Request a Callback from a Mortgage Specialist in your area to determine the most favourable mortgage options available to you.
*Initial consultation is free. Brokers may charge fees for proceeding with a mortgage – all disclosed on discussion.
I’m Natalie Ellis, founder of Steel City Mortgages. With over 22 years helping people just like you, I know the journey well. I’ve worked with big names like Halifax and Lloyds, right here in the UK. My passion is guiding you onto the property ladder, step-by-step. Think of me and my team as your friendly expert guides. We’ll handle the confusing parts, from paperwork to chasing banks. Let’s make your dream home a reality, without the stress
Identifying the appropriate mortgage advisor can assist in saving your time and financial resources, while also enhancing your likelihood of approval. The primary benefits of being paired with a carefully selected mortgage professional include:
Are you officially a first-time buyer? It’s simple! You usually count as a first-time buyer if:
What if you inherited property? Usually, this means you wouldn’t be classed as a first-time buyer for government schemes (like Stamp Duty relief). We can clarify this based on your specific situation.
Feeling overwhelmed? Let’s break down the home-buying process into simple steps. We’ll guide you through each one:
A simple starting point is income. Lenders often consider around 4 to 4.5 times your annual salary as a rough guide. Remember, this is just an initial estimate to get you thinking. Many factors influence the final amount.
A simple starting point is income. Lenders often consider around 4 to 4.5 times your annual salary as a rough guide. Remember, this is just an initial estimate to get you thinking. Many factors influence the final amount.
Time for a chat! Book your free advice session with us. We’ll review your finances and show you suitable rates. Crucially, we’ll help secure your Agreement in Principle (AIP). This shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.
With an Agreement in Principle (AIP) confirming your potential borrowing amount, you can begin searching for your new home on websites like:
Don’t rush this important decision. Be aware, though, that AIPs typically last between 30 and 90 days, meaning you’ll have to reapply if your property search extends beyond this period.
To apply formally, lenders need proof. We’ll guide you on gathering documents like payslips and bank statements. They will also run credit checks and you’ll need to budget for legal (conveyancing) fees. (Don’t worry, we explain all this!).
To find a solicitor:
Success! The lender issues a formal mortgage offer. Read the contract carefully. Check all details are correct, then sign. We can help review this with you.
After the offer, your solicitor (conveyancer) handles the legal work. This leads to exchanging contracts and finally, completion day! We liaise with them to keep things moving.
Congratulations, you’re a homeowner! Your first mortgage payment date will be set. Time to celebrate!
2 big topics for first-time buyers are the deposit and how much you can borrow. Let’s look closer.
Many lenders now offer 95% mortgages. This means you only need a 5% deposit.
Steel City Mortgages can help you find these deals. We know which lenders are best for smaller deposits.Lenders look at your income. A rough guide is borrowing around four times your annual salary. Sometimes it’s more, sometimes less.
But it’s not just salary. Lenders check your ‘affordability’. They look at:
We work with you to understand your full financial picture. Then we find lenders who are likely to offer the amount you need.
Don’t hesitate to call or leave us a message! We’ll get in touch ASAP.
What’s an AIP? It’s a confirmation from a lender. It states how much they might lend you, based on initial checks. Why get one early?
We can help you get an AIP quickly, often within minutes! Contact Us Now
Mortgages aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here are the main types you’ll encounter:
Access a wide range of options
Our free mortgage advisor-matching service guarantees you will be matched with a mortgage advisor who will offer advice from a wide range of lenders. This means you can feel confident of being offered a robust selection of mortgage solutions available to meet your specific needs.
The UK government offers schemes to help first-time buyers. Steel City Mortgages supports these. We can check if you qualify.
Popular schemes include:
Sometimes lenders offer special deals:
Want to make your application stronger? Here are some tips:
Your deposit and mortgage aren’t the only costs. Remember to budget for:
We help you build a realistic budget covering all these potential costs.
While we love helping first-time buyers, our expertise doesn’t stop there. When life changes, we’re still here for you:
Generally, anyone who has never owned property before (UK or abroad) and plans to live in the home they buy. If you’ve inherited property, it might affect eligibility for certain schemes – let’s discuss your specific case.
You can often get a mortgage with just a 5% deposit. However, saving more (e.g., 10% or 15%) usually gives you access to better interest rates. We’ll show you the options based on your savings.
Lenders typically lend around 4 to 4.5 times your annual income. They also assess your affordability based on your income, regular expenses, and credit history. We can give you a personalised estimate.
Yes, potentially. Choosing a longer mortgage term (e.g., 30 years instead of 25) reduces monthly payments, but means you pay more interest overall. We can model different scenarios for you.
The ‘term’ is how long you have to repay. 25 years is traditional, but 30, 35, or even 40-year terms are becoming more common to help with affordability.
In England & Northern Ireland, first-time buyers currently pay no Stamp Duty on the first £425,000 of a property’s value (provided the property price is £625,000 or less). Rules can change, so we always confirm the latest.
It depends! Fixed rates offer payment certainty, good for budgeting. Variable rates might start lower but can change. We’ll help you decide based on your circumstances and risk appetite.
As early as possible! Even before you start viewing properties. Getting advice early helps you understand your budget and strengthens your position when you find a home you love.
Right here at Steel City Mortgages! We offer expert, friendly, and free initial advice specifically for first-time buyers in South Yorkshire and beyond.
LTV is the size of your mortgage as a percentage of the property’s value. If you buy a £200,000 home with a £20,000 (10%) deposit, your mortgage is £180,000. Your LTV is 90% (£180k / £200k). Lower LTV usually means better rates.
Market conditions change, but owning your own home is a long-term goal. Getting expert advice helps you navigate the current market and make an informed decision that’s right for you, regardless of headlines.
Take the guesswork out of getting your first mortgage. Let Steel City Mortgages provide the strength and support you need.
For any enquiries or to get started, please complete the form below.
Steel City Mortgages Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd,
which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
There may be a fee for our advice. The exact amount will depend on your circumstances but it is estimated to be £599 and will not exceed £999.
Registered Office: Steel City Mortgages Ltd, 134 Archer Road, Unit 8, Sheffield, S8 0JZ.
Registered Company Number: 10977724 Registered in England & Wales’
By clicking this link: You are now leaving the website of Steel City Mortgages & we cannot be held responsible for the content of this external website.
For any enquiries or to get started, please complete the form below.
Steel City Mortgages Ltd is an appointed representative of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd., Regency House Miles Gray Road Basildon Essex SS14 3FR, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Our Financial Services Register number is 454811. Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd.’s permitted business is advising on and arranging non‐ investment insurance and mortgages.
You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting the Financial Conduct Authority’s website https://register.fca.org.uk/ or by contacting the FCA on 0800 111 6768. The Financial Conduct Authority is the independent watchdog that regulates financial services.
If you have a Complaint We hope that you will never have cause to complain but if you do and you wish to register a complaint, please contact our network: In writing: Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd. Regency House Miles Gray Road Basildon Essex SS14 3FR By telephone: 0345 646 5535 By email: complaints@stonebridgegroup.co.uk.
If you cannot settle your complaint with us, you may be entitled to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service. To contact us for any other reason, please call 0345 646 5505.