First-Time Buyer Hub

Your Complete, Jargon-Free Guide to Buying Your First Home

Welcome to Money Simplified’s First-Time Buyer Hub — the place to get clear, practical, and genuinely helpful guidance as you take your first steps onto the UK property ladder.

Whether you’re still saving your deposit, comparing mortgage options, or gearing up to make an offer, this hub pulls together everything you need to navigate the process with confidence.

We keep things simple. No jargon. No fluff. Just honest, easy-to-understand advice tailored for first-time buyers in today’s housing market.

What You’ll Find in This Hub

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. Below, you’ll find every stage of the journey broken down into bite-sized guides that explain exactly what to do, what to expect, and how to make smart decisions along the way.

Use this hub as your go-to reference, whether you’re planning months ahead or actively viewing homes right now.

1. Saving for Your First Home

Before you even start looking at properties, it’s important to understand what you’ll need financially — and how to get there.

In this section, you’ll learn:

How much deposit you actually need (it’s not always 10%!)
Smart saving strategies that help you reach your goal faster
Lifetime ISA (LISA) explained in plain English
Whether a LISA or a regular ISA is right for you
How to boost your credit score before you apply for a mortgage

Explore the full guide: Saving for Your First Home

2. Understanding First-Time Buyer Mortgages

Your mortgage is likely the biggest financial commitment you’ll ever make — so knowing how it works is essential.

This section breaks down:

What lenders look at: income, debts, credit history & outgoings
How affordability is calculated (and what affects your borrowing power)
Different types of mortgages explained:
Fixed • Tracker • Variable • Offset
Current first-time buyer mortgage rates
How much you can borrow as a first-time buyer

Explore the full guide: First-Time Buyer Mortgages Explained

3. Costs You Need to Prepare For

Your deposit is only part of the story. When buying a home, there are several extra costs that catch many first-time buyers off guard.

You’ll find clear explanations of:

Deposit requirements
Legal fees & conveyancing
Surveys & valuations
Mortgage arrangement fees
Moving costs
Ongoing homeownership expenses:
Insurance • Maintenance • Council Tax • Utilities

Read the guide: The True Cost of Buying Your First Home

4. Government Schemes for First-Time Buyers

There are several government-backed schemes designed to help first-time buyers get on the ladder. We break down how each one works — and who they’re right for.

This includes: