
How we will help you buy your first home
Getting your first mortgage involves more than finding a competitive interest rate. Different lenders have different rules about income, deposits, employment and affordability and the mortgage available to you will depend on your circumstances.
We’ll do the research and deal with the lenders, so you don’t have to work through all the options yourself.
Your dedicated mortgage adviser will:
- Establish your budget. We’ll review your income, deposit and existing commitments to help you understand what you can afford.
- Find lenders suited to your circumstances. We’ll look at lender criteria, including how they assess your income, employment and deposit.
- Explain your mortgage options. We’ll compare mortgages from across the market, including rates, fees and overall costs and recommend one that meets your needs.
- Help you get ready to buy. We’ll arrange an Agreement in Principle (AIP) when appropriate and explain what you need for your mortgage application.
- Take care of the application. We’ll submit your mortgage application, liaise with the lender and deal with any additional information they request.
- Support you through to completion. We’ll keep you informed as your purchase progresses and work with the relevant parties to help keep your mortgage on track.
Your Mortgage Expert will provide you with a dedicated adviser who will take the time to get to know you and will be there to answer your questions throughout the process.

How much can you borrow for your first mortgage?
Before you start making offers on properties, it’s important to understand how much you can borrow and what your monthly mortgage payments will look like.
We’ll help you establish a realistic budget based on your income, deposit, financial commitments and the mortgage options available to you.
Mortgage lenders assess affordability differently. Some will take into account income such as overtime, bonuses or commission, while others have different requirements for self employed applicants or those with more complicated earnings.
We’ll identify lenders whose criteria suit your circumstances and explain how much you can borrow, what your repayments will be and the costs you’ll need to budget for.
How much deposit will you need?
You don’t necessarily need a large deposit to buy your first home. Mortgages with a 5% deposit are available, although the amount you need will depend on the property, your circumstances and the mortgage you qualify for.
We’ll review the deposit you have saved, including any financial help from family and explain which mortgage options suit you.
We’ll also help you understand the other costs involved in buying your first home, so you can plan your purchase without overlooking expenses such as legal fees, surveys and moving costs.
Already have a deposit saved? Speak to us and we will help you establish your next steps.

Already found your first home? We’ll help you get your mortgage sorted.
If you’ve found a property you want to buy, we’ll help you sort your mortgage application.
Whether you’ve already had an offer accepted, need an Agreement in Principle or want to establish what you can borrow before making an offer, your dedicated mortgage adviser will help you with the next steps.
We’ll check your circumstances against lender criteria, recommend a suitable mortgage and explain what documents you need to provide.
Once you’re ready to proceed, we’ll submit your application, deal directly with the lender and keep you updated as your mortgage progresses.
We will also liaise with your solicitor and other property professionals, helping you keep track of the mortgage process through to completion.
You don’t need to have everything organised before contacting us. We’ll explain what’s needed and help you get started.

Your first time buyer mortgage journey with us
When you choose Your Mortgage Expert, you will have a dedicated mortgage adviser who will guide you through the mortgage process, from your first conversation through to completion.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with us.
1. Your initial mortgage consultation
We will discuss your plans, income, deposit and financial commitments to understand your circumstances and what you want to achieve. Your initial consultation is free, with no obligation to proceed.
2. Establishing your borrowing options
We will assess your affordability, identify suitable lenders and explain your borrowing options. We will also arrange an Agreement in Principle when appropriate, helping you understand your position before making an offer.
3. Finding the mortgage for you
Once you have found a property, we will review the mortgage options available to you, compare the overall costs and recommend a mortgage based on your circumstances.
4. Preparing and submitting your application
We’ll explain which documents are required, prepare your mortgage application and submit it to the lender. We will deal with lender queries and requests for additional information on your behalf.
5. Managing your mortgage offer
Our team will monitor the progress of your application, keep you informed and explain the next steps once your mortgage offer has been issued. We will also liaise with your solicitor where needed.
6. Supporting you through to completion
We will remain available throughout the final stages of your purchase, helping with mortgage related queries and keeping you updated until your purchase completes.
More first time buyer mortgage advice
Every first time buyer’s circumstances are different. Whether you want to understand the costs of buying a home, explore your deposit options or find out how lenders assess more complicated income, these guides provide further information. You can also speak directly to our mortgage advisers for advice tailored to your circumstances.
Getting ready to buy
Deposits and property types

First time buyer mortgage options and schemes
Not every first time buyer has the same financial circumstances. You might have a smaller deposit, receive financial help from your family or need a mortgage that takes account of your particular employment or income.
We’ll assess your circumstances and help you understand which mortgage options and schemes could be suitable for you.
95% mortgages
If you have saved a 5% deposit, we will look at lenders offering 95% mortgages and assess whether you meet their affordability and lending criteria.
Find out more about 95% mortgages
Gifted deposits and family support
If your parents or another family member are helping with your deposit, we will identify lenders that accept gifted deposits and explain what evidence they require.
We can also advise on options such as Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor mortgages, where a family member’s income can help support an application without them necessarily owning the property.
Find out more about gifted deposits and family assisted mortgages
Shared ownership mortgages
If you’re considering buying a share of a property through a shared ownership scheme, we will help you understand the mortgage requirements and find lenders that offer suitable shared ownership mortgages.
We’ll also explain how the rent and other property costs are considered when assessing affordability.
Find out more about shared ownership mortgages
Self employed and complex income mortgages
If you’re self employed, work as a contractor or receive income from several sources, we will identify lenders whose criteria suit the way you earn.
We will explain what income evidence is required and how different lenders may assess your application.
Find out more about self employed mortgage advice
Not sure which option is right for you? Speak to our team and we will help you understand what is available based on your circumstances.

Why choose Your Mortgage Expert for your first mortgage?
Choosing your first mortgage adviser is an important decision. At Your Mortgage Expert, we combine experienced, personal mortgage advice with a straightforward approach to helping you buy your first home.
Here are some of the reasons first time buyers choose us:
Experienced mortgage advisers
We’ve been helping people with their mortgages since 2015. Our advisers have experience working with first time buyers across a wide range of circumstances, including those with smaller deposits, self employed income or more complicated financial arrangements.
A dedicated adviser from start to finish
You’ll have a dedicated mortgage adviser who will get to know your circumstances and remain your main point of contact throughout your mortgage application. You’ll know who to speak to when you have questions or need an update.
Highly rated by our customers
We’re proud to have received more than 200 five star Google reviews. Our customer feedback reflects the importance we place on providing clear advice, good communication and a personal service.
Mortgage advice wherever you live in the UK
Our office is based in Salisbury, Wiltshire, but we help first time buyers across the UK. You can speak to our advisers by telephone or video call, with face-to-face appointments also available at our Salisbury office.
Clear advice and transparent fees
We’ll explain our recommendations in plain English, including the mortgage costs and any fees involved. Your initial consultation is free, and we’ll explain any other fees before you decide whether to proceed.
Ready to take the next step towards buying your first home? Book a free initial chat with one of our mortgage advisers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I borrow as a first time buyer?
What deposit do I need?
What is an Agreement in Principle (AIP)?
What fees should I budget for as a first time buyer?
How long does a first time buyer mortgage take?
Should I speak to a mortgage broker before viewing properties?
Can a mortgage broker help me save money?
Can you help if I only have a small deposit?
Can you help make the first time buyer process easier?
This page was last updated in October 2026
A MORTGAGE IS A LOAN SECURED AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
Buy to Let mortgages and Commercial Lending are not usually regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

