Date published: 16th Mar 2026

First Time Buyer Guide (2026): How to Buy Your First Home

Buying your first home can feel extremely daunting. There are lots of steps involved, new terminology to learn, and big financial decisions to make.

If you’re a first-time buyer in the UK, understanding the mortgage process and what lenders require can make things much easier.

Here at Apple Tree, we want to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Below is our step-by-step first time buyer guide for 2026, explaining how to buy your first home and what to expect along the way.

1. Speak to a Mortgage Advisor

One of the biggest mistakes many first-time buyers make is starting their property search before speaking to a mortgage advisor.

By speaking with a mortgage broker early, you can:

·      Understand how much you may be able to borrow

·      Get your finances organised

·      Know what price range to look for when viewing properties

This puts you in a much stronger position when you find a property you love.

2. Saving Your First Time Buyer Deposit

Your house deposit is the amount of money you contribute towards buying your property.

Most UK mortgage lenders require at least a 5% deposit, although putting down a larger deposit may help you access better mortgage rates.

Some banks also offer first-time buyer savings schemes or government initiatives that can help you save for your first property.

Deposits can sometimes be gifted by family members. If your deposit is coming from another source, a mortgage advisor can confirm whether a lender will accept it.

3. Agreement in Principle (AIP)

Before making an offer on a property, it’s recommended that first-time buyers obtain an Agreement in Principle (AIP), also known as a Decision in Principle (DIP).

At this stage, the lender will usually carry out a soft credit check and indicate how much they may be willing to lend you.

This helps you understand your home buying budget and shows estate agents and sellers that you’re a serious buyer.

Important: an Agreement in Principle is not a guaranteed mortgage offer and is subject to full lender checks.

4. Making an Offer on Your First Home

Once you have your Agreement in Principle, you’re ready to start viewing properties and making offers.

When you find the right property, you can submit an offer through the estate agent. The seller may accept your offer immediately, or there may be negotiations before an agreement is reached.

Once the offer is accepted, you can move forward with your mortgage application.

5. Submitting Your Full Mortgage Application

After your offer has been accepted, your mortgage broker will submit your full mortgage application to the lender.

At this stage the lender will:

·      Fully review your financial documents

·      Carry out credit and affordability checks

·      Arrange a mortgage valuation on the property

You may also choose to arrange a home survey for additional reassurance about the property's condition.

6. Receiving Your Mortgage Offer

If everything is approved, the lender will issue a formal mortgage offer.

This document outlines:

·      The loan amount

·      Your interest rate

·      The mortgage term

·      Any conditions attached to the mortgage

Most mortgage offers in the UK remain valid for several months, allowing time for the legal process to be completed.

7. Solicitors and Conveyancing

Your solicitor or conveyancer will handle the legal process of buying your home, also known as conveyancing.

They will:

·      Conduct property searches

·      Review legal contracts

·      Liaise with the seller’s solicitor

·      Ensure the purchase is legally completed

In many property purchases there may be a property chain, where multiple buyers and sellers are involved. This can sometimes affect the timeline.

8. Exchange of Contracts

Exchange of contracts is an important milestone in the UK home buying process.

At this stage:

·      Contracts are legally exchanged between solicitors

·      Your deposit is transferred

·      A completion date is agreed

Once contracts are exchanged, the purchase becomes legally binding.

9. Completion Day

Completion day is when you officially become a homeowner.

Your mortgage lender releases the funds to your solicitor, who transfers the payment to the seller’s solicitor. Once the transaction is complete, you will receive the keys to your new home.

You will also receive confirmation from your lender about your mortgage repayment schedule and payment dates.

10. Moving Into Your First Home

After moving in, there are a few important things to organise:

·      Register for council tax

·      Set up gas, electricity, and water utilities

·      Arrange broadband and home insurance

·      Update your address where necessary

Now it’s time to settle in and enjoy your new home.

11. When Your Fixed Mortgage Deal Ends

Many first-time buyers choose a fixed-rate mortgage, which lasts for a set period (often 2–5 years).

When your mortgage product end date approaches, it’s important to review your options.

At Apple Tree, we will always get in touch before your fixed rate ends to help you remortgage and secure a new deal that suits your circumstances.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a first-time buyer looking for mortgage advice, our team at Apple Tree is here to guide you through every step of the process.

We’ll help you understand your borrowing power, find the right mortgage deal, and support you all the way through to getting the keys to your new home.

At Apple Tree Mortgage Services, we explain everything in plain English — so you can make confident, informed decisions about your future.

Important Information

You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.