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Specialist mortgages designed for first-time property buyers, often with lower deposit requirements, government schemes, and additional support. These mortgages help new buyers enter the property market.
First-time buyer mortgages are designed for people purchasing their first home in the UK. Government schemes such as the Lifetime ISA and shared ownership can help with deposits, and some lenders offer products with as little as 5% deposit for eligible first-time buyers.
Discuss your financial situation and mortgage needs
Get a conditional mortgage offer based on basic checks
Submit detailed financial documents and forms
Lender arranges property survey and valuation
Lender reviews application and issues formal offer
Legal work completed and funds transferred
Lender product fee
Property survey
Conveyancing costs
Advice and arrangement
Fees vary by lender. Advisers provide a breakdown before you proceed. Mortgage118 does not quote fees.
Practical guides and explainers from our blog — relevant to this mortgage type.

First-time buyers’ share of mortgage lending has declined, raising questions about the effectiveness of current support measures.

Shared ownership can ease home buying, but ongoing costs matter. Understand the implications of lower stakes and rental liabilities.

The LISA has enabled £67.5 billion in first-time buyer purchases, aiding over 417,000 buyers in overcoming deposit challenges.

Gable Mortgages joins Twenty7tec, enhancing access to zero-deposit mortgages for borrowers struggling to save for a deposit.

Research shows that 18% of Gen Z aren’t saving for home deposits, raising concerns for the housing market.

Ecology Building Society launches a new mortgage for Scotland’s First Homes Fund, aiding first-time buyers with significant government support.
Last reviewed: March 2026. Mortgage118 is a directory of FCA-authorised advisers, not a lender. We do not publish live rates. Confirm criteria with an authorised broker before you apply.
Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial advice.Always verify details directly and seek independent advice before making financial decisions.
1,287 first time buyer brokers in this directory
| # | Broker | Verified | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bee Motion Mortgages | 5.0 (355) | |
| 2 | The Mortgage Clinic | 5.0 (335) | |
| 3 | JF Financial Solutions | 5.0 (133) | |
| 4 | Swindon Property Group | 5.0 (89) | |
| 5 | Hornsea Mortgage Brokers Limited | 5.0 (63) | |
| 6 | Every Family Finance | 5.0 (49) | |
| 7 | Nubo Mortgages | 5.0 (13) | |
| 8 | Riach Financial LTD | 5.0 (10) | |
| 9 | Cyborg Finance | 5.0 (8) | |
| 10 | McDowell Financial Services Ltd | 5.0 (4) |
Showing 10 of 1,287 brokers. Compare the full shortlist.
First-time buyers can typically get mortgages with deposits as low as 5% of the property value, though 10% is more common. Some government schemes may allow even lower deposits with additional support.
First-time buyers can access schemes like Help to Buy, Shared Ownership, and First Homes. These schemes can help with deposits and make homeownership more affordable.
If you've inherited a property, you may not qualify as a first-time buyer for certain schemes and products. However, you may still be eligible for first-time buyer mortgages depending on the lender's criteria.
No, first-time buyer mortgages are typically for residential properties only. Buy-to-let mortgages have different criteria and are not usually available to first-time buyers.
You'll need proof of income, bank statements, identification, and proof of deposit. Your broker will provide a comprehensive checklist of all required documents.
Help to Buy is a government scheme that provides an equity loan of up to 20% (40% in London) of the property value, allowing you to buy with just a 5% deposit. The loan is interest-free for the first 5 years.
Yes, many lenders offer 95% loan-to-value mortgages for first-time buyers, though you may need to pay higher interest rates and potentially higher fees. Government schemes can also help with smaller deposits.
Shared Ownership allows you to buy a share of a property (usually 25-75%) and pay rent on the remaining share. You can gradually increase your ownership over time through a process called 'staircasing'.
Not necessarily, though some lenders may require a guarantor if you have a small deposit or limited income. Guarantors are typically family members who agree to cover payments if you can't.
Most lenders have minimum age requirements (usually 18-21) and maximum age limits (typically 70-75 at application). Some lenders may offer longer terms for younger borrowers.