Answers to the questions we're asked most often

This depends on income, deposit, credit history and regular outgoings. A mortgage adviser can ask a few basic questions and give you an indication of whether you are likely to be able to get a mortgage.

Lenders assess borrowing differently. They usually consider income, credit commitments, household expenditure and your personal circumstances.

Many lenders ask for a minimum deposit of 5% of the purchase price. A larger deposit can give you more lender choice, potentially better rates and sometimes greater borrowing options.

Owning a home means that, provided you keep up with your mortgage payments, the property can eventually be yours. Renting can be more flexible, but the property will not become yours.

Many first time buyers purchase jointly, save larger deposits, or receive gifted deposits from family. With the right advice, there may be more options than expected.

Higher interest rates can affect monthly payments, but fixed rate mortgages can help give payment certainty for a set period. Mortgage rates change regularly, so it is worth reviewing the full picture.

Mortgage products can be confusing, and headline rates do not always tell the full story. A mortgage adviser can compare options, interpret lender criteria and help you find a suitable product.

Higher rates can mean higher monthly payments, especially if you are moving to a larger mortgage or reviewing a deal arranged when rates were lower.

Not necessarily. Staying with your current lender may be easier, but it may not be the most suitable or cost-effective option.

If your current deal is ending, doing nothing could mean moving onto your lender’s Standard Variable Rate. An adviser can help you review options in advance.

It is sensible to start looking around six months before your current deal ends. Many lenders allow deals to be secured in advance.

Not necessarily. Lenders take different approaches to customers who have recently changed jobs or are about to change jobs.

It can do. Not all lenders accept properties with a Help to Buy loan, and there may be extra steps and costs if you want to repay part or all of the loan.

Possible one-off costs include solicitor fees, survey or valuation costs, stamp duty, mortgage advice fees, lender product fees, lender valuation fees and removal costs.

Ongoing costs can include home insurance and personal protection.

The first step is to sort out your finances. A mortgage adviser can help you understand your borrowing capacity, deposit requirements and the documents you will need.

Documents can include:

• Proof of ID, such as passport or driving licence
• Proof of address, such as council tax bill or utility bill
• Recent payslips and latest P60
• Bank statements showing income and outgoings
• Mortgage statement, where applicable
• Credit commitment details
• SA302s and tax year overviews, where applicable

An initial meeting can take around 30 to 60 minutes. An Agreement in Principle may be possible within 48 hours. A full mortgage offer can often take around 2 to 4 weeks. The whole purchase process can often take around 3 to 5 months.

A passport or driving licence is commonly used as proof of ID.

A recent council tax bill, utility bill or similar official document is commonly used as proof of address.

Employed applicants are often asked for recent payslips and a P60. Self-employed applicants may be asked for SA302s, tax year overviews and business information.

Some lender product fees can sometimes be added to the mortgage, subject to lender criteria and affordability. This means interest may be charged on that fee over the mortgage term.

No. Some lenders offer a free valuation, while others may charge a valuation fee.

If the required information and documents are available, an Agreement in Principle may be possible within around 48 hours.

Once the full mortgage application has been submitted, a mortgage offer can often take around 2 to 4 weeks, although this can vary.

From offer accepted to collecting the keys, the overall process can often take around 3 to 5 months.