Expert Mortgage advice for first-time buyers
Expert Mortgage advice for first-time buyers
Expert Mortgage advice for first-time buyers
Interest rates, Home Reports, offers over, closing dates…
it's a lot to take in.
We cut through the jargon, sort out the paperwork and reduce the stress, so you can focus on the exciting parts of buying your first home.
Interest rates, Home Reports, offers over, closing dates…
it's a lot to take in.
We cut through the jargon, sort out the paperwork and reduce the stress, so you can focus on the exciting parts of buying your first home.
Interest rates, Home Reports, offers over, closing dates… it's a lot to take in.
We cut through the jargon, sort out the paperwork and reduce the stress, so you can focus on the exciting parts of buying your first home.
Explore your options
Explore your options
You voluntarily choose to provide personal details to us via this website. Personal information will be treated as confidential by us and held in accordance with GDPR May 2018 requirements. You agree that such personal information may be used to provide you with details of services and products in writing, by email or by telephone.
By submitting this information you have given your agreement to be contacted by us to discuss your mortgage requirements.
Please see our Privacy Policy for further details on how we use your information.
You voluntarily choose to provide personal details to us via this website. Personal information will be treated as confidential by us and held in accordance with GDPR May 2018 requirements. You agree that such personal information may be used to provide you with details of services and products in writing, by email or by telephone.
By submitting this information you have given your agreement to be contacted by us to discuss your mortgage requirements.
Please see our Privacy Policy for further details on how we use your information.
First Time Buyer Mortgages
First Time Buyer Mortgages
What Is a First-Time Buyer Mortgage?
What Is a First-Time Buyer Mortgage?
What Is a First-Time Buyer Mortgage?
A first-time buyer mortgage is not just one type of deal. It is a broad label for the different ways lenders support buyers getting onto the property ladder for the first time. The right fit depends on deposit, income, property, credit profile and what keeps the monthly payments comfortable over time.
A first-time buyer mortgage is not just one type of deal. It is a broad label for the different ways lenders support buyers getting onto the property ladder for the first time.
The right fit depends on deposit, income, property, credit profile and what keeps the monthly payments comfortable over time.
A first-time buyer mortgage is not just one type of deal. It is a broad label for the different ways lenders support buyers getting onto the property ladder for the first time. The right fit depends on deposit, income, property, credit profile and what keeps the monthly payments comfortable over time.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
Quick answers:
Quick answers:
First-time buyer mortgage options
First-time buyer mortgage options
Low-deposit mortgage
Low-deposit mortgage
Low-deposit mortgage
Some first-time buyer options are built around getting on the ladder with a smaller deposit than buyers expect, although the criteria can be tighter and property restrictions can apply.
Some first-time buyer options are built around getting on the ladder with a smaller deposit than buyers expect, although the criteria can be tighter and property restrictions can apply.
Payment-history routes
Payment-history routes
Payment-history routes
Some options look more closely at your track record of paying rent or other regular housing costs, rather than treating every buyer exactly the same.
Some options look more closely at your track record of paying rent or other regular housing costs, rather than treating every buyer exactly the same.
Flexible-start options
Flexible-start options
Flexible-start options
Some products are designed to ease the first few months after completion, when moving costs, furnishing and repairs can all hit at once.
Some products are designed to ease the first few months after completion, when moving costs, furnishing and repairs can all hit at once.
Affordability-led options
Affordability-led options
Affordability-led options
In some cases, the right route is less about headline incentives and more about a lender taking a more flexible view of income, commitments and the overall case.
In some cases, the right route is less about headline incentives and more about a lender taking a more flexible view of income, commitments and the overall case.
Want to know which approach is best for you?
Speak to an adviser.
Want to know which approach is best for you?
Speak to an adviser.
How Much Deposit Do I Need as a First-Time Buyer?
How Much Deposit Do I Need as a First-Time Buyer?
Many first-time buyers start by aiming for around a 5% deposit, but that's not always the most suitable level. What may be possible depends on the property, your affordability, and whether the overall case fits a lender’s criteria and credit requirements.
If you are not sure whether your deposit is enough, we can talk you through what may be realistic before you start viewing homes.
Many first-time buyers start by aiming for around a 5% deposit, but that's not always the most suitable level. What may be possible depends on the property, your affordability, and whether the overall case fits a lender’s criteria and credit requirements.
If you are not sure whether your deposit is enough, we can talk you through what may be realistic before you start viewing homes.
Many first-time buyers start by aiming for around a 5% deposit, but that's not always the most suitable level. What may be possible depends on the property, your affordability, and whether the overall case fits a lender’s criteria and credit requirements.
