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First Time Buyer

” Your home may be repossessed if you do not to keep up your repayments on a mortgage “

Am I Classed As A First Time Buyer?

The term First Time Buyer describes anyone who is planning to buy their first home, which is intended as a primary residence. Whilst it’s been notoriously difficult in recent years for a First Time Buyer to get a mortgage, knowledge and preparation can be key in securing a competitive offer and getting on the housing ladder.

Do I Need An Agreement/ Decision In Principle?

Although not a requirement, an Agreement in Principle (AIP) can be very beneficial to First Time Buyers. Put simply, an AIP is a conditional mortgage offer from a lender, prior to your full application. Obtaining an AIP prior to making an offer on a property can help to convince the vendor that you’re a serious buyer. Some vendors can be reluctant to accept offers from a First Time Buyer, so this can increase the chance that your offer is considered and accepted.

How Much Can I Borrow As A First Time Buyer?

Being a First Time Buyer in itself shouldn’t impact the loan amount you are offered. As with other applicants, your loan is based upon your financial circumstances and credit score. Whilst the offers will vary from lender to lender, those with a higher income and stronger credit score will be offered higher value mortgages.

How Can Improving My Credit Score Help?

Your credit score has an impact on both the amount a lender is willing to offer you and whether or not they accept your application at all. It’s therefore essential to ensure you are aware of your credit rating prior to making an application. You should also take any possible steps to improve it, where necessary.

How To Improve Your Credit Score

  • Make sure you appear on the electoral roll at your current address
  • Ensure your current address is correct on all of your accounts
  • If you have any current credit agreements, stay within 50% of your available credit amount
  • Make full and timely payments on all accounts held in your name
  • If you have a low score due to a lack of credit, special credit builder credit cards can be helpful

How Much Deposit Do I Need?

It’s not unusual for lenders to ask for a higher deposit from First Time Buyers. On a standard residential mortgage you should expect to need a deposit of between 10% and 20% of the cost of the property you want to buy.

For those unable to meet higher deposit requirements, there are government schemes available which only require 5% deposit and are aimed at helping First Time Buyers get onto the property ladder.

Do you dream of buying a home one day, you know you can afford the mortgage repayments because they would be less than you’re paying in rent, but saving up the deposit is virtually impossible.

More mortgage lenders will be offering 95% LTV mortgages as banks and building societies pledge their commitment to the scheme.

Read on to find out how this new scheme could benefit you and your family, and how we can help you find the right 5% deposit mortgage to suit you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a good credit history to obtain a 95% Mortgage?

  • Yes, these mortgages are only available to borrowers who have a good credit rating.

How to improve my credit rating?

There are lots of ways to improve your credit rating.  Here are a few:

  • Check your credit score with one of the well-known credit agencies.
  • Pay off any debts on your file and ask previous creditors to remove old paid-up debt.
  • Make sure your name and address are correct on the electoral roll.
  • Pay all your bills via direct debit so you can’t make a late payment.

What other fees will I need to pay?

It’s important to factor in the following costs in addition to your mortgage deposit.

 Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)   – See HMRC Website for latest

Arrangement Fees

Mortgage lenders will ordinarily charge a fee for the arrangement of the mortgage. The amount varies from lender to lender and some offer no arrangement fees.

Valuation Fees

Mortgage lenders require that you have your chosen property independently valued and, again, these fees will vary.

Legal Fees

There are a range of legal fees payable during the mortgage application process, such as conveyancing and local authority searches. You will need to appoint a solicitor to carry out these functions.

Broker Administration Fee

Our mortgage admin fee range from £199 for standard mortgage applications through to £795 for more complex applications, including ex-pat and adverse credit.

How Can Mortgage-Helper.co.uk Help First Time Buyers?

Buying your first home is a huge responsibility, with long lasting consequences. Obtaining the type of mortgage best suited to your needs can be challenging and most First Time Buyers will find using a qualified and experienced Mortgage adviser reassuring.

Mortgage Brokers have access to products not available on the high street and exclusive deals which enables them access to mortgage deals that you may not otherwise find. They can also advise you which lenders are most likely to accept your application before applying for a mortgage. This will save time, money and potential disappointment of a rejected application.

We are also able to do a FULL FREE REVIEW of your protection, including life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection. We will work in hours to suit you, so please get in touch with us today!

Why use Mortgage-Helper.co.uk

  • We’re CeMAP qualified advisers with a wealth of experience and knowledge to offer
  • We work around you and your hectic lifestyle
  • We’re here to make the mortgage journey easier from start to completion
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