Your First Home
Starts Here
Buying your first home is exciting but can feel overwhelming. We're here to guide you through every step, from understanding deposits to finding the best mortgage for your circumstances.
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Request a callback from our mortgage experts
No-obligation consultation
Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
How Much Deposit Do First-Time Buyers Need?
The minimum deposit for a first-time buyer mortgage in Northern Ireland is typically 5% of the property price. However, the more you can put down, the better rates you'll be offered.
It's also possible to get on the property ladder with 0% deposit through the Co-Ownership scheme in Northern Ireland, where you buy a share of the property and pay rent on the remainder.
Deposit Size Guide
| Deposit | LTV | Example (£150k) |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | 95% | £7,500 |
| 10% | 90% | £15,000 |
| 15% | 85% | £22,500 |
| 20%+ | 80% or less | £30,000+ |
The more deposit you put down, the better rates you'll typically be offered. Contact us for a personalised quote.
Where Can Your Deposit Come From?
Personal Savings
The most common source
Gifted Deposits
From family (with gift letter)
Lifetime ISA
25% government bonus!
Inheritance
With documentation
What You'll Need to Qualify
Make sure you have these ready before applying
Credit History
A clean credit history with no missed payments, CCJs or defaults in the last 3-6 years
Proof of Income
3 months payslips and bank statements, or 2-3 years accounts if self-employed
Deposit Saved
Minimum 5% deposit, with evidence of where the funds have come from
ID & Address
Valid passport or driving licence, plus proof of address such as utility bills
Government Schemes for First-Time Buyers in NI
Co-Ownership Northern Ireland
Get on the property ladder with a 0% deposit. Buy a share (50-90%) and pay rent on the remainder. Buy more over time.
Lifetime ISA
Save up to £4,000/year and get a 25% government bonus (£1,000/year).
Stamp Duty Relief
First-time buyers pay no stamp duty on properties up to £300,000.
How Much Can First-Time Buyers Borrow?
Lenders typically offer 4 to 4.5 times your annual income. For joint applications, both incomes are considered.
£25,000 income
Up to £112,500
£35,000 income
Up to £157,500
£50,000 joint income
Up to £225,000
£70,000 joint income
Up to £315,000
The First-Time Buyer Mortgage Process
Agreement in Principle (AIP)
Confirms how much a lender is likely to offer. Based on soft credit check.
Finding a Property
House-hunt with confidence. Estate agents take buyers with AIPs more seriously.
Full Mortgage Application
Submit documents: ID, payslips, bank statements, proof of deposit.
Valuation and Survey
Lender confirms property value. Consider a homebuyer's survey too.
Mortgage Offer & Completion
Receive formal offer, solicitor handles legal work, get your keys!
Why Choose CGR Financial for Your First Mortgage?
Wide market access
We offer a wide range of products from across the market
Local expertise
Based in Newtownabbey, we know NI
Regulated through PRIMIS
Your protection and peace of mind
No-obligation consultation
No pressure to proceed
Personal service
One person who knows your case
End-to-end support
From AIP to completion and beyond
Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Jordan Willis
Mortgage & Protection Advisor
With extensive experience in the Northern Ireland mortgage market, Jordan specialises in helping first-time buyers and those with complex circumstances find the right mortgage solution.
Qualifications
Specialisms
- First-Time Buyers
- Remortgages
- Protection
Key Points
- Minimum 5% deposit required
- Borrow up to 4.5x your income
- No stamp duty up to £300,000
- Lifetime ISA gives 25% bonus
- 4-8 weeks typical process time
CGR Financial Ltd is an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network. First Complete Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Related Services
First-Time Buyers Love Working With Us
See what our clients have to say about their experience
"With Jordan and Nadine's help and expertise, we were able to get our First Home! During our initial chat with Jordan, he was very patient to talk us through options, and as first time buyers, this process was somewhat daunting, but he made it very straight forward and easy to understand. Great service from a very friendly and knowledgeable team."
"Absolutely fantastic - the team here are so friendly and helpful. I worked with Jordan and Nadine for mortgage advice and home insurance provision when buying our first home. Both went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience."
"I cannot recommend Jordan at CGR Financial enough. He made the whole process easy, he sat down and explained each step in detail, no question seemed silly and he was able to talk me through the process start to finish. He was always on hand for any queries."
First-Time Buyer Mortgage FAQs
Ready to Buy Your First Home?
Book a no-obligation consultation to discuss your first-time buyer mortgage options.