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First-time buyer mortgages

Discover everything you need to know about purchasing your first home, from understanding mortgage options to navigating the buying process. Empower yourself with expert guidance and resources designed to help you make informed decisions and achieve your homeownership goals.

Understanding Mortgages

Understanding the basics of how mortgages work, including the different types available and the application process, is essential for any prospective homebuyer.

What is a Mortgage

A mortgage is a loan individuals use to buy a home. It allows the borrower to purchase a property without paying the full price upfront, agreeing instead to repay the loan over 15 or 30 years.

How Mortgages Work

With a mortgage, you borrow a certain amount of money from a lender to buy a home. You then make regular monthly paymentsto repay the loan plus interest.

Influencing Factors

Several factors can affect the terms of your mortgage, including your credit score, income, employment history, down payment amount, and the current state of the housing market.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

Understanding Credit Scores

Your credit score plays a crucial role in the mortgage application process. Here's what you need to know.

What is a Credit Score?

A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness based on your credit history. Lenders use it to assess the risk of lending to you.

Importance of Credit Scores in Mortgage Approval

Your credit score influences whether you'll be approved for a mortgage and the terms you'll receive, including the interest rate.

Impact of Credit Scores on Mortgage Rates

Higher credit scores typically lead to lower mortgage rates, which can result in significant savings over the life of your loan.

Start Your Mortgage Journey

Take the first step to purchasing your desired property today.

What types of mortgages are available to you?

Fixed Rate
Mortgages

A fixed rate mortgage is a type of home loan where the interest rate remains constant and does not change during the initial term of the mortgage...

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Discount Rate Mortgages

A discount mortgage is a type of mortgage where the interest rate is discounted from the lender's standard variable rate (SVR) for a set period...

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Variable Rate Mortgages

A variable-rate mortgage is a type of home loan where the interest rate can fluctuate over the life of the loan depending on a chosen index...

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Tracker Rate Mortgages

The interest rate on a tracker mortgage tracks or follows movements in a chosen index, typically by a set margin above or below the index rate...

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

Need some tools to support your home buying journey?

Repayment Calculator

Ready to take the guesswork out of your mortgage payments? Try our Mortgage Repayment Calculator now for quick and accurate estimates.

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Affordability Calculator

Curious about how much you could borrow for your dream home? Use our simple calculator to instantly gain clarity on your borrowing potential.

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Overpayment Calculator

Try our Overpayment Calculator to see how extra payments can save you time and money. Take control of your finances and pay off your mortgage sooner!

Use Calculator

Frequently asked questions

Google Reviews

See What Our Customers Say

We take pride in our customer service and are committed to providing you with the best possible experience. Here's what some of our customers have to say about us.

Brian M

Brian M

2 months ago

We had a fantastic experience working with Gregg when we first started thinking about buying a home. We didn’t know much at the beginning, but Gregg was incredibly patient and explained everything clearly about the mortgage process and the......

Jake Dale

Jake Dale

a month ago

I couldn't be happier with the service we received from Gregg at Acre Mortgages. From start to finish, he made the entire mortgage process smooth and easy to understand. His knowledge, communication and genuine care made a huge difference.......

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant

3 months ago

Gregg has been an absolute pleasure to work with. He’s incredibly helpful and informative, always taking the time to explain everything clearly. His flexible and proactive approach means he’ll work hard to find a solution to any problem.......

Ademide Odunbaku

Ademide Odunbaku

3 months ago

Gregg from AcreMortgages has been great. If you need someone to take the stress out of a home purchase while working tirelessly to keep you informed then Gregg is your man. I found the combination of tailored customer service, driven by our......

Apples1974

Apples1974

3 months ago

Gregg is fantastic! He is extremely knowledgeable and has given me an extremely supportive service over the years, nothing is too much trouble. Gregg makes you feel comfortable by addressing all your questions without judgement (even the......

Joseph Yaxley

Joseph Yaxley

2 months ago

I worked with Gregg many years ago, and we have stayed in touch. While I have always researched mortgage rates myself, I thought that enlisting professional help couldn't be a bad thing, so spoke to Gregg. I've carried out two renewals of ......

