First-Time Buyer Mortgage Guide: How to Get Your First Mortgage in the UK

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. Between deposits, credit checks, mortgage applications and legal paperwork, it’s easy to feel unsure where to start.

The good news? With the right mortgage advice and support, getting your first mortgage can be much simpler than you think.

At Mortgage Links, we help first-time buyers across the UK understand the mortgage process from start to finish — helping you move into your first home with confidence.

Step 1: Work Out Your Deposit

One of the first questions most first-time buyers ask is:

“How much deposit do I need for a mortgage?”

In the UK, most lenders require a deposit of at least 5–10% of the property value.

For example:

£200,000 property = minimum £10,000 deposit at 5%
£300,000 property = minimum £15,000 deposit at 5%

We help you understand:

How much deposit you’ll need
Which lenders accept smaller deposits
Gifted deposit rules
Government schemes available for first-time buyers

Step 2: Find Out How Much You Can Borrow

Mortgage affordability is based on more than just your salary.

Lenders will usually assess:

Your income
Monthly outgoings
Existing debts
Credit score
Employment type
Financial commitments

As mortgage brokers, we calculate your borrowing potential properly — not with rough online estimates.

This helps you avoid wasting time viewing properties outside your realistic budget.

Step 3: Get a Decision in Principle (DIP)

A Decision in Principle is an important early step in the home-buying process.

It shows estate agents and sellers that:

A lender is willing to lend to you (subject to checks)
You are financially prepared
You are a serious buyer

Having a DIP in place can strengthen your position when making an offer on a property.

Step 4: Start Looking for Your First Home

Once you know your budget, you can begin searching for properties confidently.

We help first-time buyers understand:

What monthly repayments may look like
Which properties fit affordability criteria
Additional costs involved in buying a home
What lenders may or may not accept

This avoids costly surprises later in the process.

Step 5: Submit Your Mortgage Application

This is where many buyers feel stressed — but this is also where having a mortgage broker really helps.

We:

Compare mortgage lenders
Find suitable mortgage products
Handle the paperwork
Communicate with the lender
Help resolve issues quickly

Every lender has different criteria, so choosing the right one matters.

Step 6: Managing the Process Through to Completion

Once your mortgage offer is issued, there’s still legal work to complete before you receive the keys.

We work alongside:

Solicitors
Estate agents
Mortgage lenders

To help keep everything moving smoothly until completion day.

Extra Costs First-Time Buyers Should Budget For

Many buyers focus only on the deposit, but there are other costs involved too.

These may include:

Solicitor fees
Survey fees
Mortgage lender fees
Valuation fees
Moving costs
Stamp Duty (where applicable)

We make sure you understand the full costs involved before you commit.

Why Use a Mortgage Broker as a First-Time Buyer?

Using a mortgage broker can save you:

Time
Stress
Confusion
Potentially money

At Mortgage Links, we guide you through the entire mortgage journey and help explain everything clearly – especially if you’re buying your first home.