๐Ÿ  First-Time Buyer Specialists

Your First Home Starts Here

Buying your first property is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. We take the confusion out of the process and make sure you get the right mortgage for your situation โ€” from your very first call.

Start My First-Time Buyer Journey

Getting on the Property Ladder in Harrow & London

The process of buying your first home can feel overwhelming โ€” mortgages, solicitors, surveys, stamp duty, and estate agents all at once. Our job is to simplify everything, explain what's happening at every stage, and make sure you get a mortgage that's truly right for your circumstances.

We work with first-time buyers across Harrow, Wembley, Pinner, Stanmore and across London, helping clients at all income levels and with deposits from 5% upwards.

We Help With

  • Mortgages with 5% and 10% deposits
  • Shared Ownership schemes
  • Government-backed mortgage guarantee schemes
  • Gifted deposit mortgages from family
  • Joint mortgages for couples and friends buying together
  • Help for buyers with no previous credit history

The First-Time Buyer Journey

We start with a free consultation to understand your income, deposit, and what you can afford. We then obtain an Agreement in Principle โ€” a lender's indication of how much they'll lend โ€” so you can make offers on properties with confidence.

Once you've found your home and had an offer accepted, we manage the full mortgage application, liaise with the lender and your solicitor, and keep you informed every step of the way until you collect your keys.

Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum deposit is typically 5% of the property's purchase price. A larger deposit (10%+) gives you access to lower interest rates and a wider range of lenders.
An Agreement in Principle (AIP) is a written confirmation from a lender that they would be willing to lend you a certain amount, subject to full checks. Most estate agents require one before accepting an offer.
First-time buyers benefit from Stamp Duty Land Tax relief on properties up to certain thresholds. We'll explain exactly what you'll pay based on your purchase price.
Help to Buy & Shared Ownership
Agreement in Principle Fast
FCA Regulated
Based in Harrow

โš  Important Regulatory Information & Risk Warnings

๐Ÿ  Your Home May Be at Risk

YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Mortgages are secured on your home and it may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments.

Regulatory Status

Cogent Financial Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the FCA. FCA No: [FCA NUMBER]. Registered in England & Wales. Company No: [COMPANY NO]. Registered office: Harrow, Middlesex.

Our Service

We are a whole-of-market mortgage broker. Some products (Buy to Let, Bridging, Commercial) may not be FCA regulated. We confirm this in writing before providing advice.

Fees

We will explain all fees before you proceed. We may receive a commission from lenders when a mortgage completes. Full details in your Initial Disclosure Document.

Third Parties

Bridging and Commercial Finance enquiries are referred to specialist third-party advisers. Best Mortgage Deals is not responsible for third-party advice.

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