First Time Buyer Mortgages in Hertfordshire
First time buyer mortgage help in St Albans, Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage and across Hertfordshire.
Plain-English guidance
We explain each step so you know what to expect
Your plans, your budget
Advice based on your income, deposit and goals
Support to completion
We stay in touch from first call to getting the keys
Hertfordshire is a county of many towns, and prices and home types vary a lot between them. Fast rail routes into London, including Thameslink and the East Coast Main Line, make it popular with commuters, so a first purchase here is often a balance of price, commute and space.
We look at your income, your deposit and your plans, then explain the mortgage options that may suit you in the part of Hertfordshire you are considering.
Buying your first home in Hertfordshire
A first home in St Albans or the towns closest to London usually costs more than in places such as Stevenage, Hemel Hempstead or Hatfield, so where you look can change the size of the deposit you need and the mortgage you may be offered. Many buyers widen their search along a rail line to find a home within their budget.
Hertfordshire has a good number of new developments, and some are leasehold houses as well as flats. Where a home is leasehold, lenders look at the ground rent and the length of the lease. Shared ownership homes are also available in some places, which can mean a smaller deposit but extra rules, such as rent on the share you do not own. We can explain how lenders treat shared ownership.
How it works
Initial conversation
We talk about your plans, income and deposit.
Your options explained
We explain the mortgages that may suit you, and what we would recommend.
Agreement in principle
A lender gives an early indication of what it may lend. This can involve a credit check.
Find your home
You find a property and your offer is accepted.
Full application
We help you complete the application and provide the documents the lender needs.
Valuation, legal work and offer
The lender values the property and your solicitor carries out the legal work.
Completion
Funds are released and you collect your keys.
For the full guide, see our First Time Buyers page.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of Hertfordshire is cheapest for first time buyers?
Prices vary by town and by type of home, and they change over time, so we would not name one place. We can look at your budget and explain what may be possible in the towns you are considering.
Can I get a mortgage on a shared ownership home in Hertfordshire?
Yes, a number of lenders offer mortgages on shared ownership. There are extra rules, such as rent on the share you do not own and conditions on selling, so we can explain these before you commit.
How much deposit do I need?
It depends on the lender and the mortgage. Generally, a larger deposit gives you more choice, but some lenders accept smaller deposits. We will look at your position and explain what may be possible.
Can I get a mortgage if I am self-employed?
Many lenders will consider self-employed applicants. They usually ask for accounts or tax records covering recent years, and each lender looks at your income in its own way.
Important information
- Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
The information on this page is general and is not advice. Advice depends on your personal circumstances.
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