First Time Buyer Mortgage Brokers in Southampton

Buying your first home is a big step, and the mortgage part can feel like a different language. Our Southampton advisors have helped thousands of first time buyers get the keys to their first home. We'll tell you what you can borrow, what deposit you need and which lenders are right for you.

Why first time buyers choose The Mortgage Hut

We started The Mortgage Hut in Southampton in 2011, and first time buyers have been at the heart of the business ever since.

• No question is a silly question. We explain every step, from your mortgage in principle to getting the keys.
• We find the lenders that fit you. Some lenders are more generous with first time buyers, part-time income, bonuses or self-employed income. We know which ones.
• We help with smaller deposits. We can look at 95% mortgages, family-assisted options, shared ownership and other routes onto the ladder.
• We stay with you. Your advisor keeps in touch with your estate agent and solicitor so you're never left chasing.

How much deposit do I need?

Most lenders need a deposit of at least 5% of the purchase price. A bigger deposit usually unlocks lower rates, so we'll show you where the rate thresholds sit and whether it's worth saving a little longer.

If saving a deposit is the hard part, we can talk you through:

• Gifted deposits from family
• Family-assisted mortgages, where a relative's savings or property support your application
• Shared ownership, where you buy a share of the home and pay rent on the rest
• Lifetime ISA savings towards your first home
• Joint borrower, sole proprietor mortgages, where a parent's income helps you borrow more

How it works

1. Free first chat. By phone, video or in our Southampton office. We'll look at your income, outgoings, deposit and credit history.
2. Mortgage in principle. We'll get you a decision in principle so you know your budget and estate agents take your offer seriously.
3. Find your home. When your offer is accepted, we recommend the right mortgage and submit your full application.
4. Valuation and offer. We chase the lender, keep your solicitor updated and let you know the moment your mortgage offer arrives.
5. Get the keys. We'll be there until completion day.

Buying your first home in Southampton

Southampton has plenty of options for first time buyers, from flats in the city centre and Ocean Village to terraces in Shirley, Portswood and Bitterne, and new-build developments on the edge of the city. Flats, leaseholds and new builds all have their own lender rules, so the right advice early can save you time and money.

We also help first time buyers with less straightforward circumstances, including self-employed and contractor income, probationary periods in a new job, police officers and armed forces personnel, and past credit problems.

Protecting your first home

Your mortgage is likely to be your biggest monthly payment. Our protection specialists can talk you through life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection, so your home is protected if the unexpected happens.

What our first time buyers say

Corey and Natasha were fantastic! As a first time buyer they walked me through the process, were very responsive and made the process feel straightforward! Thank you :)

Mahin B., Google review, October 2026

Natalie is really great, made me feel so comfortable when explaining our circumstances. Thank you, fingers crossed you guys can support us in our journey to owning our first home.

Kelly H., Google review, September 2026

Daniel Dawkins was fantastic taking me through the first stage and explaining everything I needed to know.

Andy P., Google review, September 2026

First time buyer FAQs

Talk to a Southampton first time buyer specialist

Book a free, no-obligation chat with our local team and find out what you could borrow.