If you are not sure whether your deposit is enough, we can talk you through what may be realistic before you start viewing homes.
Did you know…?
Did you know…?
Did you know…?
Over the last decade, we have helped more than 1650 clients with their mortgage, securing in excess of £425 million of lending!
We’ve helped 1,650+ clients secure over £425 million in lending.
Over the last decade, we have helped more than 1650 clients with their mortgage, securing in excess of £425 million of lending!
A normal starting point
A normal starting point
Over the last few years, a 5% deposit has been seen as the normal minimum deposit level for first time buyers in Scotland. These have been offered by lenders with and without the support of Government schemes, however more recently, 5% deposit mortgage have been mainly offered by lenders without the need for any Government backing or support schemes.
Over the last few years, a 5% deposit has been seen as the normal minimum deposit level for first time buyers in Scotland. These have been offered by lenders with and without the support of Government schemes, however more recently, 5% deposit mortgage have been mainly offered by lenders without the need for any Government backing or support schemes.
What if my deposit is smaller than that?
What if my deposit is smaller than that?
Recent new products available include mortgages with deposits as low as 2%, or £5,000. There are also options for no deposit mortgages if you have a history of renting, with the backing of a parent or relative's own savings, or where you are purchasing from a family member or landlord. There are routes aimed at buyers with smaller cash deposits, but they often come with tighter rules around property type, credit profile or how the application is assessed.
Recent new products available include mortgages with deposits as low as 2%, or £5,000. There are also options for no deposit mortgages if you have a history of renting, with the backing of a parent or relative's own savings, or where you are purchasing from a family member or landlord. There are routes aimed at buyers with smaller cash deposits, but they often come with tighter rules around property type, credit profile or how the application is assessed.
What does "Over Home Report value" mean?
What does "Over Home Report value" mean?
In Scotland, properties offered for sale on the open market will have a Home Report available, which includes a mortgage valuation report that is accepted by most lenders. In a competitive market, it is common for properties in Scotland to sell for amounts higher than the value - sometimes significantly more in desirable areas. Lenders will only lend on the lower of the value or agreed purchase price, meaning that you also need extra funds available to cover any amount you agree to pay over the property's value.
In Scotland, properties offered for sale on the open market will have a Home Report available, which includes a mortgage valuation report that is accepted by most lenders. In a competitive market, it is common for properties in Scotland to sell for amounts higher than the value - sometimes significantly more in desirable areas. Lenders will only lend on the lower of the value or agreed purchase price, meaning that you also need extra funds available to cover any amount you agree to pay over the property's value.
Why our clients feel confident working with us
Why our clients feel confident working with us
Why our clients feel confident working with us
For over a decade, our clients have trusted Advantage Home Finance to advise them on their biggest financial commitment.
Our clients tell us the thing they value most is never having to chase updates or worry about progress. From your first call to completion, your adviser keeps you updated at every stage - no chasing, no wondering what's happening, no being left in the dark.
Mortgages are full of jargon. We break it all down, we explain trade-offs, and keep you updated from first call to completion.
If that sounds like what you need, get in touch today.
For over a decade, our clients have trusted Advantage Home Finance to advise them on their biggest financial commitment.
Our clients tell us the thing they value most is never having to chase updates or worry about progress. From your first call to completion, your adviser keeps you updated at every stage - no chasing, no wondering what's happening, no being left in the dark.
Mortgages are full of jargon. We break it all down, we explain trade-offs, and keep you updated from first call to completion.
If that sounds like what you need, get in touch today.
For over a decade, our clients have trusted Advantage Home Finance to advise them on their biggest financial commitment.
Our clients tell us the thing they value most is never having to chase updates or worry about progress. From your first call to completion, your adviser keeps you updated at every stage - no chasing, no wondering what's happening, no being left in the dark.
Mortgages are full of jargon. We break it all down, we explain trade-offs, and keep you updated from first call to completion.
If that sounds like what you need, get in touch today.
Meet your local adviser
Meet your local adviser
Meet your local adviser
Mark Forbes joined Advantage Home Finance in 2019 and has over 20 years of experience in retail banking and mortgages, spanning advisory, training, and compliance roles.
Based near Glasgow, and able to advise clients across the UK, Mark holds professional qualifications in both mortgage and insurance advice and is a member of the London Institute of Banking & Finance, allowing him to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Mark Forbes joined Advantage Home Finance in 2019 and has over 20 years of experience in retail banking and mortgages, spanning advisory, training, and compliance roles.
