Your first home is closer than you think
Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. We search 90+ lenders, tell you exactly what you can borrow, and guide you from first conversation to keys in hand — for free.
First time buyer situations we specialise in
Every buyer’s situation is different. Here are the specific circumstances we deal with every day.
You have a regular salary, a deposit saved, and want to know how much you can borrow. We compare the whole market and regularly beat what your bank has quoted you.
High-street banks often struggle with self-employed income. We work with lenders who understand sole traders, Ltd company directors, and contractors — in some cases just one year of accounts is sufficient.
A 5% deposit is enough to get on the ladder. If your deposit is a gift from family, we know exactly which lenders welcome gifted deposits and handle all the paperwork for you.
New build mortgages have specific quirks — shorter offer periods and fewer lenders above certain LTVs. We know which lenders specialise in new builds and how to protect you if the build is delayed.
How your deposit size affects your mortgage
The size of your deposit is one of the biggest factors in your mortgage rate. A larger deposit means a lower LTV, which opens up better rates and more lenders. But even a 5% deposit is enough to get started.
- 5% deposit — available from selected lenders
- 10% deposit — significantly more lender choice and better rates
- 15%+ deposit — access to the most competitive rates
- Gifted deposits — accepted by many lenders with the right paperwork
- Help to Buy ISA bonus — we advise on how to use this
| Deposit | LTV | Lender choice | Rate outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | 95% | Limited | Higher rates |
| 10% | 90% | Good | Competitive |
| 15% | 85% | Very good | Better rates |
| 20% | 80% | Excellent | Best rates |
| 25%+ | 75% or less | Widest choice | Lowest rates |
London first-time buyer figures
Based on buyers we helped in 2024 across London and Essex.
What happens after you call us
No complicated forms before speaking to someone. You call us — we take it from there.
Free 20-minute consultation
A relaxed conversation about your situation — income, deposit, area you are looking in, buying alone or with a partner. We explain your options and tell you exactly what you can realistically borrow. Evenings and weekends welcome.
Decision in Principle — so you can make offers immediately
A written confirmation from a lender that they are willing to lend you a specific amount. Estate agents take first-time buyers far more seriously when they have one. We get this for you quickly.
Full mortgage application — we handle all the paperwork
We prepare all the documents, liaise with the lender on your behalf, and keep you updated throughout. You do not need to deal with the lender directly — that is our job.
Chasing solicitors, surveyors and lenders so nothing falls through
We proactively chase your solicitor, the lender’s surveyor, and the lender itself to keep your purchase moving. If there is a problem, we find out early and sort it.
Completion day — you get your keys 🎉
Completion is the day the money transfers and you officially become a homeowner. We stay involved right up to this moment and are available to answer any last-minute questions.
First time buyer questions answered honestly
Questions we hear every week. If yours is not here, call us.
Most lenders offer between 4 and 4.5 times your annual gross income. Some specialist lenders go up to 5 or 5.5 times for buyers with strong profiles. As a couple it is based on your combined income. Speak to us and we will give you a realistic number within the first 20 minutes.
A Decision in Principle is a preliminary assessment from a lender confirming they would be willing to lend you a certain amount. A full mortgage application happens once you have had an offer accepted — this is when the lender checks your documents and credit history in full. We handle both stages for you.
Yes. Many lenders accept gifted deposits from parents or close family members. The lender will require a gifted deposit letter confirming it is a gift and not a loan. We provide the correct template for whichever lender we are applying to.
In most cases no — and we frequently save clients money. Our initial consultation is free. If you proceed to a full application, our typical fee is £500. However, the rate we find you often saves far more than our fee over the mortgage term. We also have access to broker-only products not available direct to consumers.
The main schemes currently available are Shared Ownership (buy a share of a property and pay rent on the rest) and First Homes (new build properties sold at a minimum 30% discount to eligible first time buyers). We advise on which scheme is appropriate for your situation.
First time buyers in England benefit from Stamp Duty Land Tax relief, meaning you pay less — or nothing at all — compared to someone who has owned a property before. The thresholds do change from time to time, so use our Stamp Duty Calculator for an up-to-date estimate, or call us and we will walk you through exactly what you would owe.
Ready to take your first step?
Free consultation. No obligation. Most first-time buyers are surprised by how achievable it is once they speak to someone who actually knows the market.
Related services
Let’s find your first home mortgage
Fill in the form and Jagpal will personally call you back, usually within a couple of hours. Free, no obligation, no jargon.
Request a free callback
Fill this in and we will get straight back to you.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances, but a typical fee would be £500. Minimum fee £250, maximum £1,500. Links Financial Services London Ltd is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England & Wales. Registered office: 18 Roneo Corner, Hornchurch, RM12 4TN.
