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First time buyer guides

Get mortgage confident. Let’s break down the home buying process and help you get your home. Our guides provide general information, not advice.

Recently added

Two women sit at a dining table. One is making lunch and another holds a touchpad.
  • Getting started

Mortgage and deposits explained

Breaking down how mortgages and deposits work.

Principality expert

4 mins

A couple look at a piece of paper showing finances. The Woman holds baby and the man holds phone.
  • Saving your deposit

How much do I need to save?

It’s helpful to have a goal in mind when saving. Here’s how to decide how much you want to save.

Principality expert 1 min

Young couple listening their financial advisor who is using touchpad during a meeting in the office.
  • Getting a mortgage

Navigating the different types of mortgages

Understand the different types of mortgages and how they differ.

Principality expert 3 mins

A man and a woman are sat at a dining table. They are looking at a piece of paper and a touchpad.
  • Getting started

LTV explained

Loan to value (LTV) can feel confusing. Here's what it is and how it could impact your mortgage. 

Principality expert 3 mins

Step 1: Brush up on the basics

Thinking about buying your own place? It can be hard to know where to start. Let’s make it simple.

Two women sit at a dining table. One is making lunch and another holds a touchpad.
  • Getting started
Mortgage and deposits explained

Breaking down how mortgages and deposits work.

Principality expert

4 mins

A man and a woman are sat at a dining table. They are looking at a piece of paper and a touchpad.
  • Getting started
LTV explained
Loan to value (LTV) can feel confusing. Here's what it is and how it could impact your mortgage. 

Principality expert

3 mins

Two women sit at a desk. One woman is showing her phone screen to another and pointing.
  • Getting started
Why should I understand my credit score?
Learn more about credit scores and why it's important for your mortgage.

Principality expert

3 mins

Couple on their sofa smiling looking at a laptop. The woman hugs the man.
  • Getting started
Mortgage in Principle: what do I need to know?
How a Decision in Principle could help you while house-hunting.

 

Principality expert

3 mins

Step 2: Save your deposit

Started putting money aside towards your deposit? Here’s how to save and stay on track.

A couple look at a piece of paper showing finances. The Woman holds baby and the man holds phone.
  • Saving your deposit
How much do I need to save?
It’s helpful to have a goal in mind when saving. Here’s how to decide how much you want to save.

Principality expert

1 min

A grandmother, mother and child sit on an armchair and smile at a tablet screen.
  • Saving your deposit
Getting family help onto the ladder

Your options if your family want to help you get on the ladder.

Principality expert

3 mins

Couple at their dining table. One man holds his phone and a card and the other man holds calculator
  • Saving your deposit
How much can I borrow?
Find out how much you could borrow and set a realistic savings goal.

Principality expert

1 min

A couple sits on their stairs looking at paint colour cards, surrounded by decorating tools.
  • Saving your deposit
Additional costs first time buyers should save for
Prepare for first home costs like stamp duty, legal fees, surveys, and more.

Principality expert

4 mins

Step 3: Get your mortgage

Ready to house-hunt? Or already gearing up to put in an offer? Let’s get you mortgage-confident.

Young couple listening their financial advisor who is using touchpad during a meeting in the office.
  • Getting a mortgage
Navigating the different types of mortgages

Understand the different types of mortgages and how they differ.

Principality expert

3 mins

Woman has foot on ladder, thinking, she is decorating. Her white dog relaxes on the floor.
  • Getting a mortgage
Mortgage interest rates
Understand mortgage interest rates and how they impact you.

Principality expert

4 mins

Couple sit on the floor with removal boxes. Woman holds laptop and man holds a piece of paper.
  • Getting a mortgage
What to expect when applying for a mortgage
What to expect at each stage when you apply for a mortgage.

Principality expert

2 mins

A woman is holding a laser measure in one hand and a notepad in the other.
  • Getting a mortgage
Do I need a survey?
Understand what a survey is and why you might want to consider getting one.

Principality expert

3 mins

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.