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First-time buyers
Build a realistic budget, understand your deposit and get prepared before you make an offer.
From agreement in principle to your first set of keys.Read the use-case guideFirst charge mortgage advice
First charge mortgages, built around your next move.
Buying your first home, moving or remortgaging? We search the mortgage market available to us, explain the trade-offs and manage your application from enquiry to completion.
Whole-of-market adviceOne named adviserUK-wide support
One search. A clearer shortlist.
Criteria, fees and features considered together.
First charge mortgages explained
What is a first charge mortgage?
A first charge mortgage is the main loan secured against a property. It is commonly used to purchase a home, move to a new property or replace an existing mortgage with a remortgage.
The lender holds the first legal charge over the property. That gives it priority over any later secured borrowing if the property is sold. Because your home is security for the loan, affordability, the mortgage term and the total cost all matter.
Compare with a second charge mortgage
The rate is only one part of the decision.Fees, flexibility, criteria and your future plans can change which mortgage represents suitable value.
Mortgages through every chapter
Start with where you are, not a product code
Your priorities change with each move. We shape the research around the outcome, whether that is certainty on a first purchase, coordinating a chain or reviewing an existing deal.
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Moving home
Plan the new mortgage around your sale, onward purchase and the timing of your property chain.
New borrowing, porting and changing circumstances considered.Read the use-case guide03
Remortgaging
Review your existing deal, early repayment charges, product transfer and wider market options.
Start the conversation before your current deal ends.Read the use-case guide04
Complex income
Find lenders whose criteria can make sense of self-employment, contracting or multiple income sources.
The structure of your income matters, not only the headline figure.Understanding the options
Mortgage structures, translated into plain English
How the balance is repaid and how the interest rate behaves are separate choices. Your recommendation should make both clear.
Payment structure
Capital repayment
Your monthly payment covers interest and part of the amount borrowed. If every payment is made, the mortgage is designed to be repaid by the end of the term.
Payment structure
Interest-only
Monthly payments cover interest, while the original capital remains due at the end. Lenders require an acceptable and credible repayment strategy.
Interest rate
Fixed rate
The mortgage rate and contractual payment stay fixed for an agreed deal period, helping with budgeting. Early repayment charges may apply during that period.
Interest rate
Variable or tracker
The rate can move, so monthly payments may rise or fall. Tracker deals usually follow an external rate, while other variable rates follow lender terms.
The suitable structure depends on your needs and circumstances. Mortgage availability and lender criteria can change.
Borrowing & affordability
“How much can I borrow?” starts with the complete picture
Online multiples can be a useful starting point, but lenders also test affordability and apply their own criteria. The same income can produce different outcomes depending on how it is earned, your commitments, term and deposit.
LTV
Loan-to-value
The mortgage as a percentage of the property value. A larger deposit means a lower LTV and may widen the products available.
Income
Salary, overtime, bonus, accounts, contracts and other acceptable income.
Commitments
Loans, credit, childcare, regular spending and other ongoing obligations.
Deposit & equity
The amount you contribute affects loan-to-value and the products available.
Credit & property
Credit history, term, age, property type and lender-specific criteria.
Prepare your application
The documents lenders commonly request
Requirements vary, but preparing clear, current evidence early can reduce avoidable delays. Your adviser will confirm the exact list for the chosen lender.
- Photo identification and proof of address
- Recent payslips, P60 or evidence of other income
- Recent personal and relevant business bank statements
- Proof and source of deposit, including gifted deposit details
- Accounts, tax calculations or SA302s where applicable
- Details of loans, credit cards and regular commitments
Your application, managed
A clear route from first conversation to completion
One named adviser keeps the research, recommendation and application connected.
- 01
Understand the plan
We discuss the property, deposit, income, commitments and what matters to you beyond the monthly payment.
- 02
Research suitable lenders
Your adviser compares relevant criteria, rates, fees and features across the mortgage market available to us.
- 03
Explain the recommendation
You receive a clear recommendation and illustration, including the important costs and trade-offs, before deciding.
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Manage the application
We package the case, submit it to the lender and keep the moving parts progressing through to completion.
Why use Charles Frank Finance?
Research is useful. Ownership makes the difference.
The lender, solicitor, estate agent and valuer each own one part of the journey. Your adviser keeps sight of the complete mortgage case and explains what happens next.
Why clients choose usBroader market research
Relevant lender criteria, total cost and product features considered together.
A named point of contact
One adviser who understands the recommendation and keeps the application moving.
Careful case packaging
The right documents and relevant context presented clearly to the chosen lender.
Support through to completion
Regular updates and coordination when valuations, offers or legal work need attention.
First charge mortgage FAQs
Useful answers before you apply
Still unsure where your circumstances fit? Speak to an adviser for an answer based on your actual position.
Ask a mortgage questionA first charge mortgage is the primary loan secured against a property. The lender has the first legal charge, meaning it is repaid before later secured lenders if the property is sold. It is the usual mortgage structure used to buy a home or replace an existing mortgage when remortgaging.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. If you are consolidating existing borrowing, you may extend the term and increase the total amount repaid.
Your next move starts here
Let's make the mortgage feel manageable.
Tell us what you are planning and we will explain the useful next step, without obligation.