Buying your first home is exciting, but to be honest, we know it is also nerve-wracking. Between scraping together a deposit, scrolling through property sites at midnight, and trying to understand the difference between fixed and variable rates, it can feel like you’re learning a new language while spending the biggest sum of your life. Most first-time buyers tell us they feel a mix of hope, fear and overwhelm.

That’s exactly where we step in. As mortgage brokers who’ve guided thousands of people just like you, we know how to turn confusion into clarity, and expensive mistakes into smart savings. If you’re ready for straightforward, fee-free advice, call us on 020 8528 2251 or email hello@conranmortgages.co.uk today.

“We’ve been in your shoes — and now we’re in your corner. Our job at Conran Mortgages is to make your first mortgage easier, cheaper and far less stressful.”

What First-Time Buyers Usually Struggle With

Before seeing how we can help, it’s worth understanding the common pain points:

• High deposit requirements make it difficult to access good deals.
• Confusing interest rates – headline vs effective vs hidden fees.
• Uncertainty over the mortgage approval process: what documents are needed, what affects decisions.
• Lack of awareness about government schemes.

Knowing these allows me to tailor mortgage advice that addresses real issues, not generic ones.

How A Mortgage Broker Saves You Money

Here’s where we come in — a mortgage broker can reduce the cost of buying your first home in several concrete ways:

1. Access To Exclusive Mortgage Deals UK

We have relationships with many lenders, including some that don’t advertise their best deals widely. Often, these deals are reserved for brokers or those with specialist access. By comparing the entire market — not just high-street lenders — we can find lower interest rates or lower fees than you could find on your own.

2. Guidance On Deposit Requirements

Lenders differ in the amount of deposit they require. Some require 25-40% for top deals, others offer good mortgages with as little as a 5-10% deposit, especially for first-time buyers. We help you understand what a realistic deposit is for your situation and how increasing your deposit slightly can unlock significantly better rates and more home loan options.

3. Stronger Mortgage Approval Process

We ensure your finances are presented in the best light by accurately documenting your income, credit history, and outgoings. That reduces delays or refusals. We also help with obtaining an Agreement in Principle (AIP), which demonstrates to sellers that you’re serious and aids in negotiation.

5. Avoiding Hidden Costs And Fees

It’s not just interest rates. Arrangement fees, valuation fees, legal fees—these can add up. As your broker, we compare all these costs to ensure you get the best value. Sometimes, a slightly higher interest rate with zero fees can end up being cheaper overall.

What To Look For When Choosing Your Mortgage Broker (So You Save)

Not all brokers are equal. Here are what first-time buyers should check:

• Whole-of-market mortgage advice – you want someone not restricted to just a few lenders.
• Transparent fees – does the broker charge a broker fee, or do they make money via lender commissions?
• Experience with first-time buyers and existing and future government schemes.
• Communication – will you be guided step by step, not just handed a document and told to sign?
• Track record – testimonials, reviews, especially from people in your position.

At Conran Mortgages, for example, we don’t charge a broker fee for traditional residential mortgages, offer whole-of-market advice, and have many first-time buyer clients sharing their experiences.

Step-By-Step: How Working With Us (As Your Mortgage Broker) Looks

Here’s roughly the journey I take with first-time buyers to ensure you save and avoid surprises:

1. Discovery Call – Understand your financial situation, budget, deposit amount you can raise, and your preferences.
2. Credit Check & Pre-approval – Help you get a Mortgage in Principle, so you know how much you can borrow.
3. Explore Home Loan Options – Present you with various options, including fixed, variable and tracker, explaining the trade-offs.
4. Illustrations of Costs – Show the full cost, including interest, fees, and estimated repayments.
5. Application Support – Gathering documentation, liaising with lenders, and submitting the full mortgage application.
6. Completion & Follow-Up – Supporting conveyancing, checks, getting your keys, and post-completion review (e.g. can you remortgage later to save more).

Examples Of Savings First-Time Buyers Achieve

• Switching from a high-interest rate tracker to a fixed-rate via a broker saved one client £200/month in London.
• By increasing the deposit from 5% to 15%, another client reduced their interest rate by half a percentage point and secured better loan-to-value (LTV) terms.

These aren’t just hypothetical — they’re consistent with what first-time buyers tell me here in South East London.

Why Conran Mortgages Is The Right Broker For First-Time Buyers

Because when you’re buying your first home, you already have enough to think about. I take care of the rest. With Conran Mortgages, you’ll benefit from:

• Fee-free mortgage advice for standard first-time buyer mortgages
• Whole-of-market lender access & exclusive mortgage deals in the UK are not always available elsewhere
• Friendly, honest, clear guidance through every stage of the mortgage approval process
• Deep experience with deposit requirements and helping clients use available schemes

Conclusion: Don’t Leave Savings On The Table

First-time buyers often assume they must accept the first mortgage rate offered or that big bank names are always best. That’s not true. A mortgage broker can change that: securing lower interest rates, reducing fees, guiding you through deposit options, and matching you with schemes that can help your budget go further.

If you’re making your first move into homeownership, don’t go it alone. Talk to us.

Contact us on 020 8528 2251 or email hello@conranmortgages.co.uk to begin with a no-obligation, fee-free consultation. Let’s see how much you could save.

FAQs From First-Time Buyers

Q1: How much deposit do I really need as a first-time buyer?

A: Minimum 5-10% is often possible, but having 15-25% can unlock far better interest rates and more home loan options.

Q2: Will using a mortgage broker delay the approval process?

A: Not normally. A good broker streamlines documentation, avoiding mistakes that cause delays. We often speed things up.

Q3: What happens once I apply for a mortgage?

A: After a complete application, the lender does checks & a valuation; your solicitor handles legal work; then contracts are exchanged, and you complete — keys in hand.