What is a first time buyer in the UK?

A first time buyer is someone who has never owned property anywhere in the world. If you're buying jointly, both applicants must never have owned property to qualify for full first time buyer benefits, including Stamp Duty relief. Your status is verified by the lender through a credit file search and confirmed by your solicitor during the conveyancing process.

How much deposit do I need as a first time buyer?

The minimum deposit accepted by most lenders is 5% of the property purchase price, which gives you a 95% loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. The more you can save, the better — a 10% deposit opens up more lenders, and a 20% deposit or more gives you access to the most competitive rates on the market. There are also newer schemes that allow deposits as low as £5,000 on a 99% LTV mortgage for eligible buyers.

Can I get a mortgage if I'm self-employed or have bad credit?

Yeah, both are possible, though the options available will differ from a standard application. Self-employed buyers typically need two years of accounts or SA302s, though some lenders accept one year. For adverse credit, specialist lenders outside the high street work with applicants who have missed payments, defaults, or CCJs. In both cases, an experienced broker makes a significant difference in finding the right lender for your circumstances.

What is an Agreement in Principle?

An Agreement in Principle (also called a Mortgage in Principle or Decision in Principle) is a confirmation from a lender that they are willing to lend you a specific amount, based on a credit check and the financial information provided. It is not a guarantee, but it puts you in a much stronger position when making offers on properties, as estate agents and sellers take it as proof you are a credible, mortgage-ready buyer.

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Mortgage Broker & Advisers in Oxford

Finding a mortgage can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling property searches, solicitors and other buyers.
Oxford is one of the most sought-after property markets in the UK. Strong demand, limited housing supply, proximity to London, and a world-class university combine to make it a uniquely competitive place to buy. Navigating that market takes good preparation, and having the right mortgage broker in Oxford by your side can make all the difference to your chances of success.

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Southwell MORTGAGE

Why choose Alexander Southwell Mortgage Services?

Alexander Southwell Mortgage Services Ltd offer a comprehensive range of mortgage products from across the market. We offer both first and second charge mortgages, but not deals that you can only obtain by going direct to a lender.

We handle all the paperwork and liaise directly with lenders and solicitors, so your Oxford mortgage application moves forward efficiently. In a competitive market like Oxford, speed matters, and we make sure nothing holds you back.

Team of expert mortgage brokers and advisers.

Excellent communication via WhatsApp, Skype, phone, email and SMS.

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Mortgage Broker Oxford Quick Summary

Fee structure:

Typically fee-free for standard residential mortgages over £100,000, our commission is paid by the lender on completion. Fees may apply for complex or specialist cases, always disclosed upfront in writing.

Our Oxford Mortgage Service

We work with clients right across Oxford and the surrounding villages, from Headington and Jericho to Abingdon and Witney. Our advisers are available by phone, video call or in person, making expert mortgage advice easy to access wherever you are.

Client types:

First time buyers, home movers, remortgages, buy to let (including portfolio landlords).

Same-day service:

Speak to a qualified adviser today – we offer flexible appointments including evenings and weekends.

Your Oxford Mortgage Broker

As a whole-of-market mortgage broker in Oxford, we are completely independent and not tied to any bank or lender. We search thousands of mortgage products to find the one that gives you the best rate and terms for your situation. We are FCA authorised, completely fee free on mortgages over £100,000, and rated 5 stars by our clients. In a market as fast-moving as Oxford, having an experienced broker on your side gives you a real advantage.

Expert fee-free mortgage advisers helping clients in Southampton

Over 30 years experience in residential and BTL Mortgages

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Understanding Your Status

How Our Oxford Mortgage Service Works

From your initial consultation to when your mortgage completes we manage the whole process for you. We coordinate with estate agents and solicitors where necessary to keep everyone moving towards your completion date.

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Step 1 – Initial Consultation

Get in touch and tell us about your situation. We will ask a few straightforward questions about your income, deposit, and what you are looking to do in Oxford, so we can make sure you are well-positioned from the very beginning.

Step 2 – Research & Recommendation

Your adviser will compare mortgage products across suitable lenders and prepare a tