Mortgages for first-time buyers
Buying your first home is a big and exciting step. Getting your first mortgage doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. This page explains what to expect and how to move forward with confidence.
Getting Ready for Your Mortgage Application
Fill in our form and an advisor at usefrankly will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.
A simple overview of how to get ready for your mortgage application.
What documents you need to confirm who you are.
Accepted documents that show where you currently live.
What lenders require for employed, self-employed and variable earners.
Why lenders check your statements and what they’re looking for.
Information you need to share about any loans or borrowing.
How much you have saved and where it has come from.
Why it helps to review your credit before you apply.
The information needed once you’ve found a home.
Employment and Background Information
The extra details lenders may ask about your work and status.
Optional documents that may be required depending on your situation.
We’re Here to Help
Getting ready for a mortgage doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Once you have your documents in place, the next step is simply reaching out. Our online form makes that easy. Just share a few details and we’ll match you with an advisor at Frankly who can guide you through everything with clear, straightforward advice. Whether you’re just starting your research or you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to support you and make the whole process feel as smooth as possible. Fill out the form when you’re ready and one of our friendly advisors will be in touch.
Who are Frankly?
We’re on a mission to fix the financial services market. For too long, the mortgage industry has been complex, jargon-filled, and geared towards providers rather than people. Frankly is here to change that.
We are unapologetically on your side. We don’t just find you a “deal”—we provide the honest financial advice you need to feel secure in life’s biggest moments. We combine the speed and ease of modern technology with the empathy and expertise of real human advisers who actually care about your future.
The Frankly Difference
- Honest Advice, No Fluff: We believe in plain speaking. We strip away the confusing industry jargon and explain your options clearly, so you always know exactly where you stand.
- Handpicked Experts: You aren’t just a number in a queue. You’ll be matched with a dedicated adviser—a real expert chosen for their commitment to customer care—who will champion your cause from application to completion.
- Customer-First, Always: Many brokers work for the banks; we work for you. Our goal isn’t just to “sell” a mortgage, but to deliver the right financial solution for your personal wellbeing and long-term security.
Ready to make your move?
Getting the right mortgage doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you have your documents ready or just have a few questions about where to start, we are here to help.
Let’s get your journey started. Book your free appointment with an adviser here
A simple guide to help you feel prepared and confident
Applying for a mortgage can feel like a big step, especially if it’s your first time. The good news is that the process becomes much easier when you know what you need and why lenders ask for certain information. This guide takes you through everything in a calm, clear way, so you can get organised without any stress.
Proof of Identity
Lenders need to confirm who you are before they can look at anything else. This is a straightforward step and usually just requires a valid passport or a UK driving licence. As long as the details match your current name you’re good to go. It’s simply part of the standard checks to keep everything secure and compliant.
Proof of Address
You’ll also need to show where you currently live. A recent utility bill which must be posted, bank statement, council tax bill or tenancy agreement will usually do the job. Most lenders ask for documents dated within the last three months or council tax usually accepted for the whole year, just so they know your information is up to date. You don’t need anything complicated, just something official that clearly displays your address.
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Proof of Income
Your income helps lenders understand how much you can realistically borrow. The documents you need depend on how you work.
If you’re employed, you’ll normally be asked for your last three payslips and your latest P60. These show your regular income and employment stability.
If you’re self-employed, lenders often need your last two years of tax calculations or SA302s, along with tax overviews or business accounts. This helps them see your average income across a longer period.
If you receive bonuses, commission or overtime, include those details too. Anything that reflects your true earning potential is helpful.
Employment and Background
Lenders may also ask how long you’ve been in your current job, whether you’re on probation and what type of employment contract you have. They will check your residential status too, such as whether you’re a UK citizen or have settled status. These questions help build a clear picture of stability and eligibility.
Bank Statements
Most lenders ask for the last three months of bank statements. This gives them a full picture of your day-to-day finances, including spending habits, income coming in and any regular commitments you may have. They’re not looking for perfection. They simply want reassurance that your finances are stable and that the mortgage payments will sit comfortably within your monthly budget.
Details of Your Credit Commitments
If you have loans, credit cards, car finance or an overdraft, lenders will need to know about them. This helps them work out what you can afford and how much you’re already committed to paying each month. Being upfront here ensures you receive accurate, realistic advice tailored to your situation.
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Your Deposit
You’ll be asked how much you’ve saved and where the deposit has come from. This could be personal savings, a financial gift from family or money from the sale of another property. Lenders have strict rules around confirming the source of funds, so don’t worry if they ask a few extra questions. It’s all part of keeping the process safe and transparent.
Your Credit Report
Checking your credit report before applying is always a good idea. It helps you spot anything that might need attention or explaining. You can check your file for free with services like Checkmyfile. A clear credit report simply gives you a head start and helps us guide you more effectively.
How to obtain your credit report from Checkmyfile
Step 1: Sign up to Checkmyfile
To give us the clearest picture of your finances, we use Checkmyfile. If you haven’t signed up yet, you can grab a free 7-day trial (which you can cancel anytime). It takes less than five minutes.
New users: Download Credit Report
Existing users: Log in and reactivate your subscription to ensure we’re looking at your most up-to-date info.
Step 2: Download your report
Once you’re in, scroll to the bottom of the dashboard and click ‘Download Printable Report’.
Tip: Can’t see the button? Give Frankly a quick call on 0800 652 1417 and we’ll be more than happy to help.
Important: Once the PDF is downloaded, please keep it safe. It contains sensitive personal data, so save it securely on your device.
Step 3: Send it over to us
Ready to move forward? Attach the PDF to an email and send it Frankly – hello@usefrankly.com . That’s it! We’ll let you know as soon as it lands in our inbox.
Property Details (if you already have one in mind)
If you’re further along in your journey and have found a property, the lender will want to know a few simple details such as the address, the purchase price and the estate agent’s information. This isn’t needed at the early research stage but becomes essential once an offer has been accepted.
Additional Documents (only needed sometimes)
Depending on your circumstances, you might also need documents like divorce agreements, proof of benefits or child maintenance, or rental income statements for buy-to-let applications. Not everyone needs these, so don’t worry. We’ll let you know if anything extra is required.
Start Your Application & We’ll Guide You Through The Rest
What matters most is honesty and clarity. Once you have the basics ready, we can guide you through the rest. Our aim is to make your mortgage journey feel simple, supportive and stress-free from start to finish.
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