Mortgage for First Time Buyers

Step 1

Book a free call or in person meeting

We start with a simple question and answer session to understand where you're at, no pressure, no jargon. We'll ask a few key questions about your income, deposit, and credit history and answers all the questions you will have.

Step 1

Step 2

Financial reality check- Can you do what you want to?

We help you understand how much you can realistically borrow and what’s affordable for your lifestyle. We’ll explain deposit options, government schemes, monthly repayments, and the costs people often forget, like solicitor fees, stamp duty and surveys.

Step 2

Step 3

Agreement in principle/ Mortgage in principle

We’ll arrange a decision (mortgage) in principle, giving you a clear idea of your budget and the confidence to book viewings. Many estate agents won't let you book a viewing without one.

Step 3

Step 4

Property search & negotiation support

This is where Jigaw Independent really is unique. You choose the home you love and then let Jigsaw use their combined experience of over 100 years to deal with the estate agent and get an offer accepted at the lowest possible price. This is often where we save clients the most money. We'll even advise what to keep private when dealing with estate agents. Remember - the estate agent works for the seller and Jigsaw Independent works for you. We want them to know you can afford the property but we DO NOT want them to know the most you can afford or they will push the price up.

Step 4

Step 5

Full mortgage application

Once we have got your offer is accepted, we handle the paperwork and deal with the lender, keeping you informed throughout. We make the process as simple and stress free as possible. You deal with Jigsaw and Jigsaw will deal with eveything else.

Step 5

Step 6

Solicitors and surveys

We can introduce you to trusted solicitors for the conveyancing and recommend the right surveyors if you need or want a better survey arranging for your new home

Step 6

Fixed-rate mortgage

Your monthly payments stay the same for a set period (usually 2–5 years)

Tracker mortgage

Follows the Bank of England base rate; payments can rise or fall

Shared ownership

You buy a percentage of the home and pay rent on the rest

Help to buy (if eligible)

Your monthly payments stay the same for a set period (usually 2–5 years)

Common questions from first-time buyers

This depends on your income, debts, and credit profile. We’ll work this out together in your fact-finding.

Usually at least 5% of the property value, but more gives you better rates.

Possibly! We work with lenders who specialise in low credit scores or complex situations.

Solicitor fees, valuation costs, moving fees, protection insurance, and possibly stamp duty (though most first-time buyers are exempt below £425,000).

Our fees are simple and explained upfront, and we only move forward if we can help you.

We aim to get your mortgage in principle within 48 hours of your appointment.

Find out what you can afford in minutes

Get clarity before you start house hunting

Understanding what you can realistically afford is the first step towards a stress-free home-buying journey. Our affordability tool gives you a quick, realistic estimate of how much you may be able to borrow, based on your income, outgoings, and deposit.

A quick check, with no impact on your credit score

The tool is completely free to use, takes just a couple of minutes, and won’t affect your credit score — so you can explore your options with confidence and no pressure.

Plan with confidence, whatever your next step

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving home, or simply exploring what’s possible, this check helps you set a clear budget, focus on the right properties, and avoid unwelcome surprises later on.

Rate match guarantee

You won't find a better deal anywhere else and if you do we will pay the difference!

Your first home starts here

How we help first-time buyers