First Time Buyer Mortgages Stratford-upon-Avon

First time buyer Mortgages

At Citrine Mortgages, we provide first time buyer mortgage advice tailored to your situation. We guide you step-by-step, helping you understand your options clearly and secure a mortgage that works for you — without pressure or confusion.

Access to over 70+ lenders

No pressure, personalised guidance

Whole-of-market advice

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What Is a First Time Buyer Mortgage?

A first time buyer mortgage is designed for people purchasing their first residential property.

You are typically classed as a first-time buyer if you have never owned a property before, you are buying a home to live in (not invest).

These mortgages often come with lower deposit options (from 5%), access to government schemes, competitive rates for new buyers. However, eligibility and rates vary depending on your income, credit profile, and deposit size — which is why getting expert advice early can be so valuable.

How Much Can A First Time Buyer Borrow?

Most lenders will typically offer between 4x and 4.5x your annual income, although this can vary. Lenders will assess:

Your income (including bonuses or overtime)
Monthly outgoings and commitments
Credit history
Employment type (employed, self-employed, etc.)

For example:

A single applicant earning £30,000 may borrow around £120,000–£135,000
A couple earning £50,000 combined may borrow £200,000–£225,000

However, every lender uses different criteria — and some may offer more flexible options depending on your situation. We’ll assess your affordability properly and give you a clear, realistic borrowing figure.

How Much Deposit do you need?

The minimum deposit for most first-time buyers in the UK is 5% of the property value. Typical deposit levels:

5% deposit → higher interest rates
10% deposit → more competitive deals
15%+ deposit → best rates available

For example: £200,000 property = £10,000 deposit (5%)

A larger deposit can:

Reduce your monthly payments

Improve your mortgage options

Increase chances of approval

We’ll help you understand what deposit level works best for your goals.

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Step-by-Step Guide For A first time buyer

Understanding the process makes everything feel far more manageable. Here’s how it typically works:

Save Your Deposit

Start building your deposit and factor in additional costs like legal fees and surveys.

Secure an AIP

This gives you an idea of how much you can borrow and shows sellers you’re serious.

Start House Hunting

Once you know your budget, you can begin viewing properties with confidence.

Make an Offer

When you find the right property, you submit an offer through the estate agent.

Submit Your Application

We handle the application process and liaise with lenders on your behalf.

Legal & Survey Process

Your solicitor carries out legal checks while surveys assess the property condition.

Completion

Once everything is approved, funds are released and you get the keys to your new home.

Why use a Mortgage Advisor As a First time Buyer

While you can go directly to a bank, working with a mortgage advisor offers significant advantages. We help you:

Access a wider range of lenders
Find deals not always available on the high street
Avoid costly mistakes
Navigate the process with confidence
Understand your options clearly

At Citrine Mortgages, we take a no-pressure approach, focusing purely on what’s best for you.

How we help First Time Buyers

We understand that buying your first home can feel daunting — that’s why we take a supportive, personalised approach.

With Citrine Mortgages, you’ll benefit from:

Whole-of-market advice
A personal, non-sales approach
Support from start to finish
Flexible appointments (evenings & weekends)

We take the time to explain everything clearly, ensuring you feel confident in every decision you make.

Common Mistakes First Time Buyers Make

Avoiding common pitfalls can save you time, money, and stress.

Some of the most common mistakes include:

Not checking your credit report early

Underestimating total costs

Choosing the wrong mortgage product

Not seeking advice before house hunting

Stretching affordability too far

We help you avoid these issues by giving you clear, honest guidance from the start.