First-Time Buyer Mortgage Broker.

Buying your first home is a big deal—exciting, yes, but also a little daunting. That’s where we come in.

At Drummonds Finance Group, we specialise in helping first-time buyers looking for a mortgage like you feel supported, informed, and confident throughout the mortgage journey. Whether you're still figuring out how much you can borrow or you’ve already found your dream home, we’re here to hold your hand every step of the way.

You can ask us anything (really—nothing is too small or silly), and you’ll always speak to someone who understands what you're going through. We’re available as much as you need us, from the first chat to the moment you get the keys in your hand.

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Your First Home Starts Here

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a daunting process, especially if you don't understand how mortgages work.

As a first-time buyer, you’re navigating an entirely new world of deposits, credit checks, interest rates, and endless forms. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start.

That’s where we come in.

At Drummonds Finance Group, we specialise in helping first-time buyers get onto the property ladder with expert, jargon-free mortgage advice. We will explain everything and do most of the work for you.

Based in Oxfordshire, we’ve helped countless clients in Oxford, Bicester, and across the UK secure their first mortgage with confidence, clarity, and the right deal for their needs.

No matter where you are in the UK, our entire service can be delivered via phone or video call so that you can get expert advice from the comfort of your home.

What Is a First-Time Buyer Mortgage?

A first-time buyer mortgage is a type of home loan designed specifically for people who have never owned a property before. These mortgages often come with perks such as lower deposit requirements, access to government schemes, or reduced fees. Lenders offer these products to make it easier for new buyers to get onto the property ladder.

First-time buyer mortgages can differ significantly from standard mortgages. They often consider the unique challenges faced by people entering the housing market for the first time, such as limited savings, student debt, or irregular income.

Why First-Time Buyers Choose Drummonds

We understand how big this decision is, both financially and emotionally. That's why we offer personalised, step-by-step support from the moment you first contact us until you collect your keys—and beyond.

Here’s what sets us apart:

✅ Whole-of-Market Access

We work with a panel of over 100 lenders, including major high street banks and specialist lenders. This allows us to find a mortgage that matches your specific situation, rather than trying to fit you into a one-size-fits-all product.

✅ Local Knowledge

Our team is based in Oxfordshire and knows the local property market inside out. Whether you're buying in Oxford, Bicester, Banbury, or beyond, we can provide tailored advice that considers your location.

✅ Jargon-Free Guidance

We break down complex mortgage jargon into plain English, ensuring you understand exactly what you're signing up for. We’ll explain everything from LTV (Loan-to-Value) to APR (Annual Percentage Rate) in a way that makes sense.

✅ Nationwide Service

We proudly serve clients across the entire UK. Whether in London, Manchester, Cardiff, or anywhere else, we offer a seamless mortgage advice experience by phone or video call — no need for face-to-face meetings unless you want one.

Understanding the Mortgage Process

Buying your first home is a big deal — and it’s perfectly normal to feel confused or anxious about how it all works. Here’s a basic overview of what to expect:

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We start with a free, no-obligation chat to understand your situation: income, savings, credit history, and property goals. This helps us determine how much you can afford to borrow.

Step 2: Mortgage in Principle

We’ll help you secure a Mortgage in Principle (MIP) — a document from a lender that shows how much you can borrow. Estate agents often require this before accepting an offer.

Step 3: House Hunting

With your MIP in hand, you can start viewing properties with confidence. We’re here to support you throughout this stage, answering questions as they come up.

Step 4: Full Mortgage Application

We handle the full mortgage application once you've found a property and accepted your offer. We’ll collect the paperwork, liaise with the lender, and keep things moving.

Step 5: Offer & Completion

You’ll receive a formal mortgage offer when the lender approves your mortgage. From there, your solicitor completes the legal work, and soon after, you get the keys to your new home!

Common First-Time Buyer Questions

How much deposit do I need? Most lenders require at least 5% of the property value. However, the more you can put down, the better your mortgage rate will likely be.

