How it works

Buying your first home can be daunting to say the least: it’s a huge step forward in your life, on a par with passing your driving test, getting married or having a baby. We’re here to help! Information brings peace of mind so here’s a summary of what to expect when applying for a mortgage.

Budget

Before you start looking at houses, it’s important to know what you can afford. This means establishing a rough idea of the amount of money you can afford to pay every month on a mortgage, coupled with monthly maintenance costs - property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla can help. The minimum deposit you’ll need to get a mortgage is 5% of the property’s price: use a mortgage calculator to determine how much you could borrow based on your income.

Are you ready?

To secure a mortgage you’ll need to appeal to lenders. The better your financial situation, the more willing a lender will be to grant you a mortgage. That typically means having a good credit score.

If you have a poor credit score, you may need to spend time improving it. Simple things like paying off debts, having a regular income and paying bills on time will go a long way to reassuring a lender that a mortgage will be affordable for you.

Finding a mortgage

Once you’ve budgeted and established you can afford a home, you’ll need to find a mortgage. This is where a broker can cut through the noise and find a mortgage that best matches your situation. You’ll need to decide whether you want a fixed-rate, tracker, or discount mortgage. Each comes with its pros and cons so its worth spending time doing your research. Alternatively, ask your broker. The big thing to avoid is simply walking into your bank and asking for a loan; it’s a competitive market and it pays to shop around.

Prepare paperwork

To apply for a mortgage, you may need proof of ID, details of your employment and up to six months’ bank statements. Your broker will take care of all dealings with the lender and will need to see originals of all thosedocuments.

Specialist mortgages

Sometimes your circumstances make it harder for you to secure a mortgage or you might need some help getting on the property ladder. This might mean that a specialist mortgage is your best option.