Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many mortgage options, government schemes, and legal requirements, it’s crucial to have the right guidance to make informed decisions. At Empire Mortgages, we specialise in helping first-time buyers navigate the mortgage process with ease and confidence.
Our experienced mortgage advisers are here to answer your questions, provide tailored advice, and ensure that you secure the right mortgage deal that fits your financial situation and future goals. Whether you’re unsure about deposit requirements, looking for the best interest rates, or need guidance on legal steps, we’ve got you covered.
At Empire Mortgages, we make first-time buying simple by offering:
Expert Mortgage Advice – With over 60 years of combined experience, we provide knowledgeable and trusted mortgage advice.
Whole-of-Market Access – Unlike banks that offer limited products, we search the entire mortgage market to find the best mortgage options for you.
Personalised Recommendations – Every client’s situation is unique, and we provide tailored solutions based on your financial circumstances, lifestyle, and future plans.
End-to-End Support – We guide you through every stage of the mortgage process, from affordability assessments to liaising with lenders, solicitors, and surveyors.
Hassle-Free Process – We handle all the necessary paperwork, ensuring that your mortgage application is smooth and stress-free.
Flexible Appointments – We offer in-person, phone, and video call consultations to work around your schedule.
Understanding Your Budget – The first step in the mortgage process is determining what you can afford. We assess your income, existing financial commitments, and credit score to help you establish a realistic budget and deposit amount.
Mortgage in Principle – We assist in securing an Agreement in Principle (AIP), which gives you an idea of how much you can borrow and strengthens your position when making offers on a property.
Exploring Mortgage Deals – Our advisers compare mortgage rates and terms from a range of lenders, helping you secure the most competitive deal tailored to your needs.
Step-by-Step Guidance – From understanding the mortgage application process to liaising with estate agents, surveyors, and solicitors, we offer full support at every stage to ensure a smooth home-buying experience.
Financial Protection Advice – We help you explore insurance options such as life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection to safeguard your home and financial well-being.
Step 1: Free Initial Consultation
We start with a no-obligation chat to understand your needs, budget, and any concerns you may have. We explain the mortgage process in simple terms, ensuring you feel confident before proceeding.
Step 2: Find the Best Deal
Once we have a clear picture of your finances, we search the whole market to find the most suitable mortgage deal. We also help you secure an Agreement in Principle (AIP), which strengthens your position when making an offer on a home.
Step 3: Full Mortgage Application & Support
When you’ve found your dream home, we handle the full mortgage application, ensuring all paperwork is completed accurately. We liaise with lenders, solicitors, and surveyors to ensure a smooth and stress-free process, keeping you updated every step of the way.
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, and at Empire Mortgages, we’re committed to making it as smooth and stress-free as possible. With access to the whole mortgage market, expert guidance at every step, and a personalised approach tailored to your financial needs, we’ll help you secure the best mortgage deal for your first home. Book a Free Consultation Today and let’s discuss your mortgage options.
Most lenders require at least 5-10% of the property’s value, but larger deposits can help secure better interest rates.
In addition to your deposit, you should budget for legal fees, surveys, mortgage arrangement fees, moving costs, and possible home insurance.
An AIP is a document from a lender stating how much they may be willing to lend you. It’s useful when making an offer on a property and gives sellers confidence in your ability to secure financing.
The mortgage approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks, while the full home-buying process can take 8-12 weeks, depending on factors such as property chains and legal work.
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.
We're 5 Star Rated
Posted on Daria Bogatu2025-10-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been working with Nathan for the past six years, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the level of service and professionalism he provides. From our very first mortgage to subsequent renewals and life or house insurances Nathan has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure we get the best possible rates and terms. What stands out most is Nathan’s attention to detail, clear communication and genuine care for his clients. He takes the time to explain every option thoroughly, making what could be a stressful process feel straightforward and transparent. Over the years Nathan has proven to be reliable, knowledgeable and always available to answer any questions, no matter how small. I truly value our long term collaboration and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Nathan to anyone looking for a trustworthy and experienced mortgage professional.Posted on Beniamin Nistor2025-10-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'm pleased to say that we've been working with the best. Thanks very much for helping us to make our dream come true.Posted on Sam2025-10-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nathan helped me with my mortgage application for my first property making it a smooth process. Very helpful and informative employee at Empire Mortgages, would recommend him and Empire Mortgages to anyone.Posted on Ben Wheeler2025-09-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely fantastic service from Craig at Empire Mortgages highly recommended to anyone, fantastic experience from start to finish was always just a phone call away thank you again 😀Posted on Emma Dalziel2025-09-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent experience with the company. Talked us through every step of the way and was always only at the other end of the phone. Couldn’t recommend enough!! Thanks againPosted on DC (DC)2025-09-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Emma has been absolutely fantastic throughout the whole remortgage process. She explained everything clearly, kept me updated at every stage, and was always quick to respond whenever I had questions. She went above and beyond to make sure everything was handled properly, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking for a professional and reliable mortgage broker.Posted on Davie & Martin's Railway2025-09-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Scott at Empire Mortgages was truly fantastic at getting me the best deal possible. He listened to all my needs and delivered an excellent product. A true 5 star performance.Posted on Lisa Duff2025-09-05Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Scott was incredibly helpful throughout our mortgage process. He provided clear advice, answered all our questions, and guided us toward making the best decisions for our situation. We really appreciated his patience and support, and we would absolutely recommend him to others.Posted on Jane Locke2025-09-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nathan helped me with my mortgage 8 years ago when buying my first house, so when the time came to move on to a new property I could think of no one better to help me! Nathan is extremely friendly, down to earth and always available to help with anything property related or just general advice when I am clueless!! He will always strive to get you the absolute best mortgage rates - wouldn't go anywhere else! Thank youPosted on Benjamin Kessack-Morrison2025-08-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Scott at Empire Mortgages Ltd. was recommended to me by a family member. Being a first time buyer, it was difficult to understand all of the jargon and details that come with buying a house, especially obtaining a mortgage. Scott made this process easy to understand and was there every step of the way, just a quick message or email away, to answer big and small questions and provide vital information. I was able to obtain my mortgage and associated insurances through Scott with no stress and would highly recommend Empire Mortgages Ltd. to anyone, especially first time buyers.
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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