First-Time Buyers · Llanelli, Wales

Everything you need
to buy your first home —
properly.

The mortgage process can feel overwhelming when you don't know what's coming. We walk you through every stage, explain everything clearly, and stay with you from first conversation to keys in hand.

Take the readiness quiz Book a call

Your journey with Arrive

1
First enquiry
Get in touch or take the quiz — we'll come back to you quickly.
2
Discovery call
A relaxed 20-minute conversation about your situation and goals.
3
Fact find
We gather everything needed to give you accurate, honest advice.
4
Agreement in Principle
Your AIP secured — proof to agents you're a serious buyer.
5
Property found
Offer accepted — we move fast and get your application ready.
6
Full application
We submit and manage everything — lender, solicitors, survey.
7
Completion
Keys in hand. You're a homeowner.
8
Staying in touch
We don't disappear. Rate reviews, reminders, and a place to come back to.
FCA Regulated Your advice is protected
Whole of Market Access to 100s of lenders
Real People Talk to Matthew directly
Transparent Fees Clear, upfront, no surprises

Who we help

Wherever you are on the journey

You don't need to have it all figured out before you speak to us. Most first-time buyers we help are somewhere in the middle — curious, a bit unsure, and looking for someone to be straight with them.

Find out where you stand
Just starting to think about it
Not sure if you're ready or what you can borrow — we'll help you work it out. There's no pressure to do anything until you're comfortable.
Got an offer accepted
Congratulations — now let's move fast. We'll get your mortgage recommendation confirmed and application submitted without unnecessary delays.
Worried about your credit
Past blips don't have to stop you. We work with lenders who look at the full picture, and we'll be honest with you about what's possible.
Self-employed or on a contract
Lenders can be tricky with non-standard income. We know which ones work well for your situation and how to present your case properly.
Buying with a partner
Joint mortgages have their own considerations. We'll look at your combined position and make sure the advice we give works for both of you.

Common questions

The things first-time buyers ask us most

If you've had any of these thoughts, you're not alone. Here's what we'd actually say.

"I've only got a small deposit — is that enough?"
It depends on the purchase price, but a 5% deposit is often enough to get started. The key is what you do with it. We'll show you what you can realistically borrow, what the monthly cost looks like, and whether now is the right time — or whether a few more months saving would open more doors. Try our savings calculator to see how a monthly amount builds up.
"I don't really understand how mortgages work."
Most first-time buyers don't — and that's completely fine. Explaining it clearly is part of what we do. We'll walk you through every decision before we make it, so you always understand what you're agreeing to and why.
"My credit isn't perfect. Will that stop me?"
Not necessarily. Many lenders look at the full picture, not just your credit score. Missed payments, defaults, and even CCJs don't automatically rule you out — it depends on what happened, when, and how your situation looks now. We'll be straight with you about your options. Worth checking your full credit file before we talk, so we both have the full picture.
"I'm self-employed — is it harder for me?"
It can be, with the wrong lender. But plenty of lenders work well with self-employed applicants — especially if you've got two or more years of accounts. We know which ones to approach and how to present your income in the best possible light.
"How do I know what I can actually afford?"
That's exactly the right question. We'll work it out properly — not just the maximum a lender will offer, but what's comfortable based on your income, outgoings, and what you want your life to look like. Borrowing too much is as much a risk as not enough. Try our calculators for a quick estimate.
"Is it too early to speak to a mortgage broker?"
No — in fact, earlier is better. Knowing where you stand gives you time to sort anything that needs sorting, save smarter, and move quickly when you find the right property. A conversation now costs you nothing.

How it works

Seven stages.
No surprises.

Here's exactly what happens from your first message to getting your keys. We'll guide you through every stage.

1
First enquiry
Get in touch or take the quiz. We'll come back to you quickly to arrange a time to talk.
2
Discovery call
A relaxed 20-minute call to understand your situation, your goals, and what you can realistically afford.
3
Fact find
We gather your full financial picture — income, outgoings, credit history — so we can advise you properly and present you well to lenders.
4
Agreement in Principle
Your AIP is secured and ready to show estate agents. This proves you're a serious buyer when you make an offer.
5
Property found
Offer accepted — exciting! We move quickly to confirm your recommendation and prepare everything for your full application.
6
Full application
We submit to the lender and manage everything from there — survey, valuation, solicitors — chasing at every stage so you don't have to.
7
Completion
Keys in hand. You're a homeowner.
8
Staying in touch
Once you're a client, you're a client for as long as you need us. We'll check in when your fixed rate is ending, and we're here for whatever comes next — moving home, remortgaging, or buy-to-let.

What to have ready

Documents you'll need along the way

We'll tell you exactly what's needed at each stage — but here's a head start so nothing slows you down.

  • Last 3 months' payslips (or 2 years' accounts if self-employed)
  • Last 3 months' bank statements
  • Proof of deposit (savings statements or gift letter)
  • Passport or driving licence (photo ID)
  • Proof of address (utility bill or council tax letter)
  • P60 from your last tax year
Book a free call

Government schemes

Help that might be available to you

There are schemes designed to help first-time buyers get on the ladder. We'll let you know what's relevant to your situation — not every scheme suits every buyer.

Wales
Help to Buy Wales
A shared equity loan of up to 20% of the property price, meaning you only need a 5% deposit and a 75% mortgage. Available on new-build homes in Wales.
Property must be a new build and priced below the scheme threshold. We'll check current eligibility with you.
Ownership
Shared Ownership
Buy a share of a home — typically between 25% and 75% — and pay rent on the rest. You can increase your share over time until you own it outright.
Good option if you can't afford to buy outright. Not all lenders accept shared ownership, but we know the ones that do.
Family
Concessionary Purchases
Buying from a family member at below market value? The discount can be used as your deposit, meaning you may be able to buy with little or no cash upfront. A great option that many first-time buyers don't know exists.
Not all lenders accept concessionary purchases — we work with these cases regularly and know exactly which ones to approach.
Affordable Housing
Resale Price Covenants
Some affordable housing properties come with a resale price covenant — a legal restriction on what you can sell for in future. These require specialist lenders and careful handling from the start.
We deal with these regularly across South Wales. If your property has a covenant attached, speak to us before doing anything else.

Protection

Looking after more
than just the mortgage

Getting the mortgage is the main event — but making sure your home and family are properly protected matters just as much. We make sure this is covered properly, not as an afterthought.

We'll look at your whole picture and recommend the cover that actually makes sense for you — not just tick a box. You'll understand what you're getting and why before anything is put in place.

Life insurance
Pays off your mortgage if you die during the term, so your family isn't left with the debt. Usually simpler and cheaper than people expect.
Critical illness cover
Pays a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious illness covered by the policy — giving you options when you need them most.
Income protection
Replaces a portion of your income if you can't work due to illness or injury — so your mortgage payments don't stop just because your pay does.
Buildings & contents
Your lender will require buildings insurance before completion. We'll point you in the right direction and make sure it's properly arranged.

Find out where you stand

Ready to buy your first home?
Take the 2-minute quiz.

Answer a few quick questions and we'll tell you exactly where you are on the journey — and what to do next.

Start the quiz →