First-time buyers
First-time buyer mortgage advice
Buying your first home is exciting, but the mortgage side can feel like a lot. Quanstrom Financial's advisers explain every step in plain English, compare lenders across the market and manage the paperwork, so you can focus on finding the right home.
- Deposits from 5%, subject to criteria
- Help with schemes such as the Lifetime ISA
- Free first consultation, with no obligation
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At a glance
Buying your first home in numbers
5%
The smallest deposit some lenders may accept from first-time buyers, subject to criteria.
Up to 7x
Your salary, which some lenders may offer first-time buyers, depending on your circumstances.
£0
Stamp Duty on the first £300,000 for first-time buyers, on homes costing up to £500,000.*
91%
Around 91% of UK mortgages are arranged through a broker.
*England and Northern Ireland, correct as of August 2026. Different rules apply in Scotland and Wales.
How it works
Your route to your first home
Six steps from your first conversation to collecting the keys. We'll be with you at every one.
Free consultation
Tell us your plans. We'll explain what you may be able to borrow and what it could cost.
Agreement in principle
An early indication of how much a lender may lend, to show sellers you're serious.
Find your home
Make an offer. We'll stay in touch with you and the estate agent.
Full application
We recommend a mortgage and Jessie submits your application to the lender.
Valuation and offer
The lender values the property and, if all is well, issues your mortgage offer.
Collect your keys
Your solicitor completes the purchase and the home is yours.
Schemes
Schemes that could help you buy
Scheme rules and availability change from time to time. We'll check which ones may be open to you.
Lifetime ISA
Save up to £4,000 a year and the government adds a 25% bonus, up to £1,000 a year. You can use it towards a first home costing up to £450,000, subject to the scheme rules.
Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
A government-backed guarantee that encourages lenders to offer mortgages with a 5% deposit. Availability depends on the lender and your circumstances.
First Homes
Some new-build homes are sold at a discount of at least 30% to eligible local first-time buyers, where the scheme is available.
Stamp Duty
What first-time buyers pay
First-time buyers pay no Stamp Duty on the first £300,000 of a home costing up to £500,000, and 5% on the portion from £300,001 to £500,000. Above £500,000, standard rates apply to the whole price.
Try our Stamp Duty calculatorEngland and Northern Ireland, correct as of August 2026. Examples assume every buyer is a first-time buyer. Different rules apply in Scotland and Wales.
Why Quanstrom Financial
Why first-time buyers choose us
- Lenders compared across the marketIncluding lenders that may be more flexible with smaller deposits or recent job changes.
- Everything explained in plain EnglishFrom deposits and fees to what an agreement in principle actually means.
- The paperwork handled for youJessie keeps your application moving with the lender, solicitor and estate agent.
- Local people who know EastbourneWe work with local estate agents and solicitors every week, so we know the local market well.
As a first time buyer I was very nervous about the process, and didn't know what to expect, but Toby made the process great and effortless.
James C., about TobyFirst-time buyer questions
Can't see your question? Call us on 01323 364432 or book a free consultation.
How much deposit do I need?
Some lenders may accept a 5% deposit, subject to criteria. A larger deposit could give you a wider choice of mortgages. We'll show you how different deposit amounts could change your options.
How much could I borrow?
Many lenders lend around 4 to 4.5 times your income, and some may lend more to first-time buyers in certain circumstances. Your outgoings, credit history and deposit all play a part. Our borrowing calculator gives a rough idea.
Do first-time buyers pay Stamp Duty?
In England and Northern Ireland, first-time buyers pay no Stamp Duty on the first £300,000 of a home costing up to £500,000, and 5% on the portion from £300,001 to £500,000. This is correct as of August 2026.
Which schemes could help me?
Depending on your circumstances, the Lifetime ISA, the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme or discounted new-build schemes such as First Homes may help. We'll explain which ones you may be eligible for.
Can I get a mortgage if I'm self-employed?
You may be able to. Lenders usually want evidence of your income through your accounts or tax returns, and some may consider one year's figures. Our guide for company directors explains more.
Can I buy a new-build home?
Yes. Some lenders ask for a larger deposit on new-build homes, and developers often set deadlines for exchanging contracts. We'll help you plan around both.
How much does your advice cost?
Fees vary depending on your circumstances - get in touch and we'll explain any costs clearly before you proceed. Your first consultation is free and there's no obligation.
Ready to take the first step?
Book a free consultation and find out what you may be able to borrow. We aim to reply the same working day, and there's no obligation.
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