Logo

First-time buyer mortgages

Discover everything you need to know about purchasing your first home, from understanding mortgage options to navigating the buying process. Empower yourself with expert guidance and resources designed to help you make informed decisions and achieve your homeownership goals.

Understanding Mortgages

Understanding the basics of how mortgages work, including the different types available and the application process, is essential for any prospective homebuyer.

What is a Mortgage

A mortgage is a loan individuals use to buy a home. It allows the borrower to purchase a property without paying the full price upfront, agreeing instead to repay the loan over 15 or 30 years.

How Mortgages Work

With a mortgage, you borrow a certain amount of money from a lender to buy a home. You then make regular monthly paymentsto repay the loan plus interest.

Influencing Factors

Several factors can affect the terms of your mortgage, including your credit score, income, employment history, down payment amount, and the current state of the housing market.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

Understanding Credit Scores

Your credit score plays a crucial role in the mortgage application process. Here's what you need to know.

What is a Credit Score?

A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness based on your credit history. Lenders use it to assess the risk of lending to you.

Importance of Credit Scores in Mortgage Approval

Your credit score influences whether you'll be approved for a mortgage and the terms you'll receive, including the interest rate.

Impact of Credit Scores on Mortgage Rates

Higher credit scores typically lead to lower mortgage rates, which can result in significant savings over the life of your loan.

Start Your Mortgage Journey

Take the first step to purchasing your desired property today.

What types of mortgages are available to you?

Fixed Rate
Mortgages

A fixed rate mortgage is a type of home loan where the interest rate remains constant and does not change during the initial term of the mortgage...

Find Out More

Discount Rate Mortgages

A discount mortgage is a type of mortgage where the interest rate is discounted from the lender's standard variable rate (SVR) for a set period...

Find Out More

Variable Rate Mortgages

A variable-rate mortgage is a type of home loan where the interest rate can fluctuate over the life of the loan depending on a chosen index...

Find Out More

Tracker Rate Mortgages

The interest rate on a tracker mortgage tracks or follows movements in a chosen index, typically by a set margin above or below the index rate...

Find Out More

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

Need some tools to support your home buying journey?

Repayment Calculator

Ready to take the guesswork out of your mortgage payments? Try our Mortgage Repayment Calculator now for quick and accurate estimates.

Use Calculator

Affordability Calculator

Curious about how much you could borrow for your dream home? Use our simple calculator to instantly gain clarity on your borrowing potential.

Use Calculator

Overpayment Calculator

Try our Overpayment Calculator to see how extra payments can save you time and money. Take control of your finances and pay off your mortgage sooner!

Use Calculator

Frequently asked questions

Google Reviews

See What Our Customers Say

We take pride in our customer service and are committed to providing you with the best possible experience. Here's what some of our customers have to say about us.

John Ramsden

John Ramsden

2 days ago

Absolutely fantastic service from Graham from start to finish! Incredibly quick, efficient and professional, but what really stands out is how down to earth and genuinely nice he is. Nothing has been too much trouble, and he has gone above and beyond to help me, making the whole mortgage process straightforward and stress free. It’s refreshing to deal with someone who is not only brilliant at what they do, but also genuinely cares about the people he’s helping. A true gentleman, extremely approachable and an absolute pleasure to deal with. I honestly couldn’t recommend Graham highly enough. Thank you again for all your help Graham, It’s massively appreciated! Top guy!

Scott Hardie

Scott Hardie

4 days ago

Used Graham and Karen for over 5 years now for mortgages and life cover. Great people, very knowledgeable and offer honest and impartial advice ensuring you never feel pushed into a decision, instead feel in a position to make a clear and education one with their support. Absolutely fantastic!!

Melissa Hardie

Melissa Hardie

4 days ago

Graham is super knowledgeable and easy to talk to. Weve used him for years and wont go anywhere else!

