First-time buyers: Get the right advice

Of course, we’re going to say that – it’s what we do! We’ll review your circumstances and look at your income, debt, day-to-day outgoings, employment and the size of your deposit, to assess what you can afford to borrow now and in the future. We’ll talk you through the types of mortgages we think are right for you and the lenders who offer them.

There are many types of mortgages, and choosing the right one depends on your circumstances. We’ll explain the differences between:

• Fixed-rate mortgages – Ideal for those who prefer stability, as your interest rate stays the same for a set period.
• Variable-rate mortgages – These can fluctuate, meaning your payments may go up or down.
• Tracker mortgages – Linked to the Bank of England base rate, so your payments move with interest rate changes.
• Offset mortgages – Let you use savings to reduce interest costs, ideal if you have cash reserves.

Buying a home comes with additional expenses beyond the mortgage itself, such as stamp duty (if applicable), legal fees, survey costs, and insurance. We’ll help you budget for these so there are no surprises down the line.