Are you looking for your first mortgage?

First Time Buyer Mortgage Advice

We have a team on hand, waiting to help you. Enquire today and see how we can help!

Are you looking for your first mortgage? Let us help...

A first-time buyer mortgage is a home loan designed for people purchasing their first property. It typically requires a smaller deposit, often as low as 5%, and in some cases, you may even find options with no deposit at all. However, you’ll need to meet the lender’s strict criteria to qualify. Many lenders also offer special options and support for first-time buyers, making the process easier and more affordable. This type of mortgage is a great way to help you get started on your journey to home ownership.

Our customers says Excellent They’ve rated us 5 stars

What are different type of mortgages available?

As a first-time buyer, navigating the mortgage landscape can be overwhelming. With significant amounts of money involved and long-term repayments, it’s essential to feel confident in your choice. Your mortgage advisor will guide you to find the best option for your needs, but here’s a straightforward overview of the different types of mortgages available:

Tracker Mortgages

Tracker mortgages are linked to the Bank of England base rate, plus a few extra percentage points. For instance, if the base rate is 4.25% and your mortgage adds 1%, your total interest rate would be 5.25%. These mortgages can track the base rate for a set period, like two years, before switching to the lender’s standard variable rate, or they can be “lifetime” trackers that maintain the same margin above the base rate for the entire mortgage term.

Discount Mortgages

With a discount mortgage, you pay the lender’s standard variable rate minus a percentage discount. For example, if the standard rate is 7% and you receive a 1% discount, you’ll pay 6% interest. Like tracker mortgages, discount mortgages often start with an introductory rate before transitioning to the lender’s standard variable rate.

Fixed Rate Mortgages

Fixed-rate mortgages offer stability, as your interest rate remains the same throughout the deal period, regardless of changes in the Bank of England base rate. This option is ideal for those who prefer predictable monthly payments. Fixed-rate deals typically come in two or five-year terms before reverting to the lender’s standard variable rate, making it a good opportunity to remortgage and potentially save money.

Standard Variable Rate Mortgages

Each lender has its own standard variable rate, which can change at any time. These rates are influenced by the mortgage market, as lenders compete for customers. We recommend considering a remortgage before switching to your lender’s standard variable rate. To ensure you find the best deal, it’s wise to contact your advisor at least six months before your current mortgage period ends.

By understanding these options, you can make more informed decisions on your path to home ownership.

Want to get started?

We have a team on hand, waiting to help you. Enquire today about  how we can help.

What can Appleton Mortgages do for me?

Our mortgage advisers work closely with you to save you time and give you the very best chance of a successful application.

During the application process, we’ll:

  • Talk you through all your options with a free consultation
  • Recommend the right mortgage for your situation
  • Check how much you can afford to borrow
  • Help you to gather the information and documents you need for your application
  • Help you prepare your application for submission
  • Submit your application to the lender
  • Liaise with the lender, solicitors and estate agents.

 

Once your mortgage has been offered, we’ll support you all the way through to completion.

We’ll work hard to build a lasting relationship with you, so you’ll always have someone you trust to help with any queries or requirements in the future.

Personalised service

Our approach focuses on understanding your unique circumstances and tailoring our advice to fit your specific needs.

Expertise you can trust

With years of experience in the mortgage industry, we navigate the complexities of the market with ease.

Problem-solvers at heart

Nothing is ever too complex for us! We thrive on finding solutions, whether you have a unique financial situation or specific requirements.

Some commonly asked questions and answers

When purchasing a home, it’s important to remember that it’s not just the mortgage you need to consider—there are various additional costs involved. Planning for these expenses early in the home-buying process will help you manage your budget effectively alongside your deposit.

Some additional costs include:

  • Valuation fee
  • House survey costs
  • Stamp Duty
  • Removals and furnishings costs
  • Ongoing monthly costs

Some mortgage lenders charge a fee for assessing the value of the property you want to buy, while others may include this in the mortgage but at a higher interest rate. Valuation fees typically range from £200 to £700, depending on the property’s worth.

While a valuation assesses the property’s market value, a house survey will identify any structural issues or defects. Common surveys include the RICS Home Condition Report, RICS HomeBuyer Report, and a comprehensive building survey. These can cost between £500 and £1,500, depending on the type and size of the property. If you decide to withdraw your offer due to findings in the report or other issues, you may need to conduct another survey.

These are fees paid to your solicitor or conveyancer for the legal work involved in buying a property. They cover various aspects, including:

  • General legal fees
  • ID verification
  • Money transfer fees
  • Land registry fees
  • Searches to uncover any issues affecting the property
  • Leasehold fees (if applicable)

As of now, first-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland benefit from the following stamp duty relief:

  • No stamp duty on the first £300,000 of the property price for homes costing up to £500,000.
  • For properties priced between £300,001 and £500,000, you pay 5% on the portion of the price that exceeds £300,000.
  • If the property costs more than £500,000, the standard stamp duty rates apply, and you will not qualify for any first-time buyer relief.

In Scotland, first-time buyers pay the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), with a tax-free threshold of £175,000. Any amount above this is subject to tax rates starting from 2%.

In Wales, the Land Transaction Tax (LTT) applies, and first-time buyers only pay tax on properties priced over £180,000. There is currently no specific relief for first-time buyers in Wales, but the tax structure is similar to that of Scotland.

Practical calculators that you can use for free

There’s lots of numbers involved and calculations to do when dealing with finances,  explore our free-to-use calculators to keep things simple.

Mortgage affordability

Calculate what a bank might lend you towards your property.

Mortgage repayment

Calculate what a monthly mortgage payment might look like for you.

Stamp duty

Buying properties can incur stamp duty, see what you might have to pay

Our step by step advice process

At Appleton Mortgages, we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way, making the process as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Understand our 8 step process, from having your initial chat to receiving your keys. 

Step 1: Reach Out To Us

Contact us via phone, email, or our website to schedule your initial consultation. During this conversation, we’ll discuss your goals, financial situation, and any specific requirements you may have. This helps us understand how we can best assist you.

Step 2: In-Depth Consultation

In our in-depth consultation, we’ll dive deeper into your needs and preferences. We’ll gather essential information, such as your income, credit history, and desired property type. This allows us to assess your mortgage options and outline a personalised plan.

Step 3: Mortgage Research and Recommendations

Once we have all the necessary information, we’ll conduct thorough research to find the most suitable mortgage products for you. We’ll present our recommendations, explaining the benefits and potential drawbacks of each option, so you can make an informed decision.

Step 4: Application Preparation

After you choose a mortgage option, we’ll help you prepare your application. This includes gathering all required documents and ensuring everything is in order. We’ll guide you through the paperwork and clarify any questions you may have.

Step 5: Submitting Your Application


We’ll submit your mortgage application to the lender on your behalf. Our team will stay in close contact with the lender to ensure everything moves smoothly and address any queries that may arise during the process.

Step 6: Liaising with Estate Agents and Solicitors

As your application is processed, we’ll liaise with estate agents and solicitors to keep everyone in the loop. This allows you to focus on your day job while we handle the running around and ensure all parties are aligned.

Step 7: Offer and Acceptance

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a formal mortgage offer. We’ll review the offer with you to ensure you understand the terms and conditions, and we’ll help you navigate the acceptance process.

Step 8: Completion

Finally, once all legal work is completed and the funds are in place, your mortgage will be finalised. We’ll be there to support you through the completion, ensuring everything goes smoothly and you’re ready to move into your new home!

See what our clients have to say

Information you might find useful.

A chat with us doesn't mean you have to commit...

Explore your options with an expert adviser, during a no obligation chat.