Mortgage for first time buyers

Getting your first home shouldn’t feel like walking into the unknown. At Jigsaw, we guide you through every step with clear, honest advice, so you can move in with confidence, not confusion.

How much can I afford
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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

Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest moments, but it can also be one of the most stressful. Whether you're renting, living with family, or just starting to think about getting on the property ladder, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

We don’t just find you a mortgage. We help you secure the right mortgage for your situation, and most importantly, we help you get the keys to a home that’s right for you.

New build

How we help first-time buyers

With over 100 years of combined experience (and plenty of first-time buyers behind us), we break the process down into clear, manageable steps:

Step 1

Book a free chat

We start with a simple call to understand where you're at, no pressure, no jargon. We'll ask a few key questions about your income, deposit, and credit history.

Step 1
Step 2

Financial health check

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 and surveys.
Step 2
Step 3

Agreement in principle

We’ll arrange a decision in principle within 48 hours, giving you a clear idea of your budget and the confidence to book viewings.

Step 3
Step 4

Property search & negotiation support

You choose the home you love, we help you avoid common pitfalls and guide you on negotiating the best deal. We'll even advise what to keep private when dealing with estate agents.

Step 4
Step 5

Full mortgage application

Once your offer is accepted, we handle the paperwork and deal with the lender, keeping you informed throughout.

Step 5
Step 6

Solicitors, surveys & safety nets

We introduce you to trusted legal partners and recommend the right protection (life, critical illness, income cover) to secure your mortgage and your future.

Step 6

What makes Jigsaw different?

 We work for you, not the banks, and we always have your best interests at heart.

  Clarity at every step, no jargon, just clear answers.

  Experienced team, we've helped hundreds of buyers into their first homes.

  We treat your money like our own. Budget awareness is our priority.

  You’re not a number, you're supported from first enquiry to final key handover.

Couple touring new house

Understanding your mortgage options

We’ll explain everything, but here’s a quick guide to common mortgage types:

Fixed-rate mortgage

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

Tracker mortgage

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

Shared ownership

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

Help to buy (if eligible)

Your monthly payments stay the same for a set period (usually 2–5 years)
Help to buy (if eligible)

We’ll also talk you through how lenders assess affordability and how your credit score, income type, and job stability can affect what’s available.

Why use a mortgage expert?

You could try to figure it out online, but there’s a reason first-time buyers choose Jigsaw:

 We know what lenders want, and match you with the ones who'll say yes.

  We bust myths, like “you can’t get a mortgage with a small deposit”.

  We save you time, one application, dozens of lenders considered.

  We reduce stress, no chasing banks or guessing what to do next.

Open house viewings

Common questions from first-time buyers

How much can I borrow?

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

How much deposit do I need?

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

Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?

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

What other costs should I plan for?

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

Do you charge a fee?

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

How long does it take?

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

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Find out what you can afford in minutes

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

It’s completely free to use, doesn’t affect your credit score, and takes just a couple of minutes. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving up the ladder, or simply exploring your options, our tool can help you plan with confidence and avoid unwanted surprises later.

How much can I afford
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