How To Get A Mortgage As A First-Time Buyer In The UK

​Buying your first home is a huge milestone, but it often comes with just as many questions as it does excitement. If you’re feeling unsure about where to start, you’re not alone. Most first-time buyers find the process confusing, especially when it comes to understanding mortgages, working out affordability, and knowing what lenders expect.

This guide will walk you through everything step by step, in clear, simple terms. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect and what you need to do to get mortgage-ready with confidence.

What Is A Mortgage And How Does It Work?

A mortgage is a loan secured against a home you want to buy. Most UK mortgages run for around 25 years, although you can choose a shorter or longer term depending on your budget and age

There are two main types:

1. Repayment Mortgage

This is the most common option for first-time buyers. Each month, you repay a portion of the amount borrowed, plus interest. By the end of the term, your mortgage is fully paid off.

2. Interest-Only Mortgage

Here, you only pay the interest each month. The original loan isn’t repaid unless you have a separate plan in place. These aren’t usually offered to first-time buyers unless you meet strict criteria.

You’ll also choose between:

• Fixed-rate mortgages, which keep your monthly payments the same for a set period.
• Variable-rate mortgages, where your payments can go up or down depending on the lender’s rate.

If you prefer predictable payments, a fixed rate is often the simplest way to start.

Preparing For Your First Mortgage Application

Before a lender agrees to lend you money, they’ll want to make sure the mortgage is affordable for you. This isn’t something to be nervous about; it’s simply their way of checking you’ll be comfortable with your payments.

Here’s what they’ll look at:

• Your Deposit: You’ll need a minimum deposit of 5%. The larger your deposit, the better the rates available to you.
  For example, a 10% or 15% deposit can significantly reduce your monthly payments.
• Your Income: This includes your salary, bonuses, and sometimes regular overtime. If you’re self-employed, you’ll usually need at least one year of accounts and SA302s.
• Your Credit Score: Lenders look at your credit history to see how you manage money. You don’t need a perfect score, but paying bills on time and avoiding unnecessary credit can make a big difference.
• Your Spending: This includes bills, loans, subscriptions and general monthly outgoings. Lenders simply want to check you’re not overstretched before taking on a mortgage.

Taking a moment now to organise your finances can make the whole process smoother and give you more options later on. Get in touch with Jigsaw Independent early, and we can help you plan

Researching The Mortgage Market

It’s natural to want the lowest interest rate, but the rate alone doesn’t always tell the full story. Other factors matter too, such as:

• Product fees
• Early repayment charges
• Flexibility (e.g., being able to make overpayments)
• How the lender assesses your income

This is where many first-time buyers become overwhelmed. It’s also why so many choose to work with a whole-of-market mortgage broker. At Jigsaw Independent Mortgage Specialists, we compare lenders, explain your options in plain English, and help you avoid deals that look good on paper but cost more overall.

Your Step-By-Step Guide To Getting A Mortgage As A 1st First-Time Buyer

1. Get An Agreement In Principle (AIP) Or Mortgage In Principle (MIP)

An Agreement in Principle/ Mortgage in Principle is a provisional statement from a lender confirming how much they might be willing to lend you. It gives you a clear budget, and estate agents take your offers more seriously when you have one.

An AIP/MIP doesn’t affect your credit score and is quick to arrange.

2. Choose The Right Lender

With your AIP/MIP, you can start viewing properties. Once you find a house you like, let Jigsaw Independent negotiate on your behalf. The agent will take your offer more seriously, and we will often get you the house cheaper than you may have negotiated yourself. Remember, we have done this literally thousands of times. Once your offer on a property is accepted, it’s time to choose the lender for your full application. The best mortgage isn’t always the one with the lowest rate; it’s the one that suits your income, deposit, and plans.

At this stage, we help you compare your options and select the lender that offers the most suitable terms for your situation.

3. Complete Your Application

This is the formal part of the process. You’ll need to provide documents such as:

• Payslips
• Bank statements
• ID and proof of address
• Evidence of your deposit

4. Instruct A Solicitor

Jigsaw Independent has access to over 25 solicitors and will make sure that you get a fair price for your conveyancing

We take care of the application on your behalf and keep everything organised, so you don’t have to worry about missing details.

5. Valuation And Underwriting

The lender will arrange a valuation to confirm the property is worth the price you’re paying. Their underwriting team will then review your documents and application in detail.

Once everything is approved, you’ll receive your formal mortgage offer, the final confirmation that your mortgage has been agreed. After that, your solicitor will handle the legal work, making sure the contracts are fair and the searches are all ok. Once they have the searches, contract and the mortgage offer, you are ready to exchange contracts. This is when the seller is legally obliged to sell, and you are legally obliged to buy. Generally, one week after the exchange, you will complete, and this is when you will get your keys to your new home :)

Helpful Tips For First-Time Buyers

A few small steps can make a big difference:

• Avoid new loans or credit cards while your mortgage is being processed.
• Budget for extra costs such as Stamp Duty (if applicable), surveys, legal fees and moving costs. Jigsaw Independent will explain all these to you, and where we can, we will reduce these costs
• Explore government schemes, such as the First Homes Scheme or Shared Ownership, which can help you buy with a smaller deposit or reduced purchase price.
• Keep communication open. If anything changes with your income or spending, tell us early so we can guide you.

Ready To Start Your First-Time Buyer Journey?

Getting your first mortgage doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right guidance and a clear plan, you can move forward with confidence, knowing every step is handled properly.

If you’re ready to take the first step or simply want friendly, honest advice, contact us. We’re here to make the entire process easier, clearer, and stress-free from start to finish.

​Image source: Canva