyer will depend on several factors, including the price of the property you want to buy and the type of mortgage you’re eligible for.
In general, most mortgage lenders will require a deposit of at least 5% of the property’s purchase price. However, if you can afford to put down a larger deposit, you may be able to access more competitive mortgage rates and have a wider range of mortgage options available to you.
The average house price in the UK (at time of writing) is around £255,000, so a 5% deposit would be £12,750. However, keep in mind that house prices can vary significantly depending on the location.
It’s worth noting that there are some government schemes available to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder, such as Shared Ownership. These schemes may require a smaller deposit than a standard mortgage, but they have their own eligibility criteria and terms and conditions.
How much is Stamp Duty?
As a first-time buyer in England, you may be eligible for a reduced rate of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on the purchase of your first property. The amount of SDLT you’ll pay will depend on the purchase price of the property.
As of March 2021, the following SDLT rates apply to first-time buyers in England:
- No SDLT is payable on properties up to £300,000
- 5% SDLT is payable on the portion of the property price between £300,001 and £500,000
For example, if you’re buying a property for £400,000, you’ll pay no SDLT on the first £300,000 and 5% SDLT on the remaining £100,000. This means your total SDLT bill would be £5,000 (5% of £100,000).
It’s important to note that if you’re buying a property that costs more than £500,000, you won’t be eligible for the first-time buyer SDLT relief and will instead be subject to the standard SDLT rates.
Keep in mind that these rates and thresholds are subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check the most up-to-date information on the UK government’s website or consult with a qualified tax professional.
How can I find the right deal for me?
As a mortgage broker, Thameside Mortgages has access to a wide range of mortgage lenders and products, which means we can help you clients find the right deal for your individual circumstances.
- Initial consultation: We will have an initial consultation with you and understand your individual circumstances, including your income, credit history, and the type of property you’re looking to buy.
- Mortgage search: Based on your needs and circumstances, our team will then search the database of over 90 lenders to find mortgage products that are a good match.
- Comparison and recommendation: Once we’ve identified several suitable mortgage products, we will compare them side-by-side and make a recommendation to you based on your individual circumstances and preferences.
- Application process: Once you’re happy with the recommended mortgage product, we will then help you through the application process, including submitting the application to the lender and providing any additional documentation or information required.
- Ongoing support: Even after the mortgage has been approved, we will continue to provide support and advice throughout the term of the mortgage, helping you to manage your mortgage and making sure they’re aware of any changes or updates that could affect their mortgage, such as a fixed rate deal coming to an end.
Overall, by having access to more than 90 lenders, we can offer our clients a wide range of mortgage products, giving you a better chance of finding a mortgage that fits your individual circumstances and needs.
This can save our clients time and effort in searching for the right mortgage product themselves and can also help them get a better deal overall.
How do I prove I am a first-time buyer?
Usually, you can simply declare you are a first time buyer, but it’s important to be accurate and honest, because it’s quite easy for a non-first time buyer to be recognised:
- Declaration: Your solicitor may ask you to sign a declaration stating that you have never owned a property before. This is a legal document.
- Credit report: Your credit report will show any mortgages or loans you have taken out in the past, so if you have never taken out a mortgage or loan for a property, your credit report will reflect that.
- Land Registry: The Land Registry keeps a record of all property transactions in England and Wales. You can search the Land Registry to confirm whether you have previously owned a property.
- Solicitor’s statement: If you have used a solicitor in the past to buy or sell a property, they may be able to provide a statement confirming that you were acting as a representative for someone else and were not the legal owner of the property.
- HMRC form: If you have previously claimed the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) exemption for first-time buyers, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will have a record of this.
It’s important to note that the requirements for proving that you are a first-time buyer may vary depending on the lender or mortgage product you are applying for. It’s best to check with your lender or mortgage broker to find out what specific evidence they require.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate building surveyors.
Thameside Mortgage Ltd are not regulated by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, we do not have any involvement in the provision of this type of service / activity. We are not qualified surveyors and the information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, inspection, or survey.
It is important to seek professional advice and to undertake a proper survey/inspection before making decisions or taking actions related to a property.
What Our Clients Are Saying
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I couldn't recommend Thameside Mortgages enough - they helped me with my life insurance and Laura was so helpful and so patient with me! Andrew clearly has incredible knowledge and was very supportive and considerate when discussing all of my options. Laura was brilliant at following up and helping me through the process and was very quick responding to any queries that I had. Will most definitely use them again for any further business that I have, A* service - thank you so much!
Ceri Morgan
After the purchase of our property we were in search of a good mortgage broker and our estate agent recommended Andrew. After speaking to Andrew we were confident we had found the right person to entrust finding us something as important as our first mortgage. We provided Andrew with all the necessary details and with his extensive experience and knowledge in this field, he was able to find us a very good mortgage deal. It was a pleasure working with Andrew and he was there to help and support us from the initial stages of the mortgage to the final completion day. When we needed to remortgage, Andrew helped us find another good deal, providing the same care and support as before. I would definitely recommend Andrew to anyone who is looking for an experienced and professional yet very approachable and friendly expert broker who will help guide them through the whole mortgage process. Thank you so much Andrew and Lydia for all your help recently.
