Mortgage help please

Hhzg

I'm really hoping to get a mortgage, but to be honest I have absolutely no idea where to start.
I'm 50 next year, a single mum to a nearly 18 year old and I work full time - but its a zero hour contract. I average out about £19,000 doing palliative care.
I live in a housing association house, and there is no right to buy/acquire on these houses for some reason. 
I have looked at shared ownership, but I believe it is only available on new builds, and I really don't want a huge mortgage at my age - I doubt I would be eligible anyway!
I've also looked at help to buy, but because I had a mortgage roughly 18 years ago, I'm not classed as a first time buyer.
Is there any hope for me, and where would I go from here if there is?
Thank you for taking the time to read.

foxy-stoat

Of course there is hope.  How much cash deposit have you got saved up along with moving costs? Do you have a "good" credit history?
You just need to look at properties within your financial reach, maximum 4.5 times your salary plus deposit less moving costs.

Hhzg

That's fantastic to know, thank you! I have around £4k saved at the minute, but I could save more if I defer until after Christmas. My credit history is good, not fantastic but not dire either. I've recently paid off all but one of my debts, a credit card which I owe £700.00 so hopefully that will go in my favour. I didn't owe a massive amount anyway, around £1500. I've always been quite careful being a single parent and knowing my limits!
Moving costs wouldn't be much, we only have a tiny house and when we moved here we had a lot more furniture that we do now - we had to downsize for a better house.
What would you suggest I do now, as in mortgage advice? There are so many different mortgage companies, I havevn't a clue where to start. I've been with my bank - Halifax for over 20 years now, never had an overdraft and always kept it in good standing, would that be the best place do you think?

foxy-stoat

I would say Halifax is a good place yes.  Punch in your numbers on their website mortgage calculator to see how much they MAY lend then book in for an appointment with their advisors. I have only ever been with Halifax, mostly dealt with on the phone.

You may find that your mortgage term will be 15ish years rather than the normal 25.

Good lucks

izoomzoom

Shared ownership is definitely not just new builds. We actually found resale shared ownerships much more favourably priced (the rental aspect, as least), than new builds. Not sure what area you are in, but have a look at this https://domovohomes.co.uk/PropertyResults/sharedOwnership
It did take us a good year to find a suitable house / be offered a suitable house.

Thrugelmir

Keep chipping away at the debt and building your savings. Create your own luck .