If you’re thinking about buying your first home and not sure where to start, these are the questions most people ask before they even pick up the phone.
We recently had a first-time buyer enquiry from someone based in Lincoln, looking to buy locally and put down long-term roots.
They weren’t rushing.
They just wanted to understand everything first.
And the questions they asked? We hear them every week.
A real first-time buyer scenario in Lincoln
This was a typical situation:
- Income just under £40,000
- Deposit saved of around £10,000–£15,000
- Planning to stay in Lincoln long term
Before booking a consultation, they wanted clarity on:
- Fees
- How advisers get paid
- Access to lenders
- What documents are needed
- Mortgage options
- Timelines
- Extra costs
- Borrowing potential
If that sounds familiar, this will help.
Do mortgage brokers charge fees for first-time buyers?
This is always the first question.
And it should be.
Here’s how it works with us:
- No fee upfront
- You only pay once you receive a fully approved mortgage offer
- Typically £299
- Reduced to £199 for Armed Forces & Blue Light Card holders
- If staying with your current lender is the best option → no fee at all
We explain this early so there are no surprises.
👉 Our mortgage broker fees explained.
Do mortgage advisers get commission from lenders?
Yes, and we’re upfront about it.
When your mortgage completes, the lender pays us a fee.
What matters is this:
👉 It does not change the advice you receive
We recommend what works best for you, not what pays the most.
Do you have access to all mortgage lenders?
We’re whole-of-market, which means access to:
- High street banks
- Building societies
- Specialist lenders
- Deals not available directly to the public
That last point is where many people benefit most from using a broker.
What documents do I need for a mortgage?
Most people expect this to be more complicated than it is.
In reality, you’ll usually need:
- Photo ID
- Proof of address
- Recent payslips
- Bank statements
- Deposit evidence
We guide you through it step by step so nothing gets missed.
What mortgage is right for a first-time buyer?
There isn’t a single “best” option.
It depends on:
- How long you plan to stay
- What you can comfortably afford
- How much flexibility you want
Most first-time buyers choose fixed rates, but the right choice depends on your situation.
If you’re planning to stay in Lincoln long term, getting this right early matters.
How long does a mortgage application take?
A typical timeline looks like:
- Initial chat → same or next day
- Agreement in Principle → 24–48 hours
- Full application → once you’ve found a property
- Mortgage offer → a few weeks
- Completion → around 8–12 weeks
Most delays come from solicitors, chains or surveys rather than the mortgage itself.
What costs should I budget for when buying my first home?
Beyond your deposit, you’ll likely need to cover:
- Solicitor fees
- Survey costs
- Possible lender fees
- Moving costs
We go through this early so you’re not caught out later.
How much can I borrow as a first-time buyer?
Most lenders offer around 4 to 4.5 times your income.
Using a typical example:
- Income just under £40,000
- Borrowing around £150,000–£170,000
With a £10k–£15k deposit:
- Property range roughly £160,000–£185,000
But we always sense-check this against your monthly budget, not just the maximum available.
Mortgage affordability calculator
Find out how much you may be able to borrow
Get a rough guide to what you may be able to borrow based on income and commitments.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
These calculators are for illustration only and do not replace personalised mortgage advice. Actual borrowing and costs depend on your circumstances and lender criteria.
Want help turning these numbers into a real mortgage plan?
Calculators are useful for getting a rough idea, but every lender assesses things a little differently. If you would like advice based on your own situation, speak to a qualified mortgage adviser.
Speak with a mortgage adviserHow we approach first-time buyer advice
Most people come to us feeling unsure and slightly overwhelmed.
So we keep things simple:
- Clear explanations
- No jargon
- No pressure
We take the time to answer everything properly so you can make decisions with confidence.
Check out our First Time Buyer FAQ page for more question and answers.
What first-time buyers say after going through it
A lot of people start in exactly this position.
And the feedback after is usually similar:
“It is always very daunting when you start the mortgage process as a first time buyer, but Tom made it feel so easy, explained everything thoroughly and was there whenever we needed him.”
Megan – Google Review
Speak to a mortgage adviser
If you’re a first-time buyer in Lincoln and want clear answers without pressure, we’re happy to talk things through.
Book your first-time buyer mortgage consultation.
Disclaimer
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
