Making property finance work for you.
Buying your first home shouldn’t be stressful - it should be exciting. At Lumino Mortgages, we provide expert first-time buyer mortgage advice tailored to your needs. From calculating how much you can borrow to exploring government schemes and low-deposit options, we guide you every step of the way. With clear, honest guidance and personalised solutions, we help you move confidently onto the property ladder.
Why First-Time Buyers Choose Us:
✔ Tailored Guidance
We design mortgage strategies specifically for you — based on your income, credit history, and long-term goals..
✔ Access to a Wide Range of High Street & Specialist Lenders
We search across all available lenders to find the mortgage that best suits your circumstances. From low-deposit deals to government-backed schemes, we identify the options that give you the most choice and are the right fit for your first home.
✔ Clear & Transparent Process
No jargon, no surprises. We walk you through every step - affordability checks, AIP (Agreement in Principle), deposit planning, and legal next steps.
✔ Long-Term Support
We don’t just help you get the mortgage - we help you understand what comes after, including protection, future remortgaging, and long-term property planning.
Important information
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1%, but a typical fee is £495.
What You'll Need to Think About (First-Time Buyer Essentials)
Here’s how we simplify your journey:
1. Saving For Your Deposit
Many first-time buyers aim for 5–10% of the property price as a deposit. Using a Lifetime ISA or other savings plan can help you build this deposit more efficiently
2. Affordability & How Much You Can Borrow
Lenders assess affordability based on your income, outgoings, credit history, and savings. We run full affordability assessments to help you understand your borrowing potential before you look for properties.
3. Choosing the Right Mortgage Type
Fixed-rate mortgages: Stable monthly payments - great for budgeting. Variable / tracker mortgages: Rates may follow the Bank of England base rate - potentially lower, but riskier.
Low-deposit mortgages: Possible with 5% or more, depending on lender criteria.
4. Government Schemes & Incentives
Ask us about schemes like Shared Ownership and First Homes, which may help reduce your initial outlay or make borrowing easier. These schemes change over time - and we stay up to date to recommend the best options for you.
5. Credit Score & Financial Health
A strong credit history helps you secure a better mortgage rate.
We offer advice on improving your credit and making your application more attractive to lenders.
6. Costs Beyond the Mortgage
Legal fees, land transaction tax / stamp duty, valuation survey costs - these can add up.
We help you budget for all of these and can recommend trusted solicitors or surveyors.
7. Getting an Agreement in Principle (AIP)
We guide you through securing an AIP: a formal indication of how much a lender may be willing to lend - critical when bidding on a property.
Having an AIP strengthens your position when you make offers.
How Lumino Mortgages Helps You Succeed
Personalised First Meeting & Tailored Mortgage Solutions
We’ll sit down (in person or virtually) to understand your goals, savings, and where you want to live. Based on your profile, we then search for the right mortgage - whether that’s a low-deposit deal, a fixed-rate mortgage, or a scheme mortgage.
Lender Negotiation
We negotiate on your behalf to access favourable rates and terms.
Support Through Conveyancing
We guide you through every administrative step — valuation, legal checks, solicitor coordination.
Post Completion Advice
Once you’ve moved in, we don’t disappear - we continue advising you on remortgaging, protecting your home and Family, or scaling up later.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Typically 5–10% of the property value, though some lenders may have different requirements depending on your situation.
Yes. A broker like Lumino Mortgages can access a wide panel of lenders, including those offering higher LTV mortgages.
You’ll need to account for solicitor fees, valuation costs, stamp duty (if applicable), and insurance.
Absolutely. A better credit score can help you secure more competitive mortgage rates. We offer guidance to strengthen your credit profile.
Usually just a few days - and having one significantly strengthens your buying position.
Ready to take the first step?
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation first-time buyer consultation. Let’s explore what you can afford, which mortgage options suit you best, and how to navigate the property ladder with confidence.