GUIDES
Mortgages for First-Time
Buyers -GoMortgage®
Your first home starts here - and we make it simple.
Buying your first home can feel confusing. Deposit rules, mortgage types, affordability, lender checks – it’s a lot. At GoMortgage we cut through the noise. We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all.” We believe in real advice, personalised for your background. Welcome to our Mortgage for First-Time Buyers guide.
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First-Time Buyers Guides - Mortgage for first time buyers
What You’ll Need as a First-Time Buyer
Here’s what lenders and we look for when you apply as a first-time buyer:
- Deposit / Equity – standard minimum deposit is around 5%, but a larger deposit makes your application stronger and may get better rates.
- Proof of income & affordability – payslips, bank statements, tax returns (if self-employed), stable employment or income history.
- Credit history / credit profile – a decent credit history helps; late payments, defaults or CCJs don’t necessarily block you — but they must be declared and explained.
- Affordability vs commitments – lenders check other outgoings, debts, spend, and that repayments won’t overstretch you.
- Documentation – ID, proof of address, deposit evidence, income proof, deposit source, any previous credit commitments.
Realistic expectations & budgeting – being realistic about what you can afford beyond mortgage payments (bills, maintenance, living costs, unexpected expenses).
What First-Time Buyer Mortgages Typically Look Like
- Low-deposit deals – Many lenders offer mortgages with 5–10% deposit, especially first-time buyer-friendly products.
- Fixed-rate mortgages – Helpful for budgeting: interest rate and payment stay the same for a set term (usually 2–5 years).
- Variable or tracker mortgages – Payment may rise or fall with interest rates – can be cheaper initially but riskier long-term.
- Help-to-Buy / Shared Ownership / Government schemes – For eligible buyers; we check if you qualify.
First-time buyer specialist deals – Some lenders and schemes are designed specifically for people on lower incomes, smaller deposits, or non-standard backgrounds (self-employed, irregular income, etc.).
Access Your Credit Report
Knowing exactly what lenders see is the first step. Checkmyfile lets you view your full credit picture across all three UK agencies in one place, helping you spot issues, track progress, and avoid surprises before you apply.
How GoMortgage Can Help Get a Mortgage For First-Time Buyers
We don’t just submit applications – we guide, advise and prepare with you from start to finish:
1. Honest Pre-Assessment
We review your income, deposit, expenses, and credit profile – and tell you realistically how much you can borrow and what to expect.
2. Lender Matching
Using our whole-of-market access (including specialist lenders), we match you to the ones most likely to accept your profile – not just the big names.
3. Deposit & Budget Advice
We help you plan your deposit savings, prepare for upfront costs (stamp duty, legal fees, moving costs), and budget for ongoing costs.
4. Application Support & Documentation Prep
We help gather and structure everything lenders need – ID, proof of income, bank statements, deposit proof – reducing risk of delays or rejections.
5. Transparent Process
Once we do your DIP (Decision in Principle), you get the lender details, DIP certificate, and quote – full transparency, no surprises.
6. Ongoing Guidance
After completion, we stay in touch – helpful if your circumstances change, if you want to remortgage later, or just need mortgage-management advice.
Why First-Time Buyers Should Choose GoMortgage
- We’re real people – we don’t judge where you’re from, what your income looks like, or what your credit history is.
- We work for you, not banks – we fight to get you the best deal, even if your profile isn’t perfect.
- We explain everything, in plain English – no jargon, no fluff.
- We stay with you till you have keys – and beyond.
We specialise in complex/edge cases – self-employed, low deposit, bad credit, unusual income – we’ve done it all
Ready to Get Started as a First-Time Buyer?
If you’re thinking about buying your first home – call GoMortgage on 01253 935050 or leave an enquiry.
We’ll start with a free, no-judgement call, estimate what you can afford, and map out your path to home-ownership.
GoMortgage® – real advice, real support, real homes.
Thanks for reading our mortgage for first time buyers guide.
Speak With A Mortgage Advisor today
Contact our friendly mortgage advice team today. Sound mortgage advice from the experts at GoMortgage.
Author: Chris Days - Gomortgage
- 5 Mins
- Updated: Nov 17th 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How big a deposit do I need?
Minimum often 5-10%, but the higher the deposit, the stronger your application, and the better rate you might get.
What if I’m self-employed, a contractor, or have unusual income?
No problem – we specialise in those cases. We know which lenders accept non-standard income and how to present accounts, dividends or contract income clearly.
Will bad credit stop me from getting a mortgage?
Not automatically. We’ve secured mortgages for people with imperfect credit records. What matters is how recent or serious any credit issues were – and your overall affordability, deposit and stability.
Are there extras I need to budget for beside the deposit?
Yes. Legal fees, stamp duty (if applicable), valuation fees, moving costs, insurance, and ongoing bills/maintenance. We help you plan for those.
How long until I’m mortgage-ready?
If you have income, deposit, and documentation in place – sometimes just a few weeks. If not, we’ll help you build a plan to get there.
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Speak With A Mortgage Advisor Today.
Contact our friendly mortgage advice team today. Sound mortgage advice from the experts at GoMortgage.