What’s the difference between fixed and variable rates?

Fixed rate: Your monthly payments stay the same for a set period (e.g. 2, 3 or 5 years).

Variable rate: Your payments can go up or down, depending on changes to interest rates.

Can I get help from the government? Yes! There are several schemes for first-time buyers, including:

Lifetime ISA (LISA): Save up to £4,000 a year and get a 25% bonus from the government.

Shared Ownership: Buy a share of a home and pay rent on the rest.

95% Mortgage Guarantee Scheme: Encourages lenders to offer low-deposit mortgages.

How Much Can I Borrow?

This depends on:

Your income (including bonuses or self-employment)

Your outgoings (credit cards, loans, childcare, etc.)

Your credit history

The size of your deposit

We’ll help you calculate your borrowing potential and monthly repayments so you know exactly what you can afford.

First-Time Buyer Mortgage Tips

Get your paperwork ready: Payslips, bank statements, ID and credit reports.

Check your credit score: Use tools like ClearScore or Experian to view your report.

Avoid big purchases: Hold off on buying a car or taking out loans before applying.

Use a broker: We’ll do the hard work and make sure you don’t overpay.

Real People. Real Results.

“Drummonds made buying my first home so much easier. I had no clue where to start, but they walked me through everything and found me a great deal. Can’t thank them enough!”

— Jasmine, Oxford

“As a first-time buyer, I was nervous, but Drummonds were fantastic. I felt supported the whole time.”

— Tom, Bicester

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re ready to get on the property ladder or want to understand your options better, we’re here to help. Our advice is free, friendly, and thoroughly tailored to you.

👉 Book your free first-time buyer consultation today.

👉 Call us now or fill out our quick enquiry form.

👉 Let’s make your dream of owning a home a reality.

Drummonds Finance Group — Trusted mortgage advice for first-time buyers in Oxford, Bicester, and the UK.

Your journey starts here.

What is Shared Ownership?

Shared Ownership is a government-backed scheme that allows you to buy a share of a property (usually 10%–75%) and pay rent on the remaining share. You can gradually buy more shares over time, a process known as staircasing.
What are the pros and cons?

Pros: Lower deposit & mortgage Ideal for first-time buyers Option to staircase over time Access to new build or modern homes Cons: You’ll pay rent + mortgage Leasehold fees may apply Limited choice of locations Selling process can be slower
Who is eligible for Shared Ownership?

To qualify, you typically need to: Your annual household income must not exceed £80,000 (£90,000 per annum within Greater London) You must not currently own a property in the UK or overseas. You are a British or EU Citizen, or you have the right to remain in the UK. You must be over 18 if you are applying for a mortgage.
How much deposit do I need?

Deposits are usually much lower than for full market value homes — often around 5–10% of the share you're buying, not the full property price. ✅ Example: If you're buying a 25% share of a £300,000 property (£75,000), a 5% deposit would be just £3,750.
Who owns the rest of the property?

The remaining share is usually owned by a housing association or housing provider. You pay rent on that share — often at a reduced rate compared to market rents.
Can I buy more of my shared ownership property later?

Yes! Through a process called staircasing, you can buy additional shares — all the way up to 100% in most cases. Each time you staircase, your rent reduces accordingly.
Can I sell a Shared Ownership property?

Yes. You can sell your share at any time. The housing provider usually has “first refusal” to find a buyer for a set period. If they can't, you can sell it on the open market.
Do I still need a mortgage for Shared ownership?

Yes — but only for the share you're buying. So if you're purchasing 40% of a home, your mortgage is only for that portion, making borrowing more accessible for many.
Are Shared Ownership homes leasehold?

Yes, Shared Ownership properties are leasehold. This means you’ll likely pay service charges and ground rent, so it's important to factor that into your monthly costs.
Can Drummonds Finance Group help with Shared Ownership mortgages?

