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An Agreement in Principle (AIP) is a lender’s early indication of how much you may be able to borrow, based on a basic affordability and credit check. It’s not a full mortgage offer, but it can make you look more serious to estate agents and sellers—and it helps you house-hunt with a realistic budget.

Yes, it’s often still possible, but your options may be more limited and the interest rate could be higher. Some lenders are more flexible than others, and small improvements (like correcting errors on your report or reducing credit card balances) can make a real difference. We can help you understand where you stand and which lenders are most suitable.

A typical first-time buyer purchase often takes 8–12 weeks from offer accepted to completion, but it can be quicker or slower depending on the chain, survey results, and solicitor timelines. Getting your documents ready and securing an AIP early can help reduce delays.

Alongside your deposit, you’ll usually need to budget for things like solicitor fees, survey costs, mortgage fees (if applicable), removals, and upfront insurance. Some buyers also need to factor in stamp duty depending on the purchase price and current thresholds. We’ll help you plan the full picture so there are no nasty surprises.

Potentially, yes. Depending on your situation, you may be able to use schemes such as a Lifetime ISA (LISA), Shared Ownership, and other local or new-build initiatives. Eligibility rules can be specific, so it’s worth checking what applies to you before you commit to a property or a lender.