Based near Glasgow, and able to advise clients across the UK, Mark holds professional qualifications in both mortgage and insurance advice and is a member of the London Institute of Banking & Finance, allowing him to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Mark Forbes joined Advantage Home Finance in 2019 and has over 20 years of experience in retail banking and mortgages, spanning advisory, training, and compliance roles.
Based near Glasgow, and able to advise clients across the UK, Mark holds professional qualifications in both mortgage and insurance advice and is a member of the London Institute of Banking & Finance, allowing him to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Mark Forbes
Mark Forbes
Adviser
Adviser
What Help Is Available for First-Time Buyers in Scotland?
What Help Is Available for First-Time Buyers in Scotland?
There is a lot of information online around grants, schemes and shared equity. These schemes tend to be open for a set time or until funding runs out, meaning keeping up to date with current availability is crucial. We can help guide you around what is available now, what is not, and where a normal mortgage may still be the better route.
There is a lot of information online around grants, schemes and shared equity. These schemes tend to be open for a set time or until funding runs out, meaning keeping up to date with current availability is crucial. We can help guide you around what is available now, what is not, and where a normal mortgage may still be the better route.
There is a lot of information online around grants, schemes and shared equity. These schemes tend to be open for a set time or until funding runs out, meaning keeping up to date with current availability is crucial. We can help guide you around what is available now, what is not, and where a normal mortgage may still be the better route.
LIFT Open Market Scheme
LIFT Open Market Scheme
This scheme can help some first-time buyers purchase an existing home on the open market with Scottish Government support, meaning you may need a smaller deposit than with a standard purchase. It can be useful where affordability is tight, although price caps, eligibility rules and funding availability all apply. The scheme is currently closed and due to be updated when it reopens for 2026/27.
This scheme can help some first-time buyers purchase an existing home on the open market with Scottish Government support, meaning you may need a smaller deposit than with a standard purchase. It can be useful where affordability is tight, although price caps, eligibility rules and funding availability all apply. The scheme is currently closed and due to be updated when it reopens for 2026/27.
LIFT New Build Scheme
LIFT New Build Scheme
While similar to the Open Market scheme, this scheme helps eligible buyers purchase a new-build home through shared equity support from the Scottish Government. It can reduce the amount you need to borrow, but it only applies to selected developments and comes with income, property and eligibility criteria. The scheme is currently open for applications on select developments across Scotland.
While similar to the Open Market scheme, this scheme helps eligible buyers purchase a new-build home through shared equity support from the Scottish Government. It can reduce the amount you need to borrow, but it only applies to selected developments and comes with income, property and eligibility criteria. The scheme is currently open for applications on select developments across Scotland.
First Home Fund
First Home Fund
The First Home Fund was a shared equity scheme designed to help first-time buyers buy a first home with Scottish Government support. It is now closed, but people still ask about it because it was widely discussed and is often confused with current shared equity options. Due to it's success, it's return has been considered by the Scottish Government, albeit there is currently limited information around this.
The First Home Fund was a shared equity scheme designed to help first-time buyers buy a first home with Scottish Government support. It is now closed, but people still ask about it because it was widely discussed and is often confused with current shared equity options. Due to it's success, it's return has been considered by the Scottish Government, albeit there is currently limited information around this.
Shared Ownership
Shared Ownership
Shared Ownership allows you to buy a percentage of a home rather than the whole property at the outset, which can lower the cost of getting started. In Scotland, buyers typically purchase a 25%, 50% or 75% share, with rent paid to the housing association on the remaining share. You can usually increase the share that you own over time, which is also known as "stair-casing".
Shared Ownership allows you to buy a percentage of a home rather than the whole property at the outset, which can lower the cost of getting started. In Scotland, buyers typically purchase a 25%, 50% or 75% share, with rent paid to the housing association on the remaining share. You can usually increase the share that you own over time, which is also known as "stair-casing".
How Much Can I Borrow as a First-Time Buyer?
How Much Can I Borrow as a First-Time Buyer?
Borrowing usually starts with looking at your household income, but it does not end there. Lenders also look at regular outgoings, credit commitments, household circumstances and how comfortable the payments look over time if interest change.
A first-time buyer mortgage is not just one type of deal. It is a broad label for the different ways lenders support buyers getting onto the property ladder for the first time.
The right fit depends on deposit, income, property, credit profile and what keeps the monthly payments comfortable over time.
Borrowing usually starts with looking at your household income, but it does not end there. Lenders also look at regular outgoings, credit commitments, household circumstances and how comfortable the payments look over time if interest change.