Definitely. We’re experienced in helping first-time buyers: Understand Shared Ownership in plain English Secure great mortgage deals with low deposits Work out affordability with combined rent/mortgage payments Plan ahead for staircasing
What is a Buy-to-Let mortgage?

A Buy-to-Let (BTL) mortgage is a type of loan for purchasing a property that you intend to rent out to tenants, rather than live in yourself. It differs from a residential mortgage and typically requires a larger deposit and has different eligibility criteria.
How much deposit do I need for a Buy-to-Let property?

Most lenders require a deposit of at least 20–25%, though some may ask for up to 40% depending on the property and your circumstances. The more you put down, the better your mortgage rate is likely to be.
Can I live in my Buy-to-Let property?

No — Buy-to-Let mortgages are specifically for rental properties. If you want to live in the property, you’ll need to switch to a residential mortgage or get the lender’s permission, which could involve a "consent to let" arrangement.
How is affordability assessed for a Buy-to-Let mortgage?

Lenders base affordability on the expected rental income, not your personal income. However, they often require that the rent covers 125–145% of the mortgage payments (based on a notional interest rate), and you may need a minimum personal income (e.g. £25,000).
What’s the difference between interest-only and repayment Buy-to-Let mortgages?

Most Buy-to-Let investors opt for interest-only mortgages, where you only pay the interest each month, keeping monthly payments lower. The loan capital is repaid at the end of the term, usually via sale of the property. Repayment mortgages cover both capital and interest, reducing your debt over time.
Do I pay more stamp duty on Buy-to-Let properties?

Yes. In England, you pay an additional 3% stamp duty surcharge on top of the standard rates for second homes and Buy-to-Lets.
What taxes do I pay on rental income?

Rental income is subject to Income Tax. You can deduct certain allowable expenses, such as letting agent fees, insurance, and maintenance costs. Mortgage interest relief is limited to a basic rate tax credit (20%).
Can I buy a Buy-to-Let through a limited company?

Yes, many landlords now buy through a limited company to potentially save on tax, especially higher-rate taxpayers. However, mortgage rates are often higher and there are additional admin and costs (e.g. accountancy, legal).
Is now a good time to invest in Buy-to-Let?

It depends on your goals. Despite market fluctuations, demand for rental properties remains strong in many areas. With interest rates stabilising and rents rising, Buy-to-Let can still offer solid long-term returns — especially in commuter towns, student hubs, and regeneration areas.
Can Drummonds Finance Group help with Buy-to-Let mortgages?

Absolutely. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or expanding your portfolio, our expert brokers can: Find the best Buy-to-Let deals from across the market Advise on company vs personal ownership Mortgages Help structure your application for rental affordability Guide you through limited company lending
First Time buyers

One of the things many first time buyers worry most about is applying for a mortgage. With so many factors to consider it can be difficult to know where to begin when looking for your first mortgage. Drummonds Finance Group makes it easy for first-time buyers to choose the right mortgage. We are specialists in providing mortgage advice to first time buyers. We have access to first-time buyer mortgages from a wide range of lenders so it’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Purchasing or Moving Home

We can guide you through the process and offer expert mortgage advice specific to your circumstances. Drummonds Finance Group makes it easy for people moving house. From working out how much you could borrow, completing all the paperwork, to picking up the keys to your new home, we’ll be there every step of the way. We will discuss your personal circumstances with you, including such areas as, your income, outgoings, future plans and savings. From this, we can determine the most appropriate new mortgage for you, give you an indication of how much you can borrow and the level of purchase price you can afford
Remortgage

Protection Against Rate Rises Many people want to take advantage of the current low interest rates and secure a deal at a good time. Releasing Equity For those that have built up equity in their home, remortgaging can be an attractive option. It can release funds to extend your home, or undertake other home improvements, or it may offer a method to pay off other debts, such as loans and credit cards, that have higher rates of interest. Your current deal is about to end soon It could be beneficial to review your mortgage at this point to avoid paying your current lenders high standard variable rates.
Buy To Let