Pam Mehroke
Excellent service. Helped me through the process of finding best mortgage deal. Cant recommend them enough.
Alan King
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I had a fantastic experience with Thameside Mortgages, Jason was extremely proactive throughout the entire process and was a pleasure to work with. He was very patient and knowledgeable which helped reassure me as a first time buyer, an absolute asset. All my questions were answered swiftly and he would constantly check in with me throughout what ended up being a long drawn out process. I highly recommend.
Jordan Shodeinde
We used Thameside Mortgages for our mgt for our new property. We had professional and brilliant service from Andrew and his team. I would highly recommend Thameside Mortgage as they go over and above what I expected from them. Thank you so much Andrew and your team X
Kelly Carberry
We brought our first home nearly 2 years ago, we had Jason Harris as our advisor. I can’t put into words how much he helped from the very first call to present day with our remortgage and life insurance. Jason has been incredible from the get go, it felt as though we didn’t have to do anything really, as he found everything for us and gave multiple options so all we did was say yes or no. He broke everything down and explained things in such a simple way for us to not get too overwhelmed. He made everything feel stress free and simple, as well as finding us an incredible offer twice he has also found cheaper life insurance policies for us which is something I didn’t even think to do, he has saved us £100’s of pounds overall with our new offers. Really appreciate having him as our advisor and he’s a really helpful and lovely guy. Thank you Thameside & Thank you Jason.
chelsea melbourne
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Thameside Mortgages, Jason Senior Financial Adviser is the most proactive Adviser I have had the pleasure of working with. He helped me not only with the purchase of my Property 5 years ago but also with my Remortgage couple days ago, very versatile with a lot of knowledge and huge experience a really great, amazing person. My e-mail was answered frequently within a minute, he was quick on the document chase. Friendly professional, service, I definitely recommend it. And very decently. Thank you so much Jason.
stanislaw oleniacz
The team went above and beyond to help us secure the best possible rate. During what was a difficult time for us, they’ve been so supportive and empathic. Their work is delivered with pedagogy and transparency, for customers to understand relevant details and take informed decisions with confidence. I strongly recommend their mortgage services.
Mikhaël Mazu
Thank you to Thameside Mortgages to Laura and Andrew, helping me get the mortgage, they were both very professional. The mortgage was smooth and efficient. I had difficulties with the solicitor, but Laura and Andrew have been there to support me throughout. I will definitely be in contact for a future mortgages. Happy to recommend to anyone.
chong brown
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This is the second time I've instructed Andrew Sheen at Thameside Mortgages to find and secure the right deal for me. On both occasions I've had complete confidence in his ability to work with my best interests at heart. So professional and personable, I hope to always work with him when moving house or remortgaging. Not to mention, he's also a really top bloke. Thank you Andrew and team. Let's do it all again in 5 years time.
Tom Denton
Thameside mortgages made getting a mortgage so easy ,even for a tech phobe like myself Laura was so professional ,always their to answer any questions I was kept up-to-date through the whole process ,no stress at all Would recommend to anyone ,5 * isn't enough Massive thank you to Andrew & Laura Well done
Cheryl Zammit
Andrew and the Team were not only extremely knowledgeable in their field, but extremely professional and thorough throughout the process. I can't recommend the team enough and would strongly urge engaging the team for your mortgage and life insurance management. Thank you Thameside Mortgages.
Matthew Harrison
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Andrew and Laura have been very helpful every time we have spoken to them. They have quickly processed our transactions and responded to any issues immediately. We highly recommend Thameside Mortgages and all the services they offer. Thank you for helping us through our recent propert purchase.
Gilly Wright
We used Thameside Mortgages for our recent mortgage application and cannot speak highly enough of Andrew and his team. They were professional and attentive from the outset and helped us through every step of the process. Andrew consistently communicated with us throughout to ensure the process was as easy and streamlined as possible, and we felt we received a completely personal service. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Thameside Mortgages for anyone considering a mortgage application in the future and will definitely utilise their service again.
Sarah Blanks
Andrew and Laura at Thameside Mortgages were incredibly helpful in guiding me through the home buying process. They answered all of my questions and were in regular communication with me throughout. They were invaluable with also helping to communicate with my solicitor to ensure that my purchase went well. I can highly recommend them to anyone looking for a friendly, knowledgeable and professional advisor.
yordanos yimmesghen
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Andrew has dealt with our mortgage and remortgage since we bought our first home 12 years ago. The service and advice is always spot on, hence why we always return without question. It's peace of mind knowing we can trust Thameside to take care of everything and give us the advice we need.