Sam Ainsworth

Sam Ainsworth

10 days ago

Absolutely fantastic service provided from start to finish , couldn’t have been made to feel more comfortable if we tried ! Very helpful and informative whilst being punctual and realistic. We can’t thank Graham enough for his time and expertise along with his commitment to get the best for us with what he had to work with Would highly recommend using mortgage 42 you’ll not find a better company

Paul Turner

Paul Turner

2 months ago

Once again, Mortgage 42 have been superb. The entire process from original enquiry, through on boarding, to the final meeting to achieve a mortgage offer was very easy. I am not the most technically competent, but Karen helped by sending simple to follow “how to” guides. Graham is the most knowledgeable person in this field that I have ever met. He is just so “on it” and has once again sourced a deal that is well above my expectations. I cannot recommend highly enough. Thank you.

Ricky Eagle

Ricky Eagle

4 months ago

Graham and Karen are fantastic. They both so helpful and amazingly friendly. Prompt, on point and brilliant to deal with. Will not go anywhere else for my mortgage needs in the future. Cannot recommend highly enough 👊💪

Jennifer Skehan

Jennifer Skehan

16 days ago

Absolutely amazing, so helpful and efficient. Would definitely recommend.

amy bleakley

amy bleakley

18 days ago

Amazing service with Graham, very friendly and happy to answer all questions. Helping myself and my partner with a new house as a first time buyer. All family use his service and will continue doing so!

Laura Salisbury

Laura Salisbury

18 days ago

Always a 5 star review from me. Graham always goes above and beyond to find the best deals and give the best options for your mortgage, wouldn't use anyone else

Bridget Loughran

Bridget Loughran

21 days ago

As always, Graham was positive and professional. He knows the financial market well and always gives a number of options. Would highly recommend his services.

Holly Nesbitt

Holly Nesbitt

24 days ago

Was extremely helpful and had excellent customer service! Explained everything and helped find us a really good deal ☺️

Nicola Edwards

Nicola Edwards

24 days ago

Graham helped me arrange a mortgage 5 years ago. That I have come back to him for his advice on a remortgage is a recommendation in itself. His advice is excellent and he listens to you and takes time to understand exactly what you need. He is very professional but fun to work with. He will absolutely find the best mortgage deal out there for you. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Yvonne Biggs

Yvonne Biggs

25 days ago

I’ve known Graham and Karen for many years and have always relied on them to come up with the best products for me and my circumstances. They have never let me down and yet again, a great deal has been found for my remortgage! An exceptional service as always with care and kindness in their approach. Thank you, your help is very much appreciated.

Natalie

Natalie

27 days ago

Very helpful and knowledgable. Makes the process quick and easy. Graham is very friendly and I highly recommend him.

Elspeth Ward

Elspeth Ward

27 days ago

As always, Graham has provided efficient and sound advice, getting us another excellent deal, despite more challenging financial times than when we did our last fixed rate. This time the Mortgage42 tech and the super patience Karen just added to the smooth hassle free experience. Would recommend without hesitation.

Adam Mansley

Adam Mansley

29 days ago

Been dealing with Graham now for 10 years, what a fantastic guy he is. His knowledge and experience in this field is phenomenal, we have just tied in a 5yr fixed and knocked off 6 years which is fantastic. We have also had the opportunity to work with Karen, she has been amazing from start to finish, always there to help whatever time of day it is and very professional. I really recommend mortgage42 to anyone. A very fantastic service. Thank you again Graham and Karen for everything, all the best to you. 😀

Nadeem Siddiqui

Nadeem Siddiqui

29 days ago

Excellent service, providing us with the best possible advice regarding our needs.

Carole E

Carole E

about 1 month ago

Once again amazing service by Graham at Mortgage 42! Very helpful throughout. Seamless process from start to finish. Highly recommended.

Daniel Ward

Daniel Ward

about 1 month ago

Graham has been our mortgage man for a number of years and he is above-and-beyond helpful, knows the mortgage works inside out and is always super friendly. Highly recommend 👌

Lou C

Lou C

about 1 month ago

I cannot recommend mortgage 42 highly enough. They are so responsive, friendly and extremely professional.

Google Logo

5.0 rating from

Get a Mortgage Quote

Compare mortgage rates from top lenders and find the most suitable loan for you.