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Jamie Hollingsworth - Mortgage & Protection Advisor
24 Willis Rd
Stockport
SK3 8HQ
jamie@woodhallmortgages.co.uk
I'm a CeMAP qualified mortgage adviser based in Stockport. Most first-time buyers I speak to know roughly what they can afford but aren't sure which lenders will actually say yes. That's what I work out first, before anything is submitted.
No fee for the initial consultation · £299 broker fee only on formal mortgage offer · FCA authorised FRN 762513
A first-time buyer mortgage is a residential mortgage for someone who has never owned a property in the UK. That status matters because it opens up government schemes, stamp duty relief and certain lender products that aren't available to existing homeowners.
Stockport sits at the more affordable end of the Greater Manchester market. Edgeley, Offerton and Reddish tend to have lower entry prices than Heaton Moor or Bramhall, which makes them popular with buyers working with a smaller deposit. Cheadle and Cheadle Hulme attract buyers who want school catchments and an easy commute into Manchester.
I've been helping first-time buyers in Stockport and across Greater Manchester since 2018. There's a lot going on at once when you're buying: lenders, solicitors, estate agents, surveyors. I handle the mortgage from start to finish so that part at least isn't something you have to chase.
Mortgage availability and rates depend on your individual circumstances, deposit size, credit profile and lender criteria. Not all lenders or products are included. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments.
Most lenders will accept a 5% deposit, but the rates and the number of lenders available to you improve at each step up. Here's what each level typically gets you.
Your deposit can come from savings, a Lifetime ISA (including the government bonus), a gifted deposit from family or a combination. I'll confirm which sources your shortlisted lenders will accept.
There are several schemes aimed at helping first-time buyers. Not all will be relevant to your situation. I'll work out which ones are worth exploring before we start looking at lenders.
Save up to £4,000 a year, and the government adds 25% on top, up to £1,000 per year. The account needs to be open for at least 12 months before you can use it, and the property needs to be under £450,000. If you haven't started one yet, it's worth doing soon.
Buy a share of the property (usually 25% to 75%) and pay rent on the rest. Needs a smaller deposit than buying outright. You can purchase additional shares later when finances allow. Available on new-build and resale properties in Stockport.
The government backs part of a 95% LTV mortgage, which means lenders take on less risk and are willing to offer 5% deposit products. Only certain lenders participate. Subject to your income and affordability passing the lender's checks.
A family member puts up their income or property as security behind your mortgage. Useful if your deposit is small or your credit history is thin. The guarantor is legally on the hook if you stop paying, so it's a significant commitment for them.
Most lenders will accept a deposit gifted by a parent or grandparent, as long as it's properly documented and genuinely non-repayable. Some lenders restrict gifted deposits to immediate family. I'll confirm what's acceptable for each lender we're looking at.
First-time buyers in England pay no stamp duty on properties up to £300,000. There's a reduced rate on the portion between £300,001 and £500,000. Above £500,000 the relief doesn't apply. Thresholds can change so check the current position with your solicitor.
A quick call is usually enough to work out what's realistic for your deposit, income and the areas you're looking at. No fee, no hard searches, nothing submitted until you're ready.
No fee for the initial consultation. A non-refundable £299 broker fee is payable on receipt of a formal mortgage offer (only if you choose to proceed).
Five stages. I handle the mortgage throughout so you can focus on finding somewhere you actually want to live.
We talk through your deposit, income and what you're looking for. I'll tell you what's realistic. No fee, no commitment.
I get a decision in principle in place so you can make offers. Usually a soft credit search, so nothing shows on your file.
Offer accepted? I search the whole market and find the right fit for your deposit, income and credit profile. Not just the obvious names.
I put the paperwork together and deal with the lender directly. You don't have to chase anyone or explain yourself twice.
The lender issues a formal mortgage offer. The £299 fee is due at this point, only if you proceed. Your solicitor takes it from there to completion.
Getting your documents together before we speak saves time once we find the right lender. Most lenders want the same core set. I'll tell you exactly what's needed for the specific application before you start gathering anything.
Requirements vary. If you're self-employed, a contractor or your income is more complex, I'll tell you what to get together upfront. No surprises part-way through the application.
First rental property or growing a portfolio. I know which lenders suit which setup.
Fixed rate ending or releasing equity. I check the whole market, not just retention deals.
Upsizing, downsizing or porting. I'll compare porting against the full market before advising.
Tell me about your situation: your deposit, what you earn, the sort of areas you're looking at. I'll tell you what's realistic and which lenders are worth approaching before anything is submitted.
No fee for the initial consultation. A non-refundable £299 broker fee is payable on receipt of a formal mortgage offer (only if you choose to proceed). We may also receive commission from lenders. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Woodhall Mortgages is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm reference number 762513. Woodhall Mortgages is a whole-of-market mortgage broker. We consider a broad range of mortgages from across the market, but not all lenders or products may be included.
No fee for the initial consultation. A non-refundable broker fee of £299 is payable on receipt of a formal mortgage offer (only if you choose to proceed). We may also receive commission from lenders; this does not affect the advice you receive. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Government scheme eligibility, thresholds and availability are subject to change. Stamp duty information is provided for general guidance only; verify current rates and thresholds with your conveyancer or solicitor. This page is for information only and does not constitute financial advice.
24 Willis Rd
Stockport
SK3 8HQ
jamie@woodhallmortgages.co.uk