Whether you’re an accidental landlord, buying your first investment property or you already have a portfolio of properties, we’re here to help you build your future nest egg. Increased buy to let regulation, and subsequent complex lender criteria has made it vital that you get professional advice. At Drummonds Finance Group we have extensive experience and knowledge in this area as well as access to mortgages from a wide range of lenders so it’s one less thing for you to worry about. If you need advice in this area, and you want to move fast, then get in touch now, either fill in our enquiry form or give us a call.
Right To Buy

Your home could be a valuable asset for you and your family and an investment for the future. Home ownership could give you more freedom to make the changes you want to your home. Drummonds Finance Group are on hand to provide expert advice on the right mortgage product to assist with your purchase. We can help you by confirming your eligibility for a mortgage and talking you through the process of buying your home. Are you worried because you have no deposit ? No problem, we have lenders who will lend up to 100% of the discounted purchase price. Are you worried you wont be be able to get a mortgage due to your credit history ? No problem, we have lenders who may consider your individual circumstances.
Shared Ownership

Are you finding it difficult to get on the property ladder? It could be that your earnings are not high enough to enable you to obtain a mortgage which is sufficient to buy a property or the high cost of renting means that you just don’t have any spare money to put away for the huge deposit needed. The answer could be a shared ownership mortgage. The shared ownership mortgage scheme works by property buyers ‘sharing’ the ownership of the property. On the initial purchase you will typically buy 25/50/75% of the total property value. The remaining 75/50/25% of the property is owned jointly, usually with a housing association. They charge you a ‘rent’ for the section you do not own.
Commercial

A commercial mortgage can be used to buy property (or land) that will be used for business purposes.
Adverse / Poor credit

Maybe you have applied for a mortgage with your bank and failed the credit score. The good news is that there are mortgages available for people with a bad credit rating if you know where to look. At Drummonds Finance Group we have access to over 90 lenders, some of which are not available on the high street. Some of our lenders specialise in considering your personal circumstances where other other lenders will not lend. Contact us today for a no obligation chat about your circumstances, we are here to help you get your dream home.
🕒 How long does the first-time buyer process take?

From viewing a home to moving in, it typically takes 8–17 weeks. The mortgage application part alone usually takes 2–4 weeks, depending on the lender and documentation.
📈 How much can I borrow as a first-time buyer?

It depends on your income, outgoings, and credit score. Typically, lenders will offer 4.5 to 6 times your annual salary, but this varies based on your circumstances.
💰 How much deposit do I need as a first-time buyer?

Most lenders require a minimum deposit of 5% of the property’s purchase price. However, putting down 10–15% can give you access to better mortgage deals with lower interest rates.
📋 What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

Most lenders will ask for: Proof of ID (passport or driving licence) Payslips (last 3 months) Bank statements Proof of deposit For self-employed applicants: 2–3 years of tax year overviews and SA302s.
💬 What is a mortgage in principle?

A Mortgage in Principle (also called an Agreement in Principle or AIP) is a statement from a lender saying how much they might lend you, based on a quick financial check. It helps show estate agents and sellers that you're serious.
📉 What are the extra costs first-time buyers should budget for?

Besides your deposit, you should budget for: Legal fees Valuation/survey fees Mortgage arrangement fees Stamp Duty (if the home is over £425,000) Moving costs Furniture and setup costs ➡️ Ask your broker for a full breakdown of costs.
🏦 Can I get a mortgage as a first-time buyer with bad credit?

Yes, it’s possible. Some lenders specialise in helping buyers with poor credit history, missed payments, or even defaults. A mortgage broker can help you find the right lender for your situation.
🏘️ Are there government schemes to help first-time buyers?

Yes! Popular schemes include: Shared Ownership First Homes Scheme (discounted new builds) Lifetime ISA (savings with a 25% government bonus)
💼 Should I use a mortgage broker as a first-time buyer?

