
Buying your first home should be exciting, not overwhelming. As a mortgage broker, I'll guide you through the process step-by-step.
✔ Friendly mortgage advice
✔ Support from offer to completion
✔ Available evenings and weekends
Buying your first home can feel like a lot to figure out.
Most first time buyers I speak to aren’t sure where to begin — and that’s completely normal.
I’m always happy to answer questions, even if you're just starting to think about buying your first home.
There’s no obligation and no pressure — just helpful advice.
We'll review your income, deposit and monthly commitments to understand what you can comfortably afford.
I search across a wide range of lenders to find a mortgage that suits your situation. I’ll explain the options clearly so you can choose with confidence.
From your first viewing to getting the keys, I’ll guide you through the process. I’m always available for questions and can even set up a WhatsApp group with you and the estate agent to keep things moving.
Buying your first home is an exciting step, but understanding how mortgages work can feel overwhelming at the start. As a mortgage broker, I specialise in helping first time buyers understand their options and secure a mortgage that suits their circumstances.
Whether you're wondering how much you may be able to borrow, how much deposit you might need, or what lenders look for when assessing an application, I can guide you through the process step by step.
I work with a wide range of lenders to help find competitive mortgage options for first time buyers, making the process as clear and straightforward as possible.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
First-time buyers in England may benefit from stamp duty relief. You usually won’t pay stamp duty on the first £425,000 of a property purchase, as long as the property price is £625,000 or less. If the purchase price is above this, standard stamp duty rates may apply.
Solicitor / Conveyancing Fees
A solicitor or conveyancer handles the legal work involved in buying a property, including contracts and transferring ownership.
Property Survey
A survey checks the condition of the property and can highlight any potential issues before you complete the purchase.
Mortgage Fees
Some mortgages include arrangement fees or valuation fees depending on the lender and product you choose.
Moving Costs
You may also want to budget for removal services, furniture, and other moving-related expenses.
I can help you understand all of these costs early in the process so there are no surprises later on.
How much deposit do I need to buy my first home?
Most lenders require at least a 5% deposit, although having a larger deposit can improve the mortgage rates available.
How much can I borrow as a first time buyer?
As a rough guide, many lenders will offer around 4 to 4.5 times your income, although this can vary depending on your circumstances. Lenders will also look at things like your monthly commitments, credit history, deposit, and overall affordability.
What is a mortgage agreement in principle?
An agreement in principle is an initial indication from a lender showing how much you may be able to borrow before you start making offers on properties.
Do I need a mortgage broker as a first time buyer?
Many first time buyers choose to use a mortgage broker because the process can feel complicated. A broker can explain your options, compare lenders and guide you through the application.
What credit score do I need to get a mortgage?
Mortgage lenders look at your overall credit history rather than a single score. Even if your credit history isn't perfect, there may still be mortgage options available depending on your circumstances.

Buying your first home is a big step, but you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
If you're thinking about buying or just want to understand your options, I’d be happy to help.
Book a Free Initial Consultation
No pressure, no obligation — just helpful advice.
Simon Thornton Mortgages
Bournemouth, Dorset
Simon Thornton T/A Simon Thornton Mortgages is an Appointed Representative
of Connect IFA Limited 441505 which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is
entered on the Financial Services Register (Simon Thornton) under reference 1052764
The FCA do not regulate some forms of Business Buy to Let Mortgages and Commercial Mortgages to Limited
Companies.
Principle- Simon Thornton.
The information contained within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at
consumers based in the UK.
Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
There will be a fee for mortgage advice, the
precise amount will depend upon your circumstances. Your
Consultant will confirm the amount before you choose to
proceed but we estimate it to be £295.
We are a credit broker and not a lender. We have access to an extensive range of lenders. Once we have
assessed your needs, we will recommend a lender(s) that provides suitable products to meet your personal circumstances and
requirements, though you are not obliged to take our advice or recommendation. Whichever lender we introduce you to, we will
typically receive commission from them after completion of the transaction. The amount of commission we receive will normally be a
fixed percentage of the amount you borrow from the lender. Commission paid to us may vary in amount depending on the lender
and product. The lenders we work with pay commission at different rates. However, the amount of commission that we receive from
a lender does not have an effect on the amount that you pay to that lender under your credit agreement.
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