Buying your first home is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. At Empire Mortgages, our expert advisers guide you through every step of the first time buyer process, from your initial questions right through to getting your keys. With friendly support, whole-of-market access, and over 60 years of combined experience, we’re here to make your journey as smooth as possible.
A first time buyer mortgage is designed to help you take your first step onto the property ladder. If you’ve never owned a property before, lenders will assess your income, outgoings, deposit size, credit history, and future affordability to determine how much you can borrow.
Many first time buyers worry about deposits and mortgage criteria, but you might be surprised at how many options are available. From low-deposit mortgages to shared ownership schemes, there are solutions for a wide range of budgets and circumstances.
Our team will explain the full process clearly, help you understand your borrowing potential, and find the mortgage that suits you best.
At Empire Mortgages, we know how important this milestone is. Whether you’re buying in Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes or anywhere across Fife, our advisers offer personalised guidance tailored to your goals and finances.
Why first time buyers choose Empire Mortgages:
Buying your first home involves big decisions — which is why having a trusted mortgage broker can make a huge difference.
Benefits of using a local, independent broker include:
We work entirely for you — not the lender — ensuring you always get advice that’s in your best interests.
We make the mortgage process simple and manageable with clear, structured support at every stage:
Initial Consultation: We discuss your financial situation, explain affordability, and outline your mortgage options.
Agreement in Principle: We secure an AIP so you can view properties and make offers confidently.
Find a Property: Once you’ve found a home, we help you compare mortgage products to find the right one.
Full Application: We prepare your application, liaise with the lender, and ensure all documentation is correct.
Mortgage Offer & Completion: After approval, we guide you through to completion day when you receive your keys.
There are several government-backed schemes designed to support first time buyers and make home ownership more accessible:
These options can help reduce deposit requirements and improve borrowing potential. We’ll help you understand which schemes you qualify for and whether they’re the right fit for your circumstances.
As independent mortgage brokers based in Dunfermline, we understand the local property market and the challenges first time buyers face. Whether you’re buying in Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Cupar, St Andrews, or elsewhere in Fife, we provide friendly, expert advice tailored to your location and budget.
Buying your first home doesn’t have to be stressful. With Empire Mortgages by your side, you’ll receive friendly, expert guidance from the moment you start your search to the day you get your keys.
Most lenders require at least a 5% deposit, although a higher deposit can improve your chances of being accepted and securing a better rate.
A mortgage in principle gives you an estimated borrowing figure from a lender and helps show estate agents you’re serious about buying.
Yes. Low-deposit mortgages and government schemes can help first time buyers with deposits starting from 5%.
A higher credit score can help, but there are lenders who specialise in helping buyers with limited or imperfect credit histories.
You may need to budget for valuation fees, solicitor fees, surveys, and potential broker fees — we’ll explain these clearly from the start.
Refer a Friend Scheme
Recommend a friend who is new to Empire Mortgages and if they then take out their mortgage with us, you’ll each receive £50 worth of vouchers.
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The guidance provided within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore primarily targeted at consumers based in the UK.
Empire Mortgages Ltd is an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of TenetLime Ltd. TenetLime Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Tenet Lime Ltd is entered on the Financial Services Register (www.fca.org.uk/register) under reference 150643.
Empire Mortgages Ltd may charge a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend on your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. Our typical fee is £295 payable on receipt of a full mortgage offer.
Registered in Scotland under reference SC545434
Registered office address: Unit 9, Flexspace, Pitreavie Business Park, Dunfermline, KY11 8UU
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
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