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

Most lenders require a minimum 5% deposit. For example, on a £300,000 property, that's £15,000. However, we also have access to 100% mortgages — either with guarantor support or based on your rental payment history — as well as schemes that accept gifted deposits from family members.

Can my parents help me buy without giving me cash?

Yes. Parents can act as guarantors, pledge their property as additional security, or go on the mortgage but not on the deeds (Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor). We'll explain all the options.

What is Right to Buy?

Right to Buy gives eligible council tenants the right to purchase their home at a significant discount. The discount can be used as your deposit, meaning you may not need any savings. We have experience arranging Right to Buy mortgages.

What is Shared Ownership?

Shared Ownership lets you buy between 25% and 75% of a property and pay rent on the remainder. It requires a smaller deposit and mortgage, making homeownership more accessible. We work with specialist shared ownership lenders.

Can I get a mortgage as a first-time buyer with bad credit?

Yes. While a clean credit history gives access to the best rates, we have access to specialist lenders who consider applicants with CCJs, defaults, missed payments and limited credit history.

How long does the process take for a first-time buyer?

From initial consultation to completion typically takes 8–12 weeks, depending on the property chain (or lack of one as a first-time buyer, which is an advantage), lender processing times and solicitor turnaround.

First Time Buyer Mortgages Uxbridge | 95% & 100% LTV

Your First Home Starts Here

Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. At Chess Mortgages, we specialise in helping first-time buyers navigate the mortgage process from start to finish. We search our extensive lender panel — including specialist lenders — to find the most competitive deal for your deposit size, income and circumstances. Based in Uxbridge, we help first-time buyers across the UK.

What We Can Arrange

95% LTV mortgages — buy with just a 5% deposit

100% mortgages — with family support or based on rental payment history

Gifted deposit arrangements fully supported

Parents on the mortgage but not on the deeds (JBSP)

Parents pledging their property as additional security

Second charge structures where appropriate

Right to Buy council and housing association properties

Shared Ownership government-backed scheme access

New build and off-plan property purchases

Help to Buy equity loan guidance

Ready to Take the First Step?

Tell us about your situation — free, no-obligation advice.

Who Is This For?

Our first-time buyer service is designed for anyone purchasing their first residential property in the UK. Whether you have a large deposit or just 5%, whether your income is straightforward or complex, we'll find the right solution.

Typical Scenarios

• You have a 5% deposit saved and want to get on the property ladder
• Your parents want to help with a gifted deposit or guarantee
• You're a council tenant wanting to exercise your Right to Buy
• You're interested in Shared Ownership to reduce the deposit needed
• You have a limited credit history but stable employment
• You're self-employed or a contractor buying your first home
• You want to understand all the costs involved before committing

Benefits of Using Chess Mortgages

Extensive Lender Panel

We search our extensive panel of lenders, not just a limited selection.

Expert Guidance

Your dedicated adviser explains every step in plain English.

Complex Cases Welcome

Self-employed, contractors, adverse credit — we handle it all.

No-Obligation Consultation

Initial advice at our expense, with no hidden costs.

Fast Turnaround

We work efficiently to get your application moving quickly.

Local & National

Based in Uxbridge, serving first-time buyers across the UK.

Common Problems We Help Solve

• Declined by a high street lender due to income or deposit
• Unsure whether to use Help to Buy, Shared Ownership or go it alone
• Complex income — self-employed, contractor or irregular earnings
• Low credit score or limited credit history
• Need to understand stamp duty relief for first-time buyers
• Saving for a deposit is taking too long — you need creative solutions

How It Works

Initial Consultation

We discuss your income, deposit, goals and any concerns — at our expense, and without obligation.

Agreement in Principle

We find the best deal and obtain a mortgage agreement in principle so you can start house hunting with confidence.

Full Application

Once you've found your property, we submit your full application and manage all lender communications.

Offer to Completion

We coordinate with your solicitor and the lender to ensure everything progresses smoothly through to completion day.

Key Criteria & Considerations

• Minimum deposit: Typically 5% for standard applications. Some 100% options available with guarantor support or based on rental payment history.

• Income multiples: Most lenders offer 4–4.5x income. Some specialist lenders go to 5.5x or higher for professionals.

• Stamp duty: First-time buyers pay no stamp duty on properties up to £425,000 and reduced rates on properties up to £625,000.

• Credit history: A clean credit history helps access the best rates, but we can work with limited or impaired credit.

• Employment: Employed, self-employed, contractor and agency worker income all accepted by different lenders.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Chess Mortgages is a trading style of Chess Property Services (London) Limited (Company No. 6575229), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No. 748976).

First Time Buyer Mortgages