First time buyer

Advice, reassurance and support, every step of the way.

Buying your first property is an exciting prospect, yet it can be overwhelming knowing where to start.

TGD Mortgages take pride in helping first-time buyers to get on the property ladder. 

Our job us to help you understand the process and to secure the most cost effective mortgage for your situation.

As we were all once first-time buyers we appreciate that getting onto the property ladder can be a daunting prospect. Purchasing a property is one of the biggest steps you can make in your life and for most of us buying a property will be the most expensive purchase of our lives.

As this is your first ever property purchase it is important to us that you understand every aspect of the property buying process before you make your decision to proceed.

There is a lot to consider when buying a property including; the mortgage terminology, how much you can borrow, what it will cost to repay, the setup fees including stamp duty and survey fees, the types of survey and getting the right mortgage protection insurance.

These considerations and more are fully explained in our conversations with you from the outset.

Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it.

First time buyer FAQs

  • The amount you can borrow depends on your income, outgoings, credit score, and lender criteria. At TGD Mortgages, we assess your affordability and help you find the best mortgage deal tailored to your circumstances.

  • An Agreement in Principle (AIP) is a statement from a lender indicating how much they may be willing to lend based on a basic financial assessment. It can strengthen your position when making an offer on a property. We can help you obtain one quickly.

  • Aside from your mortgage deposit, costs may include stamp duty (if applicable), solicitor fees, survey fees, mortgage arrangement fees, and moving costs. We’ll guide you through these expenses and ensure you’re financially prepared.

  • First-time buyers in England may be eligible for a stamp duty exemption on properties up to £425,000. Above this threshold, stamp duty is payable on the remaining amount. We can confirm what you’ll owe based on your property price. Be mindful that the amount will change from the 1st April 2025 to £300.000

  • Most lenders require a minimum 5% deposit, though a larger deposit (10%–20%) can give you access to better mortgage rates. We’ll explore options to help you get on the property ladder with the best deal available.

  • Common mortgage types include fixed-rate, tracker, and variable-rate mortgages. We’ll explain the differences and help you choose the most suitable option for your situation.

  • The process involves obtaining an AIP, finding a property, submitting a mortgage application, undergoing lender and legal checks, and finally completing the purchase. We’ll support you every step of the way.

  • Survey options include:

    • Mortgage Valuation (basic check required by lenders)

    • Homebuyer Report (detailed inspection of the property)

    • Full Structural Survey (comprehensive report for older or unique properties)
      We can advise on the most appropriate survey for your property.

  • While not mandatory, mortgage protection insurance can help cover repayments in case of illness, job loss, or injury. We’ll explain the available options to protect your investment.

  • We provide clear, jargon-free advice, access to the whole mortgage market, and personalised support to make your first home purchase stress-free. Our expert guidance ensures you get the best deal with confidence.

Taking your first step onto the property ladder?

TGD Mortgages is here to guide you. Get expert advice, whole-of-market access, and a stress-free mortgage process. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation!

By submitting this data, I am consenting the use of my data in line with the privacy policy

Read our Google customer reviews

  • Pete Soteriou

    “Tom has been an exceptional mortgage adviser for us as first time buyers. He's left no stone unturned and has been professional throughout. I couldn't recommend him more.”

  • Amanda Rolfe

    “Amazing service! Tom is super helpful and really easy to speak to which counts for a lot with me :). Cannot recommend him more and have already given his number to a work colleague!”

  • Michele Carboni

    “Tom was super helpful in helping me and my wife securing a mortgage despite me having just changed job at the time. He also supported us with all the insurances and with finding a good solicitor! He was also really patient with all our silly questions, being first time buyers :)”

  • Chloe Tabberer

    “Tom has been great from the get go. He provided our mortgage in principle at a very speedy rate, which sped up having our offer accepted on a property. He then did our mortgage application within a matter of a working day.”

  • boqer123

    “Was having a hard time getting a mortgage through my bank, so a friend of mine put me onto Tom with TGD Mortgages. He instantly reassured me, and within a short meeting and some info, he managed to secure us a mortgage for the amount we were after. He's got great knowledge, always guides you the right way and has offered some really valuable advice. Highly recommend, especially if you're a business owner or self employed.”

  • Francis Fellows

    “Fantastic service, answered all my questions quickly and was extremely helpful! Would 100% recommend”

  • Sam Hemmings

    “I can’t recommend TGD Mortgages highly enough. Tom was professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. If you're looking for a mortgage advisor near Stonehouse or Stroud, I can strongly recommend. They went above and beyond to secure the best deal for me and provided expert guidance tailored to my needs. Thanks for your help!”

  • Chloe Yorke

    “Tom does all my mortgages! Buy to let and personal. He knows his stuff! Also just a nice trustworthy guy who will go out of his way to help.’

  • Sam Crow

    “Tom provided excellent advice and support throughout my remortgage and transfer of equity. He was a huge help at a stressful time, can't recommend him enough.”

  • Ruth Hadley

    “From start to finish Tom was extremely attentive and he was always there at the end of the phone if I had any questions. Tom is very knowledgeable and I would certainly recommend him to any of my family or friends. He is very personable and very down to earth. Thank you for all your help (and patience)!”

Read more reviews

Tailored advice for Mortgages, Protection, and Insurance.