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First-time buyer mortgages in Dorset

Buying your first home is a big deal. The mortgage doesn't have to be. Free advice, the market compared, and someone to translate the jargon from first viewing to keys.

Book a free consultation How it works
A first home's freshly painted front door

£0

Broker fee. The lender pays us on completion. ← confirm

5%

Deposits from 5% are possible with some lenders. We'll tell you what that means for the rate.

1–2 days

To a decision in principle, usually. Agents like to see one before taking an offer seriously.

What we help with

The questions every first-time buyer has, answered in order.

You don't need to know any of this before you call. It's just useful to see the shape of it.

How much can I actually borrow?

Lenders work from income, outgoings and deposit, but each has its own view on bonuses, overtime and student loans. We give you a realistic figure, not a website estimate.

Deposits, gifts and family help

Gifted deposits, Lifetime ISAs, family springboard products. Most are fine with most lenders, as long as the paperwork says the right thing. We handle that.

Fixed, tracker or variable?

Two-year, five-year, tracker. Not a trick question, but the right answer depends on your plans for the next few years. We explain the trade-offs and let you choose.

Decision in principle and the offer

A DIP is a soft check that says a lender would, in principle, lend you a given amount. It takes a day or two and makes your offer credible.

New build, shared ownership, unusual homes

Some lenders love new builds, some are wary of flats above shops. Knowing which is which saves a wasted application and a lost deposit on a survey.

From first call to keys

Typical timeline for a purchase. Every case is different, and we'll tell you when yours is.

Day 1

First conversation

Free, about an hour. Income, deposit, plans. You leave with a realistic figure.

Day 2–3

Decision in principle

A soft lender check that says how much they would lend.

When you find it

Recommendation

We search the market and explain the deal we would choose. You decide.

Weeks 1–4

Application and valuation

Submitted, chased, valued. We liaise with lender and solicitor.

Offer to keys

Exchange and completion

Contracts exchanged, moving date set, keys collected.

What to have ready

Nothing you don't already have.

  • Photo ID and proof of address
  • Last three months' payslips
  • Three months' bank statements
  • Proof of deposit, or a gifted deposit letter
  • Two years' accounts if self-employed
  • A rough idea of monthly outgoings
Documents laid out on a kitchen table

Related

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

Ready to find out what's possible?

A free hour with an adviser. You'll leave with a realistic borrowing figure and a plan.