Buying your first home in London is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. We give you honest, expert advice — telling you exactly what you can borrow, which lenders will accept you, and how to get the best possible rate for your situation.
Every buyer's situation is different. We are not a tick-box service. Here are the specific circumstances we deal with every day — and get approved.
The size of your deposit is one of the biggest factors in determining your mortgage rate. A larger deposit means a lower loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which opens up better rates and more lenders. But even a 5% deposit is enough to get started.
In London, where property prices are higher, even a modest deposit represents a significant sum. We help you understand exactly what is achievable with what you have saved — and whether it makes sense to wait and save more, or buy now.
| 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 |
Based on first-time buyers we helped in 2024 across London and Essex.
No complicated forms to fill in before speaking to someone. You call us, we take it from there.
We start with a relaxed conversation about your situation. How much have you saved? What is your income? Are you buying alone or with a partner? Are you looking at a specific area? We get the full picture, explain your options clearly, and tell you exactly what you can realistically borrow.
A Decision in Principle (also called an Agreement in Principle or Mortgage in Principle) is a written confirmation from a lender that they are willing to lend you a specific amount, subject to full application. Estate agents take first-time buyers much more seriously when they have one. We get this for you quickly — usually within 24 hours of our first call.
Once a seller accepts your offer, we submit your full mortgage application. We prepare all the documents, liaise with the lender on your behalf, respond to any queries they have, and keep you updated throughout. You do not need to deal with the lender directly at all — that is our job.
The period between application and completion is where many purchases fall apart due to poor communication. 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 before it becomes a crisis.
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. Many of our clients become repeat clients when they later remortgage or buy their next home — because they know how we work.
Questions we hear every week. If yours is not here, call us and ask — we will give you a straight answer.
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 salary. Your deposit size, existing financial commitments, and credit history all affect the final figure. The best way to find out your exact number is to speak to us — we give you a realistic figure within the first 20 minutes of a conversation.
A Decision in Principle (DIP) is a preliminary assessment from a lender confirming they would be willing to lend you a certain amount, based on basic information. It is not a guarantee, but it is enough for estate agents to take you seriously. A full mortgage application happens once you have had an offer accepted on a property — this is when the lender does a thorough check of your documents, income, and credit history. 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 from the person providing the funds, confirming it is a gift and not a loan. We provide you with the correct template for whichever lender we are applying to. There is no set maximum amount for a gifted deposit — it can be the entire deposit if the lender accepts it.
In most cases no — and we frequently save clients money. Our initial consultation and recommendation are free. If you proceed to a full application, our typical fee is £500. However, the rate we find you versus what your bank offers 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 original Help to Buy equity loan ended in March 2023. The main schemes currently available are: Shared Ownership (buy a share of between 10% and 75% of a property and pay rent on the rest), First Homes (new build properties sold at a minimum 30% discount to eligible first time buyers), and the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme (enables lenders to offer 95% LTV mortgages). We advise on which scheme is appropriate for your situation.
First time buyers benefit from Stamp Duty Land Tax relief. Currently, first time buyers pay no SDLT on the first £425,000 of a property's value (if the property costs £625,000 or less). On the portion between £425,000 and £625,000 you pay 5%. Properties over £625,000 do not qualify for first time buyer relief. Use our Stamp Duty Calculator for an instant estimate.
Speak directly with Jagpal — no call centres, no waiting. Your initial consultation is completely free.
Free consultation. No obligation. Most first-time buyers are surprised by how achievable it is once they actually speak to someone.
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