Would I be better off getting a First Time Buyer mortgage, or joint mortgage with partner?

boadle

Hi guys, 
I was hoping you might be able to offer some advice about my next steps in house-hunting with my fiance?
I am a 45 year old business owner (director of a small company), and my fiance is a 40 year old civil servant. We are currently living in her 2 bedroom apartment in Nottingham, and we are desperate to move somewhere bigger, with a garden. She is quite close to having paid off the mortgage on her apartment, but I wanted to see if it made more sense for me to available of the government's First Time Buyer scheme (as I have always rented up till now)? Or should we seek a joint mortgage? We both have a very good credit rating, although my business income will show a lot of income fluctuation over the past few years. My salary has not been effected, but I'm worried this might be a red flag to a mortgage provider.

Appreciate your input!
Lewis 

DCFC79

Your credit ratings despite being good arent seen by lenders, banks etc, your creditory is seen, any debts for example they can see, a number won't list any defaults etc.

I think what you should do first is speak to a broker, they can search the market for both you as a ftb or as a joint application.

Sistergold

If you can afford to buy just in your name that will be great, you can then rent out partners apartment? 

blue_max_3

I was curious and found this article, which may be relevant.
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/aug/13/my-partner-is-a-first-time-buyer-but-i-am-not-do-we-have-to-pay-stamp-duty

Thrugelmir

Do you intend to sell your partners apartment to fund the purchase?