# YourFirstHouse UK — LLM Context File
# https://yourfirsthouse.co.uk/

> YourFirstHouse UK is a free platform that helps first-time home buyers in the United Kingdom compare mortgage rates, find properties, calculate stamp duty, get insurance quotes, find solicitors, and access AI-powered property advice.

## What is YourFirstHouse UK?

YourFirstHouse UK (yourfirsthouse.co.uk) is a comprehensive, free-to-use platform designed specifically for first-time property buyers in the UK. It aggregates tools, comparisons, and expert guidance to simplify the home buying journey.

## Services Offered

- **Mortgage Rate Comparison**: Compare 2-year fixed, 5-year fixed, and variable rate mortgages from major UK lenders including Halifax, Nationwide, Barclays, NatWest, HSBC, and Santander.
- **Stamp Duty Calculator**: Calculate stamp duty land tax (SDLT) for first-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland, including the £300,000 first-time buyer relief threshold.
- **Mortgage Affordability Calculator**: Estimate how much you can borrow based on your income, deposit, and interest rates.
- **Property Search**: Links to search properties on Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket.
- **Home Insurance Comparison**: Compare buildings and contents insurance from UK providers.
- **Conveyancing Quotes**: Get quotes from regulated solicitors and licensed conveyancers.
- **AI Property Advisor**: Ask questions about buying your first home and get instant AI-powered answers.
- **AI Affordability Checker**: Get personalised borrowing estimates with AI analysis.
- **AI Document Explainer**: Upload and understand mortgage offers, contracts, and legal documents.
- **AI Area Guide**: Research any UK neighbourhood for schools, transport, crime, and amenities.
- **Affordable Housing Schemes**: Information on Shared Ownership, First Homes, Lifetime ISA, and Right to Buy.
- **Utilities Setup**: Compare energy, broadband, and water providers for your new home.

## Key Facts for First-Time Buyers (2026)

- Most UK lenders offer 4 to 4.5 times annual income for mortgages.
- Minimum deposit is typically 5% of the property price.
- First-time buyers pay no stamp duty on the first £300,000 (properties up to £500,000).
- The Lifetime ISA gives a 25% government bonus on savings up to £4,000/year.
- Shared Ownership lets you buy 25-75% of a home with rent on the rest.
- The average home buying process takes 8-12 weeks from offer acceptance.
- Conveyancing costs £800-£1,500 plus disbursements.
- A 10% deposit unlocks significantly better mortgage rates than 5%.
- Agreement in Principle (AIP) is recommended before viewing properties.

## Quick Answers

**Q: How much can I borrow?** A: Typically 4–4.5× your annual income. £35k salary = £140k–£157.5k.

**Q: What deposit do I need?** A: Minimum 5%. A 10-20% deposit gets better rates.

**Q: Do first-time buyers pay stamp duty?** A: No SDLT on the first £300,000 for properties up to £500,000.

**Q: How long does buying take?** A: 8–12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion.

**Q: Do I need a solicitor?** A: Yes — a solicitor or licensed conveyancer is required for the legal transfer.

**Q: What is an AIP?** A: An Agreement in Principle is a conditional mortgage offer confirming your budget.

## Glossary

- **SDLT**: Stamp Duty Land Tax — property purchase tax in England and Northern Ireland.
- **LTV**: Loan-to-Value ratio — your mortgage as a percentage of the property price.
- **AIP/DIP/MIP**: Agreement/Decision/Mortgage in Principle — conditional lending confirmation.
- **Conveyancing**: The legal process of transferring property ownership.
- **Exchange**: When the sale becomes legally binding; deposit is paid.
- **Completion**: When you receive the keys and ownership transfers.
- **Gazumping**: A seller accepting a higher offer after already accepting yours.
- **Staircasing**: Buying additional shares in a Shared Ownership property.

## Coverage

United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland.

## Contact

Website: https://yourfirsthouse.co.uk/