First-time buyer mortgage calculators
First-time buyers get access to 95% LTV mortgages and SDLT relief up to £500,000 — the calculators below model both sides so you know exactly what you can afford.
First-time buyer affordability calculator
Enter your figures, then add your name and phone to reveal the result. Free, no credit check.
More first-time buyer calculators
First-time buyer calculator
Combined borrowing + deposit + SDLT for a single-view affordability picture.
Help to Buy calculator
Historic reference for the closed Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme.
Shared ownership calculator
Mortgage on the share owned + rent on the share owned by the housing association.
Deposit savings calculator
How long it takes to save a 5%/10%/15% deposit at your current monthly saving rate.
Stamp Duty calculator for first-time buyers
0% up to £300k, 5% between £300k–£500k; standard rates above £500k.
Buying vs renting calculator
Long-run cost comparison — rent inflation vs. mortgage + capital growth.
Every scenario above depends on lender-specific criteria (income multiples, ICR, stress rates, credit profile). A vetted FCA-regulated broker will run the exact numbers for your situation in one working day.
Frequently asked questions
How much deposit do first-time buyers need in the UK?
5% is the practical minimum for a standard 95% LTV mortgage. 100% mortgages (Track Record, JBSP, guarantor) exist for renters with proof of on-time rent payments.
Do first-time buyers pay Stamp Duty in the UK?
In England & NI, no SDLT on the first £300,000 up to a £500,000 purchase. Above £500,000 you pay standard rates (no relief). Scotland and Wales use their own reliefs.
What government schemes are available for UK first-time buyers?
Lifetime ISA (25% bonus up to £1,000/year), Shared Ownership, First Homes (30–50% discount), Right to Buy for council tenants, and 5% deposit mortgages via the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme.
Can first-time buyers use a gifted deposit?
Yes — nearly all UK lenders accept gifted deposits from immediate family. You'll need a signed gift letter confirming it's non-refundable and non-interest-bearing.
How long does a first-time buyer mortgage take in the UK?
Typically 8–12 weeks from offer accepted to completion. DIP within 24 hours, mortgage offer in 2–4 weeks, conveyancing 6–10 weeks.
Can I buy with a friend or family member?
Yes — joint mortgages allow up to 4 borrowers on the deed. Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) lets a parent boost affordability without being on the title (avoiding second-home SDLT).
What credit score do first-time buyers need?
There's no single UK credit score — each lender scores their own way. Clean credit for 12+ months, no missed payments, low utilisation and a registered address history matter more than a number.