Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Your First Home: what has been announced so far
The Government has announced a proposed England-only equity-loan scheme for some first-time buyers purchasing a participating developer's new build. It is expected to support a 2.5% deposit alongside a 20% government-backed equity loan.
Important: applications are not open and the final eligibility rules, price caps, costs and start date are still due at the Budget.
Read the full factual updateAt a glance
What has been announced
England, first-time buyers, participating new builds, an expected 2.5% deposit and a 20% government-backed equity loan.
Still to be confirmed
Eligibility, local price caps, costs, developer participation and when applications can start.
Checked against the Government announcement on 28 September 2026.
A conversation in plain English
Buying or remortgaging can feel like a lot. Start with the questions that matter to you and take time to understand the options before deciding what to do next.
- Ask the questions you have, without feeling rushed.
- Understand the process and the information a lender may need.
- Decide your next step in your own time.
Crunch the Numbers
Get a rough idea of your budget with our free calculators. These are estimates only — for accurate figures tailored to you, let's chat.
Affordability Calculator
See how much you might be able to borrow based on your income and deposit.
Stamp Duty Calculator
First-time buyers often pay less or nothing. Check what you'd owe.
Repayment Calculator
Estimate your monthly payments at different interest rates.
Cost of Moving
Budget for all the costs: solicitors, surveys, moving fees and more.
Important: These calculators provide estimates only. The actual amount you can borrow depends on your credit history, employment status, and individual lender criteria. For accurate figures, please get in touch.
How the Process Typically Works
Here's an overview of the typical steps involved in buying your first home.
Initial Chat
We discuss your income and deposit to understand what you might be able to afford.
Decision in Principle
I can help you apply for a Decision in Principle, which shows estate agents you've been assessed for a mortgage.
Find Your Home
You go house hunting. Once you find a property and have an offer accepted, I handle the full application.
Complete the Purchase
I liaise with lenders and solicitors to help keep things moving towards completion.
Want More Detail?
Click each step below to see what typically happens at each stage.
Government Schemes That May Help
If you're finding it difficult to save a large deposit, there are several government-backed schemes that may be worth exploring.
Please note: Government schemes and their terms change regularly. The information below is a general overview only. Please verify current eligibility criteria and terms on gov.uk before making any decisions.
Shared Ownership
Buy a share of your home (often 10%-75%) and pay reduced rent on the rest. This may suit those with a smaller deposit or lower income.
- Deposit based on share price, not full value
- Option to buy more shares later ("staircasing")
- Available on new builds & resales
First Homes Scheme
New-build homes offered at a discount for local first-time buyers and key workers. The discount stays with the property.
- Discounts typically 30-50%
- Price caps apply (check gov.uk for current limits)
- Availability varies by area
5% Deposit Mortgages
The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme encourages lenders to offer 95% mortgages. You may only need to save a 5% deposit.
- May help you buy sooner
- Available on properties up to certain values
- Open to movers too, not just first-time buyers
Lifetime ISA (LISA)
Save towards your first home and receive a government bonus. Must be used for first home (subject to price limits) or retirement.
- 25% government bonus on savings
- Must be open for 12+ months to use
- Penalty if withdrawn for other reasons
Not sure which scheme might suit your situation? I can help you understand your options.
Discuss My OptionsThe scheme information above is for general guidance only and may not reflect the latest terms or eligibility criteria. Government schemes are subject to change. Always verify details on gov.uk before making decisions. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
What You'll Need
Gather these documents before we chat and you'll be ready to move fast when you find the right home.
Proof of Identity
Valid passport or driving licence
Must be current and not expired
💡 A passport is preferred by most lenders
Proof of address (last 3 months)
Utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill
💡 Mobile phone bills usually aren't accepted
Proof of Income
Last 3 months' payslips
Consecutive months showing your regular income
💡 Include any bonus or overtime if it's regular
Latest P60
Shows your annual earnings and tax paid
💡 You get this from your employer each April
Employment contract (if recent)
Required if you've been in your job less than 3 months
💡 Shows your salary and employment terms
Bank Statements
Last 3 months' bank statements
All accounts where your salary is paid or savings held
💡 Lenders look at your spending habits, so avoid gambling transactions
Evidence of deposit source
Shows where your deposit money came from
💡 If it's a gift, you'll need a signed letter from the giver
Property Details
Property listing or details
Address, price, and estate agent contact
💡 I can help before you've found a property too
Solicitor/conveyancer details
Their name, firm, and contact information
💡 I can recommend local solicitors if you need one
Buying in Alsager?
I live and work here. Here's what you need to know about buying your first home in our town.
Alsager Property Market
Local Market Data Coming Soon
I'm putting together detailed, up-to-date information about property prices and trends in Alsager. In the meantime, I'm happy to chat through what's realistic for your budget.
Areas to Consider in Alsager
Why First-Time Buyers Love Alsager
Great Commuter Links
Direct trains to Crewe, Stoke, and Manchester. Easy access to M6.
More Affordable Than Nearby
Better value than Nantwich or Knutsford, with similar village feel and amenities.
Excellent Schools
Well-regarded primaries and Alsager School is a popular secondary choice.
Green Spaces
Alsager Mere, Milton Park, and surrounding countryside. Perfect for dog walkers and families.
Independent High Street
Local butchers, bakeries, cafés, and pubs. Real community feel without being isolated.
Growing Community
New developments bringing young families. Active community groups and events throughout the year.
Common Questions
It's normal to have questions. Here are the ones I hear most often.
Rob Davies
Your local mortgage adviser in Alsager
Have Questions About Buying Your First Home?
You don't need to have found a house yet. In fact, it can be helpful to chat before you start looking.
Understand Your Budget
Get a clearer idea of what you might be able to borrow, so you can focus on properties within reach.
Decision in Principle
I can help you apply for a Decision in Principle certificate to show estate agents.
Ask Anything
No question is too basic. I'm here to explain everything in plain English.
Mortgage answers
Latest first-time buyer answers
Clear answers for people getting ready to buy their first home.
Last verified 9 October 2026
Why is my first mortgage payment higher than expected?
A first mortgage payment can be higher because a lender may collect interest from completion to the end of that month as well as the following regular monthly payment. The exact calculation and first payment date depend on your lender, so check its payment schedule rather than assuming there is an error.
Read answerLast verified 9 October 2026
Can I still open a Help to Buy ISA in 2026?
No. You cannot open a new Help to Buy ISA. If you already have one, you may still be able to pay in up to £200 a month and claim its Government bonus when you buy, subject to the scheme rules. A Lifetime ISA is a separate savings product with different conditions.
Read answerLast verified 9 October 2026
Is a 95% mortgage the same as the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme?
No. A 95% mortgage means borrowing 95% of a property's price with a 5% deposit. The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is a Government-backed arrangement for participating lenders that helps support the availability of some 91% to 95% loan-to-value mortgages. It is not a separate pot of money a buyer applies for.
Read answer