Rhys Jones
My partner and I have used Andrew and his team several times now and will continue to do so, or recommend him, wherever possible. Whether it’s a mortgage, buildings, contents or life insurance, Andrew and his team, without fail, go above and beyond in delivering an exceptional service and client experience from start to finish. Andrew and his team respond speedily by email and/or make themselves available to speak directly. Their insight is incredibly valuable and offer kindness and patience too at a time when decisions can be more challenging. Additionally, Andrew has offered suitable products where other advisers have been unable. Thank you Thameside - you are absolutely our ‘go to’ and your service is genuinely appreciated at a time when it is needed!
Claire Shepherd
I am so glad that we worked with Thameside Mortgages for the purchasing of our first home. From initial enquiries, guidance whist making an offer on the house, to getting a mortgage offer & insurance options, we cannot fault their service! Jason always made us feel informed, in control and aware of all our options. 10/10 and we would definitely recommend to our friends and family! Thameside eliminated all the fears & stress we thought we would have, and made the experience easy and clear. Thank you very much!
Sainimili Kata
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Thameside Mortgages have been nothing but patient, informative and thorough. Andrew and Laura have been great, providing continued support and really taking the time to explain all the questions we sent their way. Their knowledge and expertise is apparent straightaway. Would highly recommend!
Rosie Woods
Having used a number of mortgage advisors in the past, I can say that Thameside were a breath of fresh air. We have an unusual situation and were told we couldn’t get what we needed from other advisors. Thameside were able to arrange a mortgage and kept us updated constantly and were available any time to discuss all the usual issues. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a mortgage.
Christian Willmore
I've used Andrew from Thameside Mortgages twice now, i'd highly recommend his service. The information provided was very in-depth and easy to understand. My most recent mortgage offer was about to complete, when Andrew called and had found a better rate and saved us more money which was a lovely surprise 🙂 Would use his service again!
matt grix
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I genuinely can't thank Andrew and Laura enough for all of their hard graft through a very stressful process! The sleepless nights have been totally worth it!! I couldn't have done this with out your superb guidance. Professional, caring, excellent communication, explations to a solo first time buyer that doesn't always understand the jargon that comes with process. I was told by several people I didn't earn enough, needed a partner, better paid job to get on the property ladder. Andrew took this as a challenge and found me an excellent mortgage deal, twice!! I am so, so happy that I chose them to make this a lot easier. I genuinely can't recommend Thameside Mortgages enough. Forever grateful!
Lauren Cosgrove
Andrew and Laura provided an exceptional service and my partner and I are extremely grateful for their services. They were both on hand to answer any questions or queries without hesitation and provided clear, concise and accurate information. As first time buyers and with one of us being self employed, it proved extremely difficult for us to get a mortgage (especially in a pandemic), however Laura and Andrew both went above and beyond to ensure we were looked after and for that we are extremely thankful.
Hazel McCarthy
We used Thameside Mortgages for the purchase of our first home. We had both a professional and brilliant service from Andrew and his team. I would highly recommend Thameside Mortgages. They go above and beyond and guided us through the whole process. Thank you so much Andrew.
Alice Gedge
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Andrew and Laura were attentive to all our needs and gave us all the facts to help us make informed decisions. They were more than happy to answer our many many questions and always did so in a very timely manner. We had some issues with our solicitors taking too long to action paperwork but both Andrew and Laura chased things up on our behalf. The support and guidance along the way was definitely appreciated. We shall definitely use Thameside Mortgages again!
Alison King
We’ve been using Andrew for over 10 years, the service, knowledge and expertise he provides is exceptional! From our first time mortgage to re-mortgage, Andrew has always obtained extremely competitive rates vs what you would find on the market and is extremely responsive throughout the process. We also have our life insurance policies with Andrew, which we have found to be incredibly competitive. All around a great team and I would highly recommend Thameside Mortgages to anyone.
Philip Ismail
Introduced to Mr Sheen in 2016 and using his services for me and my family since then. When I was looking for the second mortgage, I was unable to find him at his earlier employers, as he had meanwhile started Thameside Mortgages. I spent two days on internet, found him and contacted. I appreciate 7 respect his services, integrity & professionalism.
Rajen Saraswati
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We've bought our first home with Thameside Mortgages and it was a wise decision to choose them over others. Andrew made sure that everything is done for us and helped us beyond our expectations. Both he and Laura are very responsive, professional and welling to help anytime is needed. Our journey was a long one, being a chain but they stood side by side with us the whole process even in this difficult time. If I should choose again I would definitely choose them again. I recommend them 100%. Well done Thameside Mortgages 👌
Partene Ramona
Great service from start to finish, made the whole process very smooth and easy
Chris Lewis
Fantastic guidance and service all the way through the process of our purchase. Very quick to respond to our questions and would certainly recommend.
Aaron Jago
