First-time buyer toolkit

Start with the full cash requirement: deposit, purchase tax where applicable, conveyancing, survey, mortgage and broker costs, moving costs and an emergency buffer. The linked calculators model parts of this decision, but a lender or conveyancer must confirm the transaction-specific position.

There is no single deposit that applies to every buyer or lender. A larger deposit can change the loan-to-value and available products, but affordability, credit history, income, commitments and lender policy also matter. This toolkit does not promise a mortgage approval.

No. First-time-buyer relief depends on the property, buyer status, price, jurisdiction and transaction date. England and Northern Ireland use SDLT, Scotland uses LBTT and Wales uses LTT, so use the relevant tax authority guidance and calculator.

A Lifetime ISA may provide a government bonus for eligible contributions used under the scheme rules. Provider conditions, age, account history, property price and withdrawal purpose matter, and an early or non-qualifying withdrawal can have a charge. Check the current GOV.UK rules before relying on the bonus.

A calculator can illustrate repayments and affordability assumptions, but it cannot determine how much a lender will offer. Lenders assess income, expenditure, debts, credit history, deposit, interest-rate risk and their own criteria.

Commonly missed costs include surveys, legal work, mortgage fees, valuation, insurance, searches, moving, repairs, service charges and potential tax. The exact list depends on the property and transaction, so keep a separate contingency rather than treating the deposit as the whole budget.

It can help test whether the proposed mortgage payment and ownership costs fit your current budget. Include council tax, insurance, utilities, maintenance, service charges and changes in interest rates; the planner is a scenario tool and does not replace lender affordability checks.

No. It is a navigation page linking to calculators and guides. The outputs are estimates and do not confirm tax relief, a LISA bonus, mortgage approval, property suitability or legal obligations. Confirm material decisions with the relevant authority, lender, conveyancer or regulated adviser.