First Time Buyers

First-time buyers can count on us to guide them through the whole process of purchasing their 1st home.

We’re dedicated to simplifying the journey of becoming a first-time homeowner. Our expertise and support make your dream of homeownership a reality. We will help you understand each step and bring clarity to the process ensuring a smooth and stress-free service.

What is a mortgage?

A mortgage is a loan secured by a lender on a property, allowing you to purchase a property and repay it over anything up to 40 years. More than just a loan, it’s a pathway to owning your dream home. Our expertise and diverse range of mortgages, from fixed rate to tracker, are tailored to your unique circumstances. Our experienced team guides you smoothly through the process, ensuring each step aligns with your financial situation and personal aspirations. At OpenDoor Mortgages, every payment is an investment in your future.

What is the process?

Begin your mortgage journey with confidence at OpenDoor Mortgages. Our efficient, four-step process ensures a smooth experience:
1

Initial Appointment

Our mortgage brokers begin by assessing your personal & financial situation and property preferences, setting out a clear pathway for you.

2

Search & Strategy

We assist you in finding & securing your ideal property and securing the most suitable mortgage for your circumstances, balancing your dreams with your budget

3

Application & Checks

An expert conducts the property valuation and undertakes a thorough property check, leading to a detailed presentation of your mortgage application to the most suitable lender.

4

Approval, Exchange & Completion

We finalise the mortgage, liaise with all parties to expedite the process & negotiate the most suitable moving date for you.

With OpenDoor Mortgages, every step is straightforward and personalised, efficiently guiding you towards owning your home.

What if...

Encountering unique financial situations on your mortgage journey? Don’t worry. At OpenDoor Mortgages, our “What if…” section is designed to help you navigate through various scenarios, ensuring you’re equipped with tailored advice and the confidence to find the right solution, regardless of your circumstances. Let us turn your unique challenges into successful homeownership opportunities, preparing you for every possibility with our expert guidance.
  • How much can I afford to borrow?
  • Can I get a mortgage if I am on a zero-hour contract?
  • What if I'm self-employed?
  • What if I'm a contractor?
  • What if I am a company director?
  • What if I am a foster carer?
  • What if I am retired?

How much can I afford to borrow?

At OpenDoor Mortgages, determining your borrowing power is a crucial and personalised process.

It’s not just about how much you can borrow based on your income, outgoings, and credit history; it’s about finding the right balance that aligns with your lifestyle and long term goals. Our experienced brokers assess your unique financial picture, considering factors like existing debts, lifestyle, future plans, and the type of mortgage best suited to you. Using specialised tools and insights, we calculate a realistic figure that you can comfortably repay, ensuring your mortgage is sustainable for the long term.

This personalised approach is about more than just numbers; it’s about securing a mortgage that fits both your dream home and your life, paving the way for a secure financial future.

Can I get a mortgage if I am on a zero-hour contract?

Yes, securing a mortgage with a zero-hour contract is achievable with OpenDoor Mortgages.

Our experts understand these unique employment scenarios. We navigate through complexities, showcasing your financial reliability to lenders accustomed to flexible employment terms. Our experience turns this challenge into an opportunity, finding lenders who appreciate the potential of zero-hour contracts, ensuring your homeownership dreams aren’t compromised.

What if I'm self-employed?

Yes, you can still get a mortgage if you are self-employed.

Lenders will examine your income and business health based on our presentation of your circumstances. This is about more than just presenting figures, it is about us using our expertise, experience & our knowledge of your circumstances to find the most suitable lender who will appreciate the positives of your personal circumstances & income.

Our team skilfully prepares your financial profile, highlighting your business strengths. We aim to secure a mortgage that aligns with your self-made success.

What if I'm a contractor?

Yes, you can secure a mortgage as a contractor with OpenDoor Mortgages.

Lenders assess your employment history and income stability & consistency. Our expertise lies in effectively presenting your experience to lenders, highlighting the consistency and potential of your career.

We focus on securing mortgage solutions that cater to the unique nature of contract work, ensuring they align with your professional and personal aspirations.

What if I am a company director?

At OpenDoor Mortgages, we excel at presenting your unique financial landscape, emphasising the stability and growth potential of your position.

Our expertise lies in navigating the complexities of your business and personal finances, ensuring a clear and favourable representation to lenders. The mortgage assessment for a company director takes into account your salary, dividend income and the profitability of the business, as well as the financial status of the company.

We aim to find mortgage options that resonate with your entrepreneurial spirit, reflecting both your personal and business achievements for a seamless and successful mortgage application.

What if I am a foster carer?

At OpenDoor Mortgages, we are experts in presenting the financial specifics of foster caring, ensuring lenders understand the stability and reliability of your income.

The right lenders consider your fostering income along with other earnings. Our aim is to secure mortgages that recognise the value and consistency of your work, turning your nurturing profession into an advantage for your homeownership goals.

What if I am retired?

Retirement doesn’t signal the end of your mortgage journey.

