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1st time buyer - mortgage advice

I'm looking to buy a flat and want to know roughly how much I would be able to borrow. I know the rule of thumb which is 3x salary but I think I should be able to get more. I earn 28k and am married but my wife is a housewife so currently not earning. At some point she will go to work part-time but not yet.

I'm looking to buy a property of around 150k and want to know if its feasible? At some point I may decide to rent out the flat but initially I want to stay there.

So what kind of mortgage would be best for me? A joint one or only in my name? Also I would be able to pay a deposit of around 35-40k so will this work in my favour. My outgoings monthly aren't more than 500 pounds a month I'd say....and no outstanding debts.

Comments

  • herbiesjp
    herbiesjp Posts: 8,499 Forumite
    There are some lenders that will look over 4 times income based on an affordability calculation.

    You have a good deposit, no debts, you should be able to find a good rate.

    As for single or joint - I would opt for joint, as if you decide at a later point to put your wife on the mortgage will only cost money later. Also, if you look to re-mortgage later and get "free legals" putting your wife onto the mortgage at that point will still incur you the cost of putting her name on the deeds.
    I am a Mortgage Adviser
    You should note that this site doesn't check my status as a Mortgage Adviser, so you need to take my word for it. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Mortgage Adviser Code of Conduct. Any posts on here are for information and discussion purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial advice.
  • AceT
    AceT Posts: 117 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts
    So which brokers are worth trying to start with?
  • johannamse
    johannamse Posts: 498 Forumite
    These guys always weem to come highly recommended by Martin and others: http://www.lcplc.co.uk/
  • Sinjun
    Sinjun Posts: 13 Forumite
    Hi, I am helping my daughter geta mortgage - teacher/first time buyer/London - so need to get the best possible and need some help what with the various schemes available. The previous post kindly mentioned LC plc. Are they recommended by Martin and others ? Anyone used them ? Shall be most obliged for any pointers/advice, particularly good brokers that dont cost the earth. Thanks.
  • MSE_Martin
    MSE_Martin Posts: 8,268 Money Saving Expert
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    OK folks. The best thing to do is

    1. Read the sneakily get the best mortgage advice for free article in the mortgage section
    2. Download/order (its free) a copy of the remortgage guide, while its for remortgaging much of the info is relevant for first timers too

    martin
    Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert.
    Please note, answers don't constitute financial advice, it is based on generalised journalistic research. Always ensure any decision is made with regards to your own individual circumstance.
    Don't miss out on urgent MoneySaving, get my weekly e-mail at www.moneysavingexpert.com/tips.
    Debt-Free Wannabee Official Nerd Club: (Honorary) Members number 000
  • Joe_Bloggs
    Joe_Bloggs Posts: 4,535 Forumite
    A Teacher is classified as a key worker.
    Research http://www.teachersupport.info/index.cfm?p=2847
    Try 'networking' with fellow key workers as to what is available and if it is all just pie in the sky.
    J_B.
  • herbiesjp
    herbiesjp Posts: 8,499 Forumite
    @ Sinjun

    Not sure if you have looked into a guarantor mortgage - where you can be the guarantor for your daughters mortgage - not sure if this is an option you want to consider.
    I am a Mortgage Adviser
    You should note that this site doesn't check my status as a Mortgage Adviser, so you need to take my word for it. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Mortgage Adviser Code of Conduct. Any posts on here are for information and discussion purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial advice.
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