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First-time home buyers

Start the journey to your first home

Find out how to buy a home and take out a mortgage, get tips on what to do if you can’t save the deposit you need and work out much you could borrow.

Evening and weekend Mortgage adviser appointments available1 and Mortgage Experts on hand 7 days a week by phone2, we’re here to help at a time that suits you.

About buying your first home

How do I get a mortgage as a first-time buyer? Use our calculator to work out how much you could afford to borrow, based on your income, regular spending and any debts you might have. Then get an Agreement in Principle to see if we could lend the amount you need. Once you have that, and you’ve found a property to buy, you can apply for a mortgage directly with us. This means you’ll talk to one of our mortgage advisers, who’ll recommend a mortgage for you if you meet our lending criteria.

How much deposit will I need as a first-time buyer? We usually ask for 10% of the amount you want to borrow as a deposit – but some of our mortgages are designed to help if you’re struggling to save up that amount. For example, you could apply for a mortgage with a minimum 5% deposit using the mortgage guarantee scheme.

More first-time mortgage questions? Take a look at the calculators, guides and tips on this page for help getting the keys to your own home.

Your journey towards your first home

How to get a mortgage for your first home

Find the right deal for you

We’ll show you how to get a mortgage from start to finish, including what you need to tell us and the steps you’ll need to take.

How much could you borrow?

Our easy to use calculators will give you an how much you can borrow and how much it will cost you.

Use our mortgage affordability calculators to work out how much you could borrow and what kind of deposit you need for a mortgage.

Agreement in Principle

Take the first step to your mortgage

Start an Agreement in Principle (AiP) online to find out quickly if you could borrow the amount you need – without affecting your credit score. 

Need help with your deposit?

Help to buy centre

Help to buy mortgages

You can no longer apply for the government’s Help to Buy scheme

You can no longer access the equity loan from Homes England, and you won’t be able to complete using a Help to Buy: Equity Loan mortgage. Find out more about the scheme here: www.gov.uk/help-to-buy-equity-loan 

If you have any questions about your mortgage offer, please contact your mortgage advisor or broker for more information.

Shared ownership mortgages

Buy part of a home and pay rent on the rest

A government-backed scheme helps you buy a home with a fraction of the usual deposit or mortgage.

Family Springboard Mortgage

A way for families and friends to help with a deposit

Your family and friends can support you by providing 10% of your property’s price as security – and they’ll get their money back with interest if you keep up your mortgage payments in time.

money-mentors-group-on-beach

Barclays Money Mentors

First home or new home, we’re here to help

Buying your new home should be exciting, which is why we’re here to offer you guidance on how you can achieve your goals.

More first-time mortgage options

Our mortgage rates

Compare our latest deals

Whether you’re buying, remortgaging or buying to let, we’ve got a deal for you – including exclusive rates if you already have a mortgage with us.

 

Mortgage rates

Getting a mortgage when you’re self-employed

Verifying your income

Find out how to prepare for a self-employed mortgage application – and see how we can help you.

Forgotten your log-in details?

Find out how to retrieve your Online Banking membership number or passcode, so you can switch your rate online.

Cover for the things that matter the most

Get a £75 e-voucher with our life insurance

If you die or become terminally ill – meaning you’re expected to live less than 12 months – life insurance could give your loved ones some financial security. 

Get a quote for Barclays Simple Life Insurance or mortgage protection life insurance between 8 January and 31 May 2024, buy the policy before the quote expires and we’ll give you a £75 e-voucher to spend on a range of gifts including days out and vouchers for high-street brands.

Simply Thank You will email you between months five and six of your policy’s start date to let you know how to claim your reward. You’ll need to use your voucher by 31 May 2025. 

Terms conditions and exclusions apply.

 

Barclays Simple Life Insurance

Protect your family

Have you thought about what would happen to your loved ones if you died or became terminally ill? With Barclays Simple Life Insurance, you can give them some financial security with a one-time payment – from £6 a month.

Life insurance for mortgage protection

Peace of mind for your home

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or only have a few years left on your mortgage, make sure your home is protected if you die or become terminally or critically ill.

Barclays Life Insurance is underwritten by Legal & General Assurance Society Limited. When you select ‘Get a quick quote’, we’ll take you to Legal & General’s website to complete your application securely. Terms, conditions, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply.

Need some help?

Call us

Our mortgage experts are available Monday to Friday from 7am to 8pm, and from 7am to 5pm at weekends.

0333 202 7580

Starting your mortgage application

Get ready to apply

Find out how to book an appointment to start your mortgage application, and see the list of documents and information you’ll need to provide.

You can also check our full mortgage range [PDF, 317KB] to see if our other mortgages are suitable for you, download our tariff of mortgage charges [PDF, 265KB] and read our legal information.

Subject to application, financial circumstances & borrowing history. T&Cs apply