At OpenDoor Mortgages, we understand that pensions, savings, and investments form the basis of your income in retirement. Our expertise lies in clearly articulating this financial picture to lenders, demonstrating your capability to manage a mortgage comfortably.

We thrive in finding solutions tailored to your retired lifestyle, ensuring you can spend your golden years in a home that’s just right for you, with the financial peace of mind you deserve.

See how much you can borrow today

Explore your borrowing potential with our affordability calculator. Click the button to determine how much you can borrow based on your income and expenses. Start your journey to homeownership with confidence.

Your questions as a first-time buyer answered

We’re here to provide answers to all your questions, guiding you through the exciting journey of purchasing your first home.

  • Can I use benefit income if I am a first time buyer?

    Benefit income can be a key part of your mortgage application. Lenders assess its stability and longevity, and each has their own criteria for inclusion. At OpenDoor Mortgages, we specialise in integrating benefits into your financial profile, demonstrating their regularity and reliability. Our role is to expertly navigate through lender criteria, ensuring your benefit income is properly valued in your application, contributing to a stable financial base. We aim to secure mortgage solutions that recognize and accommodate your benefit income, making homeownership more accessible.

  • I do not have indefinite leave to remain in the UK, can I get a mortgage?

    Having limited leave to remain in the UK does not exclude you from obtaining a mortgage. Lenders will consider the length of your remaining leave, the time you have been in the UK, your employment status, and your credit history. We have significant experience in finding mortgage solutions for individuals in this situation, highlighting the stability of your residence and employment in the UK. Our goal is to find a lender who recognizes your potential as a homeowner, regardless of your residency status.

  • What if I am on maternity/parental leave?

    Maternity or parental leave can be a consideration in your mortgage application. The right lenders will assess your return-to-work income. We understand how to effectively communicate your temporary leave and planned return to employment. Our expertise ensures lenders consider your full financial picture, including your pre & post-leave income. We're here to support you in securing a mortgage that aligns with this significant life stage so you can focus on parenthood.

  • What if I am on my probationary period?

    Being on a probationary period does not have to add complexity to your mortgage application, it is generally not a deal-breaker. Lenders will consider the length of your probation, your job security, and the likelihood of continued employment. Our team specialises in advocating for clients in this situation, highlighting your career stability and future prospects. We'll connect you with lenders who are open to considering your application, even during your probationary period.

  • What if I have a low credit score / IVA / CCJ / Defaults / Debt Management Plan / Bankruptcy?

    A low credit score or past financial issues don't automatically prevent you from getting a mortgage. Lenders consider the severity and recency of these issues. We specialise in finding lenders who understand complex credit histories, preparing your application to emphasise your financial recovery and responsibility. Our goal is to secure a mortgage that aligns with your current financial stability and future potential.

  • What if I have only just started my job?

    Starting a new job doesn't have to hinder your mortgage prospects. Lenders consider job stability, salary, and contract terms, in some instances accepting proof of a permanent contract or a job offer letter. Our team know how to present your new employment positively, emphasising the potential and stability of your new role. Our approach involves finding lenders who appreciate your career progression and offering mortgage solutions that support your homeownership goals and align with your new career trajectory.

  • What if I have previously missed payments on credit?

    Missed payments don't automatically disqualify you from a mortgage. Lenders will consider the context and frequency of these incidents. At OpenDoor Mortgages, we assist in framing your financial history positively, focusing on improvements and current financial stability. Our expertise is in finding lenders who appreciate your overall financial picture, ensuring past issues don't hinder your mortgage aspirations. Our aim is to build a robust case that highlights your financial recovery, securing a mortgage that reflects your true financial standing and commitment to responsible borrowing.

  • What is the minimum deposit required?

    The minimum deposit for a traditional mortgage typically starts at 5% of the property's value, depending on the lender and your personal circumstances but there are some solutions which require no deposit at all. Our brokers offer strategic advice, helping you understand what options you have & helping you set realistic targets in regards to your deposit & property aspirations. We're dedicated to finding the right balance between your deposit and mortgage payments, ensuring you're positioned for a mortgage that's advantageous, sustainable, and aligns with your financial goals. Our goal is to make your property ambitions a reality, while keeping the initial financial burden manageable and within your reach.

About OpenDoor Mortgages

Whether you’re buying a property, remortgaging, moving house, changing ownership, or investing in property, our goal at OpenDoor Mortgages is to ensure a smooth, stress-free journey for you. Our foundation is built on challenging preconceived notions of what a mortgage brokerage should be, all for the benefit of our valued customers. We go above and beyond, ensuring that our customers’ needs are the sole priority in every decision we make. Our dedicated team offers a wide range of services, and we’re committed to providing solutions for every query, concern, or hiccup with the help of our skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate staff.

Help & Learn

Explore our Help and Learn Hub, your go-to resource for articles, guides, and videos. We simplify the complexities of property transactions, from buying and remortgaging, to moving, changing ownership, investing and everything in between.

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