Starting your first home purchase and mortgage application

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Budget for the whole purchase

Start with a sustainable monthly payment rather than the maximum shown by a lender’s calculator. Include council tax, utilities, insurance, repairs and possible service charges. Check that an emergency reserve remains after paying the deposit.

MoneyHelper lists first-time buyer costs ↗. Alongside the mortgage, allow for legal work, a survey, lender charges and taxes. First-time buyer status for reliefs or schemes can depend on previous home ownership anywhere, including inherited property. A first UK purchase does not always qualify.

Assemble evidence before viewing

Prepare identification, address history, payslips, statements and debt information. Self-employed applicants need income and tax evidence meeting the lender’s requirements. Evidence is also required for the deposit, including a gift or property sale.

MoneyHelper’s mortgage application guide ↗ explains assessment of income, spending, debts and credit history. Do not round income upwards or conceal regular commitments. Establish the accepted format for electronic documents in advance.

Compare mortgage proposals

Apply directly to a lender or consult a regulated mortgage adviser. Ask about market coverage, broker fees and lender commission. A visa, overseas income or unusual property requires specific criteria checks rather than a promise that everyone qualifies.

Compare the interest rate, fixed period, product fee, total cost over your chosen comparison period and early repayment charges. A longer overall term can reduce monthly payments while increasing total interest. Ask what checks an agreement in principle involves: it is an initial indication, not final approval for a particular home.

After choosing a property

Obtain the full mortgage offer and review its conditions, expiry and property valuation. Choose the legal representative and survey separately: a lender’s valuation does not replace a buyer’s survey. Tax rules and buying stages vary across the UK, so follow the guide for the property’s location.

Before legal commitment, reconcile the final funds calculation, documents, reports and dates. Do not spend the reserve on furniture before transaction costs are established. The mortgage is secured on your home. If repayments become difficult, contact the lender early to discuss support rather than waiting for arrears to accumulate.