Affordable home buyer schemes to get you on the property ladder
There are a number of Government schemes available to help first time buyers make their step onto the property ladder.
Help to Buy
The Help to Buy equity loan is available to first time buyers who want to buy a new build property. While there are maximum property values, the scheme allows you to borrow up to 20% of the property value interest free for the first 5 years. To qualify for this, you must have a minimum of 5% deposit. The scheme is available until 2023.
Right to Buy
This scheme is for tenants who currently rent their home from their local council. The Right to Buy scheme means that you can purchase your home from your local council at a discounted price. To be eligible, tenants must’ve been renting from a housing association or local authority for a minimum of three years.
Shared Ownership
This scheme allows you to purchase a share of the property and rent the remaining share. There is normally the option to purchase the remaining share in the future too.
Click here for more information on government schemes available.
Step 1: Work out how much you can afford
You'll need to work out how much you can afford to borrow, our affordability calculator will give you an idea of this. You'll also need to consider your deposit so that you can get an idea of the properties you can afford. You'll usually need at least a 5% deposit, so look at the property prices in the area you're thinking of living in. Give thought to whether you need to be close to transport links or school catchment areas. You should think of every aspect of your day to day life to make sure you're looking in the right place and at the right price.
Remember, if you're struggling to save a deposit then our Family Assist mortgage may be of interest to you. It allows borrowers who are unable to source a deposit to borrow up to 100% of the purchase price or property value whichever is the lower, assuming that a family member is able to offer their property as additional security. Full product details can be viewed on our Family Assist mortgage page.
Step 2: Talk to Tipton & Coseley
Once you've got an idea of how much you can borrow you should book an appointment with one of our Mortgage Advisers. In this initial meeting, your Adviser will look at what you can afford and determine whether we're able to lend to you. You should bring your last three months payslips and your latest P60 or if you're self-employed, your last two years SA302 forms.
If we can lend to you the Adviser can give you a mortgage certificate which details how much we're prepared to lend to you, subject to full criteria checks. Your certificate can be shown to estate agents when you make an offer on a property to show you're serious about buying and have access to mortgage funds. You can book an appointment by calling us on 0121 557 2551, visiting any of our branches or completing our online form.
Step 3: Start looking for your first home
Once you've got your mortgage certificate and know what budget you have, it's time to find your first home. It's important to remember your research at this stage to help you make the right decision. There are many places you can go to when looking for a home:
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Freehold or leasehold, what do they mean?
With a freehold property, you will purchase the property and the land it stands on. Whereas, with a leasehold property, you will purchase the property and must lease the land it stands on.
Step 4: Make an offer
Once you’ve found a property you like, you can make an offer. You'll make your offer direct to the sellers estate agent. If the seller rejects your initial offer you can go back with an increased offer as long as you can afford to. If your offer is accepted it's a good idea to ask for this to be confirmed in writing and request the property is taken off the market.
Step 5: Complete a full mortgage application
Now that your offer has been accepted, you'll need to book a second appointment with our Mortgage Adviser to complete a full mortgage application. You can book an appointment by calling us on 0121 557 2551, completing our online form or visiting any one of our branches. During this appointment your Adviser will ask you more detailed questions about your needs, circumstances and finances to recommend a mortgage suitable for you.
Step 6: Appoint your legal representative
You'll need someone to deal with the legal side of buying your home. When choosing a solicitor or licensed conveyancer, make sure you ask for a full breakdown of their costs, confirm how often they’ll keep you updated and that they’ll be available when you need them.
Step 7: Property valuation
When you buy a home we'll need to complete a valuation on it as part of your mortgage application. This is to ensure the property is worth the price you are paying. We'll need a standard valuation to be completed as a minimum, however you can pay extra and have a structural survey completed which will go into greater detail than a standard valuation.
Step 8: Your Mortgage Offer
Once we have assessed your mortgage application and a valuation has been completed, as long as all underwriting checks have been passed we'll issue you with a formal Mortgage Offer. When you and your solicitor are happy with everything outlined in the Offer document you'll be ready to exchange contracts.
Step 9: Exchange of contracts and set a completion date
You'll now need to exchange contracts with the seller. Until you have done this, both you and the seller are able to walk away from the sale. Once you have both signed the contracts, you're legally committed to complete the transaction. You'll also need to pay your deposit at this point and arrange a completion date.
Step 10: Insurance
You'll need to arrange buildings insurance before you move into your new home. Whilst we require buildings insurance to be taken out as a condition of your Mortgage Offer, you do not have to take out this insurance with us, so you're free to shop around.
Step 11: You've completed, now move in
This is the day when your solicitor arranges for the money to be transferred and the estate agent hands over the keys to your first home, congratulations!
First Time Buyer FAQs
Q: Will the lender lend on my property?
A: Your mortgage lender will have restrictions in place based on different property and construction types. There can be a variety of reasons why a lender may not lend on a particular property, however when you have an appointment with your Mortgage Adviser they will assess all of these for you. The most common construction types are typically accepted.
Q: What paperwork will I need?
A: For your mortgage appointment, you will need a variety of paper work to prove your identity, income and proof of deposit. These include those listed below:
- Last three months payslips or last two years SA302’s or Limited Company Accounts if you’re self-employed;
- Your accountants details if self-employed;
- Latest three months salary fed bank statements;
- Your most recent P60;
- Your employers contact details;
- Proof of any other income;
- Your solicitors contact details;
- Your landlords contact details if you are currently renting;
- Estate agents contact details;
- Proof of your identity and address;
- Proof of your deposit; and
- Full details of any outgoings.
Q: What is a mortgage APRC?
A: APRC stands for Annual Percentage Rate of Charge and tells you what your mortgage will cost each year, assuming you make no changes during the term of the mortgage. This considers the initial rate any mortgage fees and the revert to rate once your initial rate expires.
Q: How long should I set the mortgage term for?
A: A mortgage term can range from anything between 5 and 35 years. The longer your term, the more interest you will pay and the longer it will take to pay off your mortgage. However, your Mortgage Adviser will discuss this in detail with you and explain all the pros and cons for different terms available.
Q: How do mortgages for couples work?
A: If you are applying for a mortgage with your partner, you will both need to prove your income and outgoings to satisfy affordability checks. Both of your names can be listed on the mortgage, meaning you are both responsible to make the monthly repayments. Full checks will be carried out on both applicants.
Q: Can I leave my property and rent it out to someone else?
A: Once you have been living in your property, you may decide to move out and rent it out. This is something you must discuss with your current lender first, as you will need to switch from a residential mortgage to a Buy to Let mortgage.
Click here to see more mortgage FAQs answered.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE