How to get help from our mortgage specialists
Santander has over 160 years of mortgage experience in the UK. Our mortgage specialists are happy to help and guide you through the process of buying your first home.
By Phone: Call us to speak to a mortgage specialist
In Branch: Visit our extensive branch network (branch finder)
Online: Useful information can be accessed using the links on the right side of this page
Great reasons to consider taking your first mortgage with Santander
Great Deals
Santander has a great range of Fixed, Tracker and Flexible Offset deals available for you. Santander also has mortgages up to 90% of the value of your property to help you get on the property ladder. All applications are subject to status and our current lending criteria. This means that the amount we will lend you will depend on your individual circumstances, the type of property and the amount you borrow. For example, we may require a higher deposit if you are buying a flat or a new build property.
Get Help with Fees
Simple & Straightforward
We will arrange a surveyor for you and we'll fill in all the forms with you through our extensive branch network, to make the process as easy as possible for you.
Step-by-step First Time Buyer guides
How to buy your first house with Santander (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
If you are buying your home in Scotland the process is different. Click here to view our guide if you are Buying in Scotland
If you're ready to buy your first property, here are the key steps in the process and how we can help
1. Understanding how to go about buying your first property
Wehave split this guide into two sections. Below you'll see all the steps you need to follow once you're ready to offer on a property you are looking to buy. If you're not quite at that point and you're wondering what you need to do first then click here to see our 'Planning to buy your first home guide'
2. Find a property
Once you have found a property you can then make an offer. As you are a first time buyer and have no property to sell you are in a strong position. Don't be afraid to negotiate on the asking price. If you are asked to pay a fee to reserve the house make sure you find out whether it's refundable or not. Although this is not yet legally binding this is classed as being 'sold subject to contract'
Let your solicitor know you have had your offer accepted and call us to start your mortgage application.
3. Select a great deal from Santander
We can help you choose one of our great First Time Buyer deals.
Call us to speak to a mortgage specialist
Visit our extensive branch network (branch finder)
View deals online here
4. Complete your application with us
We have mortgage advisors to help you apply for your mortgage and explain everything you need to know before you proceed. Your mortgage application will need to be approved formally by one of our underwriters. All applications are subject to status and our current lending criteria.
We can help you with the insurances you need for your new home at this point too. Home insurance, life cover and critical illness protection is available when you complete your application with us.
5. Have your property surveyed
We find and instruct a surveyor to value the property. On most of our mortgage products we pay for a standard valuation on a property value up to £2.5 million. This is available on all our deals that offer the homebuyer solution benefit. You might decide to have a more detailed survey done at this point - our mortgage advisors can discuss your options with you.
6. Receive a Formal mortgage offer
We issue your formal mortgage offer. This means that the mortgage has been formally approved, and the house you are buying has been valued and is suitable security for us to lend against.
7. Exchange Contracts
Your solicitor will exchange contracts on the house you want to buy and set a provisional moving date. Usually Santander, the estate agents, and the people you are buying from will all be involved in arranging this. There may also be a deposit to pay of around 5% of the purchase price.
Make sure your Buildings Insurance is in place at this point.
8. Completion
Your solicitor will finalise the move and you'll officially be the owner of your new home. They make sure all the money involved changes hands efficiently and will let you know when you can collect your keys. They also confirm how you will receive your £250 cashback on completion
For the day of completion you'll want to make sure you've spoken to:
Gas & Electricity Company. (Make sure you read the meters when you move in)
Water Company
Broadband, telephone and satellite TV provider
Redirect of any mail so you can start to change your address on all your documents
All applications are subject to status and our current lending criteria. This means that the amount we will lend you will depend on your individual circumstances, the type of property and the amount you borrow. For example, we may require a higher deposit if you are buying a flat or a new build property.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
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