Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to understand deposits, credit checks, affordability and lender criteria all at the same time. Blueberry Mortgages gives first-time buyers clear, independent, whole-of-market mortgage advice, helping you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
Whether you are buying on your own, with a partner, moving from renting, using family support or applying with a complex income, we guide you through each stage of the process. From your first enquiry to the day you collect the keys, we are here to make your first time buyer mortgage journey as straightforward as possible.
We work with a wide range of UK mortgage lenders. Some of these lenders do not deal directly with customers and are only available through mortgage brokers, giving you access to options you may not find by going direct.
What is a first time buyer mortgage?
A first time buyer mortgage is a mortgage designed for someone buying their first residential property to live in. The exact criteria vary by lender, but in most cases it means you have never owned a property before, either in the UK or elsewhere. Some lenders also offer products aimed specifically at first-time buyers, with features such as lower deposit options, cashback or flexible underwriting depending on your circumstances.
At Blueberry Mortgages, we compare first time buyer mortgage options from a wide range of lenders and explain the differences clearly. We help you understand how much deposit you may need, what lenders look for on your credit file, how affordability is assessed and what steps are involved before you make an offer on a property.
How much can a first-time buyer borrow?
How much you can borrow depends on several factors, including your income, regular outgoings, credit commitments, deposit size and credit history. Lenders do not use one single rule for every applicant, which is why borrowing limits can vary quite a bit from one lender to another.
We assess your income and expenditure in detail, review your credit profile and search lender criteria to give you a realistic idea of your borrowing range. This can help you focus on suitable properties, avoid wasted viewings and move faster when you find the right home.
Support from Agreement in Principle to mortgage offer
For many first-time buyers, one of the most important early steps is getting an Agreement in Principle, sometimes called a Decision in Principle. This gives you and estate agents a clearer idea of what you may be able to borrow before you offer on a property.
Once you find a home, we continue to support you through the full mortgage application process. That includes recommending a suitable lender, managing the paperwork, liaising with third parties where needed and helping keep your application on track through to mortgage offer.
Start your mortgage application today!
We need to know a few things about you in order to find you the most suitable mortgage. It’s nice and easy, no complicated jargon and will take no longer than a few minutes.
Your information will not be shared and is secure. There are no credit checks involved.
If you need please contact a member of staff on 0800 520 0108.
Common first-time buyer mortgage questions, answered
What is a first time buyer mortgage?
A first time buyer mortgage is for someone buying their first home to live in. Lender criteria can vary, but it usually means you have never owned a residential property before. Blueberry Mortgages compares options from a wide range of lenders and explains which products may suit your deposit, income and credit profile.
How much deposit do I need as a first-time buyer?
The deposit you need depends on the lender and your circumstances. Many first-time buyers aim for at least 5% or 10%, but a larger deposit can sometimes give you access to more competitive mortgage rates. We can review your deposit position and show you the lenders and products that may be available to you.
How much can I borrow for my first home?
How much you can borrow depends on your income, regular spending, credit commitments, deposit size and credit history. Different lenders assess affordability in different ways, so the amount can vary. We calculate your likely borrowing range and help you understand what is realistic before you start making offers.
What is an Agreement in Principle and do I need one?
An Agreement in Principle, also known as a Decision in Principle, is an indication from a lender of how much they may be willing to lend based on some basic information. It can strengthen your position when viewing properties and making an offer. In many cases, we can help arrange this within 24 hours, depending on your circumstances and how quickly information is provided.
Can I get a first-time buyer mortgage with bad credit?
Yes, in some cases it may still be possible. If you have missed payments, defaults, CCJs or other adverse credit, your options may be more limited, but there are lenders who consider more complex cases. We review your credit file in detail and explain which lenders may be suitable based on your situation.
Why use Blueberry Mortgages instead of going direct to a bank?
Blueberry Mortgages offers independent whole-of-market mortgage advice, so we compare products from a broad range of lenders rather than just one bank. That means more choice, advice tailored to your circumstances and access to some lenders that only work through brokers. We are based in Dorchester and Poundbury, but we help clients across the UK by phone and video call.
If you prefer to contact us online please use our enquiry form