Income multiples
Income multiples
Income multiples
People often look for one simple number, such as 4.5x your income, but that doesn't consider how lenders view different incomes. Overtime, bonus, commissions, self employment, and benefits aren't all viewed the same by different lenders.
People often look for one simple number, such as 4.5x your income, but that doesn't consider how lenders view different incomes. Overtime, bonus, commissions, self employment, and benefits aren't all viewed the same by different lenders.
Take home pay vs outgoings
Multiples can help give a rough sense of range, but they do not replace a proper affordability check. Lenders will also look at your "after tax" income against outgoings such as credit commitments, committed expenses, and general living costs.
Multiples can help give a rough sense of range, but they do not replace a proper affordability check. Lenders will also look at your "after tax" income against outgoings such as credit commitments, committed expenses, and general living costs.
Longer product terms
Longer product terms
Longer product terms
In addition to looking at your income and outgoings, many lenders also consider the length of your deal term, with longer term fixed rates allowing you to borrow more than shorter term deals. This could be an option to borrow more if it suits your long term plans.
In addition to looking at your income and outgoings, many lenders also consider the length of your deal term, with longer term fixed rates allowing you to borrow more than shorter term deals. This could be an option to borrow more if it suits your long term plans.
In addition to looking at your income and outgoings, many lenders also consider the length of your deal term, with longer term fixed rates allowing you to borrow more than shorter term deals.
Deposit & loan to value
Deposit & loan to value
Deposit & loan to value
Having a larger deposit can also lead to lenders offering a higher overall mortgage level too as they view you to be a lower risk client. This is referred to as having a lower loan to value (LTV), and can mean lower rates being available.
Having a larger deposit can also lead to lenders offering a higher overall mortgage level too as they view you to be a lower risk client. This is referred to as having a lower loan to value (LTV), and can mean lower rates being available.
What are your next steps
to get started?
What are your next steps
to get started?
Initial chat
Initial chat
We start with where you are now, what you have saved, what you think may be affordable and what you are looking for.
We start with where you are now, what you have saved, what you think may be affordable and what you are looking for.
Agreement in Principle
Agreement in Principle
This helps you understand a sensible price range before you offer on a property.
This helps you understand a sensible price range before you offer on a property.
Viewings and Home Reports
Viewings and Home Reports
In Scotland, this is where things start to feel more real. Understanding the Home Report early can stop surprises later.
In Scotland, this is where things start to feel more real. Understanding the Home Report early can stop surprises later.
Offer through a solicitor
Offer through a solicitor
Once you find the right property, the offer process moves quickly, so it helps to know your route before you get there.
Once you find the right property, the offer process moves quickly, so it helps to know your route before you get there.
Full mortgage application
Full mortgage application
This is where paperwork, underwriting and lender checks all come together.
This is where paperwork, underwriting and lender checks all come together.
Mortgage offer and completion
Mortgage offer and completion
Once the lender is happy and the legal work lines up, you move through to completion and collect the keys.
Once the lender is happy and the legal work lines up, you move through to completion and collect the keys.
Straight answers to common questions
Straight answers to common questions
What deposit do first-time buyers usually need in Scotland?
A.
Usually at least 5%, although a bigger deposit can open up more lenders and better rates.
Can I buy with a small deposit?
A.
Yes. Under 5% deposit mortgages do exist, but the choice can be narrower and the monthly payment is often higher than with a bigger deposit.
Are there any no-deposit mortgage options?
A.
They do exist, but they are more niche and often need extra support, such as a Government scheme or family backing.
What help is available for first-time buyers in Scotland?
A.
The main support is now through shared equity schemes, such New Supply Shared Equity, but eligibility, price caps and availability apply.
How much can I borrow as a first-time buyer?
A.
It depends on your income, regular spending, debts and credit profile. Contact us to review the options specific to you.
Can I get a mortgage if I am self-employed?
A.
Absolutely. Lender criteria for self-employed applicants does differ, so it is important to take advice to find the most suitable lender.
What costs should I budget for apart from the deposit?
A.
Budget for legal fees, moving costs, surveys or valuations if needed, and Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) where it applies. In Scotland, eligible first-time buyers get LBTT relief up to £175,000
Can I use an inter-company loan for an SPV Buy to Let deposit?
A.
Budget for legal fees, moving costs, surveys or valuations if needed, and Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) where it applies. In Scotland, eligible first-time buyers get LBTT relief up to £175,000
Do I need an Agreement in Principle before viewing homes?
A.
It is strongly recommended. It helps you understand your budget and can make your offer look more credible. Some estate agents will insist on seeing your AIP before booking a viewing.
