Skip to main content of page

Mortgages for first time buyers

There’s so much to think about when buying your first home, including knowing how much you can borrow, what type of mortgage is right for you and how much you need for a deposit.

Our guides and mortgage calculator can help you get ready and know what happens at each step.

Our step-by-step guide to buying your first home with us

We'll show you each step to buying your first home, including how much deposit you may need, the types of mortgages we have and what happens when you apply for a mortgage with us.

View our step by step first time buyer guide

Are you ready to buy your first home?

Not sure where to start? Follow our tips on getting your finances mortgage ready. And our mortgage calculator and rates checker can help you plan your monthly payments.

We're here to help if you don't think you can borrow enough or have a small deposit. We might be able to offer you a way to borrow more, so you can buy your first home.

Get your finances mortgage ready

Tips to improve your chances of getting a mortgage and boost your credit rating.
How to get your finances mortgage ready

Find out how much can you borrow

Use our mortgage calculator to get a rough idea of what you could borrow. It will ask for your main income details, a rough idea of the property value and your deposit amount.
Mortgage borrowing calculator

Compare mortgage rates

Compare our mortgage rates for first time buyers and find the mortgage deal that’s right for you.
Compare mortgage rates

Get a Decision in Principle

You’ll need a Decision in Principle before you can apply for a mortgage with us.

  • Know instantly what we’d be prepared to lend you.
  • It can take about 20 minutes to complete.
  • It won’t affect your credit rating. 
  • You can use it for up to 90 days while you search for a property. 
How to get a Decision in Principle

If you’re trying to buy your first home, we can help you in all kinds of ways

Any amount of savings towards a deposit is something to be proud of. But if you’re struggling to save more than 5% for a deposit, we have first time buyer mortgages that may help below.

And you’ll get £500 cashback when you complete a mortgage with us too.

Only one £500 cashback will be paid per mortgage and is payable within one month of completion. If applying jointly, all applicants need to be first time buyers (we see first time buyers as customers who have not had a mortgage in the last three years).

If you’ve been given your deposit as gift, find out what you need to do on our Gifted deposit page.

95% mortgages

Saving for a deposit can be hard. That's why we offer first time buyer mortgages up to 95% Loan To Value (LTV).

More about 95% mortgages

Our Helping Hand Mortgage

Borrow up to 20% more with either 5 or 10 year fixed rate mortgage. Conditions apply.
More about our Helping Hand mortgage

Affordable home schemes

If you don’t think you can afford to buy your first home, you might be able to apply for a mortgage using one of the affordable home ownership schemes.
Learn about affordable home schemes

Important:

Mortgages are secured on your home. You could lose your home if you do not keep up payments on your mortgage.
Mortgages are subject to underwriting and criteria. Minimum age 18, UK residents only.

Laura and Jonny’s story

We have a range of support and mortgages to give first time buyers a helping hand. Like Laura and Jonny.

Show transcript
00:01
I mean, when we get those keys...

00:02
I just think...

00:03
It's going to be such a relief, innit. A relief but also

00:05
Like all that work we've put in to get to that position.

00:08
But even for the kids and stuff now, it would be beautiful

00:10
for them to be able to say 'Mum and dad have done that.

00:13
They've got their own place.' That even for, like, as an inspiration.

00:16
It's great to get there, isn't it?

00:17
Like to be able to say, this is our home.

00:20
Yeah. No, of course, this is a big achievement.

Related links

Contact us

If you have any questions about Nationwide mortgages or you’re not sure where to begin, just get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Saturday 8.30am to 4pm.
Closed Sundays and bank holidays.

0345 609 25 30