A collection of in-depth guides for first-time buyers, covering deposits, affordability, mortgage types, bad credit, and special situations like single buyers and shared ownership.
First Time Buyer Guides
A technical guide to understanding your mortgage offer document, key terms to review, conditions that may apply, and what to do before accepting.
A practical guide to understanding how mortgage lenders view defaults, what affects approval, and how first-time buyers can improve their chances.
An educational guide to 100% LTV mortgages for first-time buyers, covering how no-deposit lending works, the main types, key pros and cons, and practical alternatives to consider.
Practical, first-time-buyer focused ways to strengthen your credit profile before you apply for a mortgage—helping you present a clearer, more reliable application.
A practical guide to understanding how first-time buyer mortgages work in the UK—eligibility, lender checks, documents, deposits, credit issues, insurance and the buying process.
A practical guide to understanding how bad credit can affect a first-time buyer mortgage application, what lenders consider, and the steps that can improve your chances.
A practical guide for first-time buyers with bad credit who also have a larger deposit, explaining how lenders may view risk, what matters most in the application, and how to improve your chances of securing a mortgage.
A practical guide for first-time buyers with bad credit considering shared ownership mortgages, including how lenders assess credit issues, what matters most for affordability, and common options such as joint arrangements.
A practical, step-by-step overview of the first-time buyer journey in the UK—covering deposits, affordability, choosing a property, making an offer, conveyancing, and completion.
A practical, first-time buyer guide to understanding mortgage basics, preparing your finances, choosing the right deal, and navigating the steps from application to completion.
A practical guide to how joint mortgages work for first-time buyers, including joint tenants vs tenants in common, stamp duty considerations, guarantors, JBSP mortgages, borrowing and deposits, and what happens if you want to transfer a joint mortgage to one person.
Understand how Bank of Mum & Dad arrangements work for first-time buyers, including gifted deposits, JBSP-style mortgages and family springboard structures—plus the key risks and practical points to consider.
A practical, step-by-step guide to the UK mortgage process for first-time buyers—covering deposits, affordability checks, mortgage types, buying costs, and what happens from application to completion.
A local, mortgage-relevant guide for first-time buyers considering Southend-on-Sea—covering affordability, buying costs, neighbourhood differences and practical steps to plan your move.
Understand when stamp duty land tax applies to second homes in England and Northern Ireland, what counts as a second property, and the limited situations where you may reduce the cost or claim a refund.
A practical guide for parents supporting adult children to buy their first home, covering deposit options, gifted deposits, guarantees, joint borrowing, and key risks to consider.
A practical guide for first-time buyers in Birmingham covering deposit options, affordability, credit, documentation and the mortgage journey from Agreement in Principle to completion.
A 100% (no-deposit) mortgage product has been discussed for some first-time buyers. Here’s what it is, how it works in broad terms, who it may suit, and the key risks to consider when helping family members get on the property ladder.
A timely overview of the first-time buyer mortgage landscape this summer, including how low-deposit options work, what lenders typically look for, and how to plan for the full cost of buying your first home.
A clear overview of the 2021–2023 Help to Buy equity loan for first-time buyers, including deposit mechanics, regional price caps, and what to expect after the interest-free period.
How lenders assess dentist income for first-time buyers, including NHS, private work, locums, practice ownership, limited company income, and debts like student loans.
A practical guide for first-time buyers covering how mortgages work, why your deposit matters, how lenders view your credit file, and how affordability is assessed.
A first-time buyer guide to Shared Ownership staircasing: what it means, how the process works, typical restrictions, costs, mortgage considerations, and what changes when you reach 100% ownership.
A practical guide for first-time buyers on zero-hours contracts, explaining how lenders typically assess income and what information helps your application look consistent and credible.
A practical guide for first-time buyers who have started a new job, explaining how employment status, probation, and documentation can affect mortgage decisions.
A practical guide for first-time buyers with a Debt Management Plan (DMP), explaining how a DMP can affect mortgage applications and what to prepare before you apply.
A practical guide for first-time buyers with missed payments or credit issues, explaining how defaults can affect mortgage applications and how specialist broker support can help you present your case.
A practical guide for first-time buyers on how a CCJ can affect mortgage applications, what lenders typically consider, and how to strengthen your application.
An educational guide to fixed-rate mortgages for first-time buyers in the UK, covering how fixed rates work, deposit/LTV considerations, costs to expect, and common alternatives.
A specialist guide for first-time buyers on how bad credit can affect a shared ownership mortgage, what lenders look at, and what you can do to strengthen your application.
An educational guide to 100% LTV/no-deposit mortgages: what they are, how lenders assess applications, key pros and cons, and practical alternatives if a 100% mortgage isn’t available.
A practical, UK-focused guide to repaying a Help to Buy equity loan, explaining how repayments are calculated, the main repayment routes, typical costs, and what to expect from the process.
A practical guide for first-time buyers in 2025, covering deposit planning, affordability, government support, mortgage options, and location choices.
A practical checklist-style guide to help first-time buyers prepare for a mortgage application, from understanding affordability and building a deposit to managing credit and getting your finances in order.
