FIRST-TIME BUYER MORTGAGES
Helping You Buy Your First Home With Confidence
Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones, but it doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. We’ll explain every step clearly, answer your questions and help you find a mortgage that’s right for your circumstances.
Based in Dorset, providing mortgage and protection advice to clients across the UK by telephone, video and face-to-face appointments.
Advising Clients UK-Wide
Telephone, Video & Face-to-Face
YOUR HOME BUYING JOURNEY
Supporting You Every Step Of The Way
From your first questions through to collecting the keys to your new home, we'll guide you through the mortgage process with clear advice and ongoing support.
Understand your budget
We'll discuss your income, deposit and future plans to understand what may be affordable.
Find the right mortgage
We'll search our comprehensive lender panel and recommend a mortgage that's suitable for your circumstances.
Guide your application
We'll explain the paperwork, help prepare your application and keep you informed throughout the process.
Celebrate your new home
We'll support you through to completion so you can focus on collecting the keys and enjoying your first home.
FIRST HOME JOURNEY
Your First Home Buying Journey
Buying your first home does not have to feel overwhelming. Breaking the process into clear stages helps you understand what happens next and when you may need to make decisions.
Save Your Deposit
Understand how much deposit you may need and start planning your budget.
Mortgage Review
We’ll discuss your circumstances and explain your mortgage options.
Agreement in Principle
This may help show estate agents and sellers that you are in a position to proceed.
Start Viewing Homes
Begin looking for properties that fit your budget, needs and plans.
Offer Accepted
Once your offer is accepted, the mortgage application process can begin.
Mortgage Application
We’ll help prepare and submit your application to the lender.
Mortgage Offer
If your application is successful, the lender will issue a formal mortgage offer.
Exchange of Contracts
Your solicitor completes the legal work and contracts are exchanged.
Collect Your Keys
Completion day arrives and you collect the keys to your first home.
Every journey is different
Some purchases move more quickly than others, but we’ll guide you through each stage, explain what is happening and keep you updated throughout the process.
FIRST-TIME BUYER COSTS
Costs To Budget For
When buying your first home, it is important to understand the wider costs involved. Planning ahead can help you set a realistic budget before you start viewing properties.
Deposit
Your deposit is usually the biggest upfront cost and can influence the range of mortgages available.
Typical examples: deposit amount, reservation fee where applicableSolicitor / Conveyancing
A solicitor or licensed conveyancer will carry out the legal work involved in buying your home.
Typical examples: conveyancing, searches, Land Registry feesSurvey
Depending on the property, you may choose to arrange a survey for additional peace of mind.
Typical examples: HomeBuyer Survey, Building SurveyMortgage Fees
Some mortgages include arrangement fees or other costs. We’ll explain these clearly when discussing your options.
Typical examples: arrangement fee, valuation fee where applicableMoving Costs
Remember to budget for removal companies, packing materials and other moving-day expenses.
Typical examples: removals, storage, packing materialsFurnishing Your Home
Many first-time buyers also need to budget for furniture, appliances or decorating after moving in.
Typical examples: furniture, appliances, decoratingPlanning ahead makes budgeting easier
Understanding the likely costs before you start looking at properties can help you set realistic expectations and reduce surprises later in the process.
FIRST-TIME BUYER CHECKLIST
Getting Your Documents Ready
Having your documents ready before your application begins can help keep your mortgage moving smoothly. We’ll explain exactly what your chosen lender is likely to require and help you prepare everything in advance.
Proof of Identity
Documents such as a passport or driving licence may be needed to verify who you are.
Proof of Address
Lenders may request evidence of your current address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement.
Income Evidence
This may include payslips, employment details or other income documents depending on your circumstances.
Bank Statements
Bank statements can help evidence income, regular spending and financial commitments.
Deposit Evidence
Lenders may ask to see where your deposit has come from before approving an application.
Gifted Deposit
If your deposit is being gifted, a lender may ask for confirmation from the person providing the gift.
Existing Credit Commitments
Information about loans, credit cards or other commitments may be needed as part of the affordability assessment.
We’ll explain exactly what’s needed
Every lender’s requirements can vary slightly, but we’ll guide you through the process and let you know exactly what documentation is likely to be required before your application is submitted.
WHY CHOOSE CONRAD FINANCIAL SERVICES
Why First-Time Buyers Choose Conrad Financial Services
Buying your first home is a major milestone. Our aim is to make the mortgage process clear, supportive and as stress-free as possible from the very first conversation.
We Explain Everything Clearly
No jargon, just straightforward guidance so you understand what is happening and why.
Support From Start To Finish
We’ll guide you from your first enquiry through to completion day.
Access To A Wide Range Of Lenders
We’ll help identify mortgage options that may be suitable for your circumstances.
Friendly, Approachable Advice
Ask as many questions as you need. We’re here to help you feel confident.
Help Beyond The Mortgage Offer
We’ll keep you informed as your purchase progresses towards completion.
Personal Service
You’ll deal with a real adviser who gets to know your circumstances.
Your first home is a big milestone
We’ll guide you through every stage, explain what happens next and make sure you feel confident before making important decisions.
FIRST-TIME BUYER GUIDES
Helpful Guides For Buying Your First Home
Explore practical guides covering deposits, affordability, mortgage applications and some of the decisions you may face when buying your first property.
View All First-Time Buyer Guides
First time buyer costs beyond the mortgage deposit
Learn how much deposit a first-time buyer may need, how loan-to-value affects options and what lenders may require for savings or gifted funds.
Read Guide
How much deposit does a first time buyer need?
Learn how much deposit a first-time buyer may need, how loan-to-value affects options and what lenders may require for savings or gifted funds.
Read GuideCLIENT FEEDBACK
★★★★★
Clear, Personal Advice From Start To Finish
“As first-time buyers we had no idea where to start, but Conrad Financial Services made the whole process so much easier. Everything was explained clearly, from our Agreement in Principle through to receiving our mortgage offer, and we always felt supported. Every question was answered quickly and we never felt pressured. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Conrad Financial Services to anyone looking for friendly, professional first-time buyer mortgage advice.”
First-Time Buyer Clients
FIRST-TIME BUYER QUESTIONS
Answers To The First-Time Buyer Mortgage Questions We’re Asked Most Often
Buying your first home naturally comes with lots of questions. Below are answers to some of the questions we’re most commonly asked by first-time buyers. If you’d like advice tailored to your own circumstances, we’re always happy to help.
Ask Us About First-Time Buyer Mortgages
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you through every step. Whether you’re saving your deposit, applying for an Agreement in Principle or getting ready to complete, we’ll help explain everything clearly.
Need clarity?
Need Help With Your Mortgage?
Not sure which mortgage option is right for you? Book an initial conversation and we’ll help you understand the next steps.
How much deposit do I need as a first-time buyer?
What is an Agreement in Principle?
Can I buy my first home with a gifted deposit?
Will applying for a mortgage affect my credit score?
What documents will I need?
How long does the mortgage process usually take?
How much could I borrow?
Can I buy my first home if I’m self-employed?
Do you only help first-time buyers in Dorset?
LET'S START THE CONVERSATION
Ready To Discuss Your Mortgage?
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving house, remortgaging or looking for specialist mortgage advice, send us a few details and we’ll get back to you.
- Comprehensive lender panel mortgage advice
- Telephone, video and face-to-face appointments
- Dorset based, supporting clients across the UK
- Usually respond within one working day
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Let’s Talk About Your Mortgage & Protection Plans.
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving house, remortgaging, self-employed, a company director or looking to protect your family, we’re here to help you make confident decisions.