Buying your first home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. It deserves clear, honest, independent advice — not a rushed application, not a generic recommendation, and not a process that leaves you more confused than when you started.
Most first-time buyers don't know what they don't know. That's exactly where we start.
The mortgage market is deliberately complex. Products, rates, lender criteria, affordability calculations, schemes, fees — the volume of information is designed to overwhelm. Most people end up accepting whatever their bank offers, or choosing the lowest headline rate from a comparison site, without understanding what they're actually committing to for the next 25 years.
Working with an independent broker changes this entirely. We search the whole market — not just our own panel — and we explain every recommendation in plain English before you commit to anything. You'll understand what you're signing and why. That's not a luxury. It's what advice should always look like.
"The first home sets the foundation. Getting the mortgage right from the start changes the financial trajectory of everything that comes after it."
Before you start viewing properties, it's worth understanding clearly what you can borrow, what deposit you need, and what the monthly cost actually looks like — not an estimate, a real number based on your income and circumstances.
We can give you a clear affordability picture in a single conversation, so you approach the market with confidence rather than guesswork.
If you're viewing properties or close to making an offer, the priority is a mortgage in principle — a lender's indication of what they'll lend, which strengthens your offer and speeds up the process once accepted.
We prepare and submit this quickly, through the lender most likely to approve your profile — not the one closest to hand.
Yes, in many cases. Lenders do offer 95% mortgages, though the product range is smaller and lender appetite varies. The right lender, approached correctly with the right case preparation, can make a 5% deposit work — even for buyers with complex income.
We also advise on shared ownership, where a smaller deposit can access a larger property than a standard purchase would allow.
Self-employed, contractor, or variable income — this doesn't disqualify you from buying your first home. It means lender selection matters more. We know which lenders assess income generously for non-standard earners, and how to present your case in the strongest possible way.
Two years of accounts or SA302s are typically sufficient — and some lenders will work with just one year for the right profile.
Past credit issues — missed payments, a default, or a CCJ — don't automatically prevent you from buying. The impact depends on the severity, how recent it was, and whether it's been satisfied. We assess honestly, advise on what to address, and find the lenders who look at the full picture.
We won't apply to a lender unless we're confident in the outcome — protecting your credit file from unnecessary searches.
Most first-time buyers focus entirely on the mortgage and overlook the protection that makes it secure. Life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection aren't afterthoughts — they're the foundation that keeps your first home yours if circumstances change.
We review protection for every client, at no additional fee. We're paid by the provider — it costs you nothing extra to have this conversation.
"No question is a stupid question when it's your first home. The only mistake is not asking — and ending up in the wrong mortgage because nobody explained it properly."Nathan Lawes — Director & Principal Adviser
"I need a 10% deposit to get a mortgage."
Not necessarily. 5% deposit mortgages are available through multiple lenders — the product range is smaller, but viable for the right applicant. Shared ownership can also reduce the deposit required significantly.
"Being self-employed means I can't get a mortgage."
This is one of the most persistent myths in mortgage advice. Self-employed borrowers buy homes every day. The key is finding lenders who assess income correctly for your structure — which is exactly what we do.
"The lowest rate is always the best mortgage."
Not always. Product fees, early repayment charges, lender flexibility, and overpayment allowances all affect the true cost of a mortgage over its term. The best rate and the best mortgage are often different things.
"A mortgage in principle guarantees I'll get the mortgage."
A mortgage in principle is an initial indication — not a guarantee. The full application involves a detailed assessment of income, outgoings, credit history, and the property itself. We prepare your case properly to make the transition from principle to offer as smooth as possible.
We start with a clear picture of what you can borrow, what deposit you need, and what the monthly cost looks like. No assumptions. Real numbers based on your actual circumstances.
Once you're ready to start viewing, we arrange a mortgage in principle through the most suitable lender. This strengthens your position with estate agents and gives you a clear budget to work within.
When your offer is accepted, we handle the full mortgage application — preparing your documents, liaising with the lender, and managing the process through to formal mortgage offer.
We coordinate with solicitors through to completion and stay in touch afterwards — for reviews, remortgages, and any questions that come up long after you've collected the keys.
Every first-time buyer has questions. These are the ones we're asked most often — answered honestly, without jargon.
Tell us where you are and we'll give you a clear, honest picture of what's possible — before you commit to anything. No obligation, no pressure, no jargon.
FCA regulated · Whole-of-market · Independent advice