An educational overview of the main government-backed and market schemes that can help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder, including Help to Buy, Shared Ownership and Deposit Unlock.
A practical guide to first-time buyer deposits in the UK, including typical deposit ranges, how deposit size influences mortgage affordability and pricing, and how government support schemes may help.
An educational guide for first-time buyers on how a no-deposit (100% LTV) mortgage can work, what it may be designed for, the features to look out for, and the key risks and costs to consider.
A practical 2025 checklist to help first-time buyers prepare for deposit saving, government support, Agreement in Principle, credit checks and the steps that follow.
A practical, step-by-step guide for first-time buyers on preparing your finances, improving your credit profile, building a deposit, understanding mortgage options, and planning your next steps.
A clear overview of first-time buyer mortgages, including the main mortgage types, what lenders typically look at, and practical steps to plan your application.
An educational guide to Help to Buy Shared Ownership, explaining how shared ownership works, how buying a share and paying rent works, and what to consider before choosing this route onto the property ladder.
A clear, practical overview of how first-time buyer mortgages work in the UK—what lenders look at, the main mortgage types, deposit and LTV basics, key schemes, stamp duty considerations, and the step-by-step journey from offer to completion.
A clear overview of how second home mortgages work in the UK, including deposit expectations, the main mortgage types, key costs like stamp duty, and common pitfalls to avoid.
An educational guide to the Help to Buy equity loan scheme, how it works, key advantages and drawbacks, and the main options when the interest-free period ends.
Practical, realistic strategies to build a mortgage deposit on a low income, including budgeting, reducing outgoings, managing debts, and making the most of savings schemes.
A first-time buyer guide to whether Skipton’s zero-deposit “Track Record” mortgage could be an option, what lenders typically look for, and the key eligibility factors to understand before you apply.
If your mortgage offer runs out before the purchase completes, it can feel urgent. This guide explains why it happens, what lenders typically expect when you request more time, and the practical options available to first-time buyers.
A practical guide for first-time buyers on what happens to a joint mortgage after separation, and the main options for selling, buy-outs, guarantors and court orders.
First-time buyer guides
Buying your first home involves learning about deposits, affordability, mortgage types, and what lenders look for. Our guides break down each topic into practical, actionable information.
Essential reading for first-time buyers
Start here if you're just beginning your journey:
How much do I need to save for a mortgage deposit?
A practical guide for first-time buyers on working out the deposit you'll need, what "LTV" means in real terms, common minimum deposit levels, and ways to reduce how much you must save.
How to get a mortgage when you're single
A practical guide for single first-time buyers on preparing your finances, building lender confidence, and choosing the right mortgage approach.
Guides by topic
Deposit and savings
- How much do I need to save for a mortgage deposit? - Understand LTV, minimum deposits, and ways to save more
Mortgage types and rates
- Fixed vs variable rate mortgages - Compare rate types and understand which fits your plans
- Repayment vs interest-only - Learn the difference between repayment structures
Affordability and borrowing
- How lenders assess affordability - What income, outgoings, and commitments matter
- Understanding loan-to-value (LTV) - How deposit size affects your options
Special situations
- How to get a mortgage when you're single - Guidance for single applicants
- Joint applications - Buying with a partner or friend
- Self-employed mortgages - What lenders look for if you work for yourself
Credit history
- Bad credit mortgages - How past credit issues affect your options and what you can do
Property types
- New build mortgages - Special considerations for new-build purchases
- Freehold vs leasehold - Understanding ownership types and how they affect lending
Related first-time buyer resources
Beyond our guides, explore these dedicated first-time buyer sections:
- First-time buyer FAQs - Quick answers to common questions
- First-time buyer case studies - Real-world examples of different scenarios
- First-time buyer eligibility - Check what lenders look for
- Mortgage calculator - Estimate your borrowing potential
Government schemes and support
Depending on your circumstances and the property you're buying, you may be eligible for government-backed support:
- Shared Ownership - Buy a share and pay rent on the remainder
- Lifetime ISA (LISA) - Tax-free savings towards your first home
- First Homes Scheme - Discounted new-build homes in certain areas
Note: Scheme availability and rules can change. Always check the latest guidance at GOV.UK - First-time buyers
Not sure where to start?
If you're unsure which guide is right for you, ask yourself:
| Your situation | Start with |
|---|---|
| Just starting to save? | How much deposit do I need? |
| Buying on your own? | Single buyer guide |
| Worried about credit history? | Bad credit guide |
| Self-employed? | Self-employed guide |
| Confused by mortgage types? | Fixed vs variable rates |
| Want to check your options? | Eligibility checker |
Important note
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Get in touch
We are your online mortgage broker, offering you the convenience of applying for a mortgage online. However, we understand that sometimes you may prefer to speak with a human - phone, email or in person.
- Phone number
- 01133 205 902
- [email protected]
- Postal address
-
31 Bradford Chamber Business Park,
New Lane, Bradford, BD4 8BX
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We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (No. 919921). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages.
Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Cyborg Finance Limited is registered in England and Wales (No. 12131863) at Bradford Chamber, New Lane, Bradford, BD4 8BX