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:

Important note

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.