Samuel Brooker

Samuel Brooker

5 months ago

Working with Gregg at Acre Mortgages has been a fantastic experience. His professionalism, deep knowledge of the mortgage market, and approachable nature make him stand out from the rest. Gregg takes the time to explain everything in simple......

Chris Waldron

Chris Waldron

3 months ago

Highly recommend as Gregg and team are super efficient, communicative and really understand the mortgage market, helping us towards purchasing our sons first property with a reputable lender at a great rate. Thank you Gregg / Acre Mortgages

Lewis Sage

Lewis Sage

5 months ago

Gregg at Acre Mortgages is incredibly friendly, reliable, and knowledgeable. From the moment we spoke, he offered clear, honest advice and went above and beyond to help. It’s rare to find someone in the mortgage industry who genuinely cares......

Ibs Bekir

Ibs Bekir

Edited 2 months ago

Acre mortgages have been fantastic! The service I’ve received from Gregg has been phenomenal. Very professional and at each stage the service was extremely helpful. My remortgage was smooth and seamless. Can’t thank the guys enough .

Zoe Reed

Zoe Reed

5 months ago

Gregg was amazing and very supportive. Gregg managed to make feel at ease and relaxed in our appointment. I felt comfortable asking lots of questions and he was very professional. I highly recommend Gregg to anyone. I have recently shared his details with my nephew who has also had an appointment. Thank you so much

B Campos

B Campos

3 months ago

Not only would I give Acre Mortgages 5 stars, but I would genuinely recommend them to anyone looking for diligent, competent, honest, and helpful brokers. Working with Gregg Maxam throughout the process made this incredibly difficult......

Yesim Cella

Yesim Cella

2 months ago

Gregg was an absolute superstar - he made the whole mortgage process super easy, he found us the right deal and supported throughout our new house purchase - thank you Acre mortgages

Claire McKenna

Claire McKenna

6 months ago

I cannot recommend Gregg highly enough as a mortgage advisor! From the moment we connected, he made the entire process feel effortless with his upbeat attitude, deep expertise, and genuinely helpful advice. Gregg doesn't just provide......

Lorraine Hambleton

Lorraine Hambleton

2 months ago

A huge thank you to Gregg and the team for a superb service in helping me to re-mortage when my fixed term recently came to an end. Made a £400 saving each month thanks to Gregg's expert eye on the market, and also ability to explain......

Ivan Heard

Ivan Heard

3 months ago

The acre mortgages team went above and beyond in helping us secure the right mortgage. They offered practical, well informed guidance on the available options and the process. 100% we’ll be using them again

Marinalva Sousa

Marinalva Sousa

8 months ago

Acre Mortgage helped us through the process of buying our dream home. Gregg’s approach was outstanding and we recommend him and his company services to anyone who plans to buy a house and needs professional help to do so.Thank you, Gregg god bless you!

karl reed

karl reed

8 months ago

Amazing service from Gregg at Acre Mortgages, Gregg spent a lot of time and effort explaining all the different options and scenarios to us.Communication was great, whether that be in person on the home visits or over......

Nathan Harrison

Nathan Harrison

7 months ago

Gregg and the team made my new mortgage application and subsequent mortgage switch an absolute breeze.No pressure was applied to commit to anything at any point and a friendly......

Matthew Woodhatch

Matthew Woodhatch

8 months ago

From the very beginning Gregg has been professional and personal, giving us guidance and support as first time buyers we were looking for. He was always going above and beyond to help us and we will be recommending him to anyone. Trustworthy and honest which means a lot these days.

Tracey Evans

Tracey Evans

4 months ago

I cannot recommend Gregg enough, he is so helpful & makes you understand everything & he keeps you updated as to what is going on & if he says he’s going to call/email he does, unlike previous people I have used, I wouldn’t go to anybody else now, highly recommend.

Michael Davis

Michael Davis

3 months ago

Gregg Maxxom responded immediately to my requirements, even during his vacation. I strongly recommend Gregg and his team.

Fiona Findlay

Fiona Findlay

7 months ago

Excellent, personalised service, great attention to detail.Highly recommended.Fiona Findlay

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5.0 rating from 23 reviews

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