Absolutely. A mortgage broker: Gives you access to more lenders and deals Helps you prepare your documents Supports you through the entire process It’s especially helpful if you’re not sure where to start or have unique circumstances.
🔍 What is a first-time buyer?

A first-time buyer is someone who has never owned a property before, either in the UK or abroad. If you’re buying with someone else, both of you must be first-time buyers to qualify for certain schemes and exemptions.
How can Drummonds Finance Group help me?

We work with over 90 lenders, including specialists in bad credit mortgages. We’ll assess your situation, explain your options clearly, and match you with the most suitable lenders—giving you the best chance of success.
Will checking my credit damage my chances?

No. In fact, checking your credit report is a smart first step. It allows you to spot and correct errors and understand what lenders will see. We recommend getting a copy of your credit report from agencies like Experian, Equifax, or Checkmyfile.
Can I apply with someone else to improve my chances?

Yes. Applying jointly with a partner or family member with good credit can sometimes improve your application. However, the lender will still assess both applicants’ credit histories
Can I get a mortgage if I’m self-employed with bad credit?

Yes. There are lenders who specialise in self-employed applicants, even with credit issues. You’ll need to show consistent income—typically through SA302s, tax returns, or business accounts—and may need a larger deposit.
What documents will I need to apply?

You’ll typically need to provide: Proof of ID (passport or driving licence) Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement) Credit report Payslips or proof of income (last 3 months) Bank statements Details of your credit issues We’ll help guide you through exactly what you need during your consultation.
Can I get a mortgage if I’ve been bankrupt?

Yes, some lenders will consider applicants with a history of bankruptcy, but it depends on how long ago it occurred and whether it has been discharged. Most lenders will expect the bankruptcy to be discharged for at least 12 months, with some requiring longer.
Will I have to pay higher interest rates?

In most cases, yes—at least initially. Lenders charge higher rates to reflect the increased risk. However, once you’ve built a good payment history and improved your credit, you may be able to remortgage at a lower rate later on.
What is considered bad credit?

Bad credit can include missed payments, defaults, CCJs (County Court Judgments), IVAs, debt management plans, or bankruptcy. Even having little or no credit history can make some lenders cautious. The severity and age of the issue will affect your mortgage options.
Can I get a mortgage if I have bad credit?

Yes, you can. While high street banks may be more cautious, there are many specialist lenders who consider applicants with poor credit histories. These lenders look beyond your credit score and assess your full financial situation.
What is a product transfer?

A product transfer is when you switch your current mortgage deal to a new one with the same lender. It usually happens when your fixed, tracker or discounted rate period ends, and you want to avoid moving onto your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR).
When should I start looking at product transfer options?

Ideally, 3 to 6 months before your current deal ends. This gives you time to compare options and avoid falling onto the Standard Variable Rate.
How long does a product transfer take?

It’s usually very quick — often just a few days. Some lenders even allow you to complete it online or over the phone with minimal paperwork.
Is a product transfer better than remortgaging?

It depends. A product transfer is simpler and quicker, but you’re limited to your current lender’s deals. A remortgage might get you a better interest rate or more flexible terms, but it can take longer and require more checks.
Can I borrow more money during a product transfer?

Yes, some lenders allow you to borrow more (known as a “further advance”) as part of the product transfer process. However, this could trigger additional checks and may come with a different interest rate.
Will I need a credit check or affordability assessment?

Not usually. Most lenders won’t carry out a credit check or full affordability assessment for a straightforward product transfer, unless you're making changes to your loan amount or term.
Do I need a solicitor for a product transfer?

No. Since you’re staying with the same lender and not changing ownership or borrowing more money, solicitors are not typically needed.
Can a mortgage broker help with a product transfer?

Yes! At Drummonds Finance Group, we can help you: Review your lender's current offers Check if a remortgage is better value Handle all the paperwork for you