FCA Regulated · UK Whole of Market Advisers

First-Time Buyer Mortgages
Buying Your First Home?

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many mortgage options, costs, and lender requirements, it is important to understand the process and what to expect.

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First-Time Buyer mortgages and advice

What First-Time Buyers Need to Consider

At Mather & Murray Financial, our independent mortgage advisers provide expert guidance to help first-time buyers navigate the mortgage market with confidence. We search the whole market to find the best mortgage deal suited to your financial circumstances, making the home-buying journey as smooth as possible.

Before looking at properties, you need to understand how much you can borrow and what lenders will assess:

Your income, including salary, bonuses, or freelance earnings.
Your monthly expenses, such as credit cards, loans, and bills.
Your deposit amount, typically at least 5–10% of the property value.

A larger deposit can often secure a better mortgage rate, meaning lower monthly repayments.

Speak to one of our mortgage advisers to find out what deals you qualify for.

Buying a home involves more than just a deposit. There are additional costs to consider, including:

Mortgage arrangement fee – Some lenders charge a fee when setting up the mortgage.
Solicitor’s fees – The legal costs of handling your property purchase.
Survey fees – A professional inspection of the property’s condition.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) – First-time buyers pay no stamp duty on properties up to £425,000. This is reducing to £300,000 on 6th April 2025.
Furniture and decorating costs – Making your new house a home.
Moving costs – Hiring movers or renting a van.

We provide clear cost breakdowns, so you know exactly what to expect before committing.

First-time buyers have access to different types of mortgages, each with its own benefits.

Some of the most common mortgage types include:

Fixed-Rate Mortgages – The interest rate remains the same for a set period, making monthly payments predictable.
Tracker Mortgages – The interest rate follows the Bank of England base rate, meaning payments can fluctuate.
Discount Mortgages – Offers a lower interest rate for an initial period before switching to the lender’s standard rate.
Government Schemes – Options such as Shared Ownership and First Homes Scheme help buyers with smaller deposits.

Not sure which mortgage is right for you? We explain everything clearly and help you choose the best option for your needs.

Ready to get started?...

Why Mather & Murray

Step-by-Step First-Time Buyer Mortgage Process

Free Initial Consultation
Book a consultation with one of our independent mortgage advisers, where we will:

Assess how much you can borrow.
Discuss your deposit amount and monthly budget.
Explain the different mortgage options available.

Agreement in Principle (AIP)
Once we have assessed your situation, we will help you secure an Agreement in Principle (AIP) from a lender. This document shows sellers and estate agents that you are a serious buyer and gives an estimate of how much you can borrow.

Mortgage Application
We handle the entire mortgage application process, liaising with lenders, solicitors, and surveyors to ensure a smooth transaction.

Mortgage Offer & Completion
Once approved, you will receive a formal mortgage offer, allowing you to complete your purchase and move into your new home.

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

Get in touch

Start your free consultation

There's no obligation and no cost to your initial consultation. Simply fill in the form and one of our advisers will be in touch, usually within one working day.

Phone

01793 261626

info@matherandmurray.co.uk

Office hours

Mon–Fri 9am–5pm

Address

The Old Police Station, 91 High St, Cricklade, Swindon SN6 6DF

How Mather & Murray Financial Helps First-Time Buyers

Whole-of-Market Access

We compare thousands of mortgage deals to find the best one for you

Expert Guidance

We provide step-by-step support, ensuring you understand every stage of the process.

Exclusive Mortgage Deals

We access first-time buyer offers that may not be available on the high street.

Transparent Advice

We make sure you understand all costs upfront, avoiding any hidden surprises.

Local & Nationwide Appointments

Visit us at our Swindon office or book an online consultation.

First-Time Buyer Questions - Expert First-Time Buyer Mortgage Advice

Buying your first home is a big step, but with the right advice, it does not have to be stressful.

At Mather & Murray Financial, we provide independent, whole-of-market mortgage advice, helping first-time buyers find the best mortgage deal and guiding them through every step of the process.