What’s the minimum deposit I need?

Most lenders require at least 5%, but putting down more can unlock better rates and lower monthly payments.

Do I need to speak to a mortgage broker?

We can introduce you to a regulated mortgage broker where advice is required. They’ll recommend the right mortgage based on your specific needs.

How long does the process take?

On average, it takes 4 to 8 weeks from mortgage application to offer — but it can vary depending on the lender and legal process. We’ll help keep things moving.

Can I combine multiple pensions into one?

Yes — pension consolidation is common, but depends on your scheme types and if any benefits would be lost.

What if I don’t know where my pensions are?

We’ll help you track them down using pension tracing tools and provider contact checks.

Can I access my pension early?

Generally from age 55 (rising to 57 in future), but early access may reduce your future income.

Why Sidcup is a Hidden Gem for First-Time Buyers

Buying your first home in 2026 feels less chaotic than the past few years — but it’s still not “easy”. Mortgage products change, lender criteria can be picky, and affordability checks are still the biggest hurdle for most first-time buyers. If you’re looking at Sidcup, you’ve got a strong family area with solid demand and a mix of property types — but the best outcomes usually go to the buyers who prepare properly before making offers. This guide explains what’s happening in the 2026 mortgage market, what first-time buyers in Sidcup should focus on, and how to put yourself in the strongest position to secure a suitable deal. If you’re aiming to buy this year, treat this as your practical checklist — not theory.

What’s the Mortgage Market Like in 2026?

The main change in 2026 is stability. Rates and products still move, but it’s no longer a market where buyers feel blindsided every week. Lenders are competing again, and there are usually options across different deposit levels and income types — but the underwriting hasn’t gone “soft”. In plain English: you can absolutely get a mortgage as a first-time buyer, but your profile (income, outgoings, credit conduct and deposit) matters more than the headline rate you see online.

Affordability in 2026: What Lenders Look At (And What Trips Buyers Up)

Most first-time buyers assume affordability is just salary x a multiple. In reality, lenders look at the full picture: your income, your regular commitments, and how “comfortable” the monthly payment looks after stress testing. Typical affordability factors include:

Income type (basic salary, overtime, bonuses, commission, self-employed earnings)
Committed spending (car finance, loans, credit cards, subscriptions)
Household costs (childcare, travel, maintenance, insurance)
Credit behaviour (missed payments, utilisation, recent borrowing)

The biggest avoidable mistake is going house-hunting before you know your real borrowing range. It leads to wasted viewings, failed offers, and last-minute surprises when the lender digs deeper.

Deposit Levels: 5% vs 10% vs 15% — What Changes in Reality?

In 2026, a 5% deposit can be possible, but it often comes with tighter criteria and fewer lender choices. With a 10% deposit you usually access a wider range of products, and 15% can improve pricing and sometimes overall flexibility. For first-time buyers in Sidcup, the right deposit strategy depends on the property type you’re targeting and your affordability. Sometimes buying sooner with a sensible product is better than waiting years to save a few extra percentage points — but it needs to be planned properly.

Sidcup Property Types That Can Affect Mortgage Options

It’s not just you that gets assessed — the property does too. Sidcup has a good mix of housing stock, but certain types of property can trigger extra lender questions, especially if the details aren’t clean. Common examples include:

Flats with lease considerations (lease length and service charge expectations)
Ex-local authority flats (some lenders are fine, some are more selective)
New builds (may require specific deposit levels and tighter criteria)
Converted properties (documentation, layout, access, and valuation questions)

This is why first-time buyers often benefit from getting a clear direction early — it reduces the risk of choosing a property that becomes a headache at mortgage stage.

Agreement in Principle: Why You Want It Before You Make Offers

An Agreement in Principle (AIP) is a simple way to show you’re serious and helps you understand your likely borrowing position before you start negotiating. In a steady market, it still matters — because estate agents and sellers want confidence that your purchase can complete. Important: an AIP is not a mortgage offer, but it’s a strong early step — especially if your documents and affordability align when you submit the full application.

What First-Time Buyers in Sidcup Should Do First (Practical Checklist)

Here’s the sensible order of operations if you want to avoid delays and rejections:

Review your credit file and fix anything obvious (errors, missed payments, high utilisation)
Reduce committed outgoings where possible (unused credit, short-term finance, unnecessary subscriptions)
Prepare documents (ID, proof of address, payslips, bank statements, deposit evidence)
Know your budget including total monthly costs (mortgage + bills + insurance + service charges where relevant)
Get an AIP before making serious offers

Doing this early makes the whole process feel controlled — and puts you ahead of buyers who only start thinking once their offer is accepted.

Common First-Time Buyer Mistakes in 2026

These are the mistakes that cause most of the pain:

Chasing the lowest rate without considering fees, criteria and overall suitability
Applying too late (after offer accepted) and then scrambling for documents
Ignoring car finance / credit utilisation which reduces affordability more than people expect
Assuming every lender treats flats the same (they don’t)
Not planning for the full monthly cost (especially with flats and service charges)

The goal is simple: avoid “surprises” after you’ve emotionally committed to a property.

How a Mortgage Broker Can Help First-Time Buyers in Sidcup

First-time buyers usually want the same outcomes: clarity, speed, and confidence. A mortgage broker can help by narrowing down suitable lender options, explaining what matters for your circumstances, and supporting the process once you’re ready to apply. This often includes:

Helping you understand your likely borrowing position before you offer
Matching you to lenders whose criteria fit your profile
Reducing errors and delays in the application process
Supporting you through to mortgage offer and completion

Speak to Us About a First-Time Buyer Mortgage in Sidcup

If you’re planning to buy in Sidcup and want to understand your options, the quickest next step is to make an enquiry. We can review your situation and, where appropriate, introduce you to an authorised mortgage adviser who can discuss suitable options for your circumstances. Contact us here to discuss first-time buyer mortgages in Sidcup