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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Verifying your income
Find out how to prepare for a self-employed mortgage application – and see how we can help you.
Find out how to retrieve your Online Banking membership number or passcode, so you can switch your rate online.
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 12 September and 12 December 2023, 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 12 December 2024.
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.
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.
Start a web chat if you a question about applying (we can’t give advice about choosing a mortgage during web chats).
Our mortgage experts are available Monday to Friday from 7am to 8pm, and from 7am to 5pm at weekends.
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