What is a Home Report?
A.
In Scotland, it is the pack that tells you the key details about a property, including the survey, valuation, energy report and property questionnaire. We can help you review these to ensure the property is suitable for a mortgage.
How long does it usually take to buy your first home?
A.
An Agreement in Principle can sometimes be done the same day, mortgage approval often takes from a few days to a few weeks, and the full purchase process is commonly around 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the chain and legal work.
Contact Us
Contact Us
Talk to a mortgage adviser
Talk to a mortgage adviser
Choosing the right mortgage is about making confident decisions at the right time, with the right guidance behind you. That’s where we come in. No scripts, no generic advice, just thoughtful, experienced support designed to make the process feel straightforward and manageable.
If you’d like to explore what’s possible or simply have a question, we’re always happy to start the conversation.
If you’d like to explore what’s possible or simply have a question, we’re always happy to start the conversation.
If you’d like to explore what’s possible or simply have a question, we’re always happy to start the conversation.
You voluntarily choose to provide personal details to us via this website. Personal information will be treated as confidential by us and held in accordance with GDPR May 2018 requirements. You agree that such personal information may be used to provide you with details of services and products in writing, by email or by telephone.
By submitting this information you have given your agreement to be contacted by us to discuss your mortgage requirements.
Please see our Privacy Policy for further details on how we use your information.
You voluntarily choose to provide personal details to us via this website. Personal information will be treated as confidential by us and held in accordance with GDPR May 2018 requirements. You agree that such personal information may be used to provide you with details of services and products in writing, by email or by telephone.
By submitting this information you have given your agreement to be contacted by us to discuss your mortgage requirements.
Please see our Privacy Policy for further details on how we use your information.
You voluntarily choose to provide personal details to us via this website. Personal information will be treated as confidential by us and held in accordance with GDPR May 2018 requirements. You agree that such personal information may be used to provide you with details of services and products in writing, by email or by telephone.
By submitting this information you have given your agreement to be contacted by us to discuss your mortgage requirements.
Please see our Privacy Policy for further details on how we use your information.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
MOST BUY-TO-LET MORTGAGES ARE NOT REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY
Advantage Home Finance is a trading name of Advantage Home Finance Limited who are an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of Advance Mortgage Funding Ltd. Advance Mortgage Funding Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
View our complaints procedure here.
Initial mortgage consultation is free.
We may charge a fee for our advice service which will depend on what mortgage you need, your financial circumstances, and the complexity of what you want. The amount of fee will be between £0 and 1% of the value you need to borrow up to a maximum of £2,000. For example, if your mortgage was £100,000 the maximum fee you would pay would be £1,000. The minimum fee charged is £0. You need to pay the fee when your mortgage application has completed.
The guidance and/or information contained within the website is subject to UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK.
Registered in Scotland. Registration number – SC511364.
Registered office address – 80 George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH2 3BU.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
MOST BUY-TO-LET MORTGAGES ARE NOT REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY
Advantage Home Finance is a trading name of Advantage Home Finance Limited who are an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of Advance Mortgage Funding Ltd. Advance Mortgage Funding Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
View our complaints procedure here.
Initial mortgage consultation is free.
We may charge a fee for our advice service which will depend on what mortgage you need, your financial circumstances, and the complexity of what you want. The amount of fee will be between £0 and 1% of the value you need to borrow up to a maximum of £2,000. For example, if your mortgage was £100,000 the maximum fee you would pay would be £1,000. The minimum fee charged is £0. You need to pay the fee when your mortgage application has completed.
The guidance and/or information contained within the website is subject to UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK.
Registered in Scotland. Registration number – SC511364.
Registered office address – 80 George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH2 3BU.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
MOST BUY-TO-LET MORTGAGES ARE NOT REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY
Advantage Home Finance is a trading name of Advantage Home Finance Limited who are an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of Advance Mortgage Funding Ltd. Advance Mortgage Funding Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
View our complaints procedure here.
Initial mortgage consultation is free.
We may charge a fee for our advice service which will depend on what mortgage you need, your financial circumstances, and the complexity of what you want. The amount of fee will be between £0 and 1% of the value you need to borrow up to a maximum of £2,000. For example, if your mortgage was £100,000 the maximum fee you would pay would be £1,000. The minimum fee charged is £0. You need to pay the fee when your mortgage application has completed.
The guidance and/or information contained within the website is subject to UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK.
Registered in Scotland. Registration number – SC511364.
Registered office address – 80 George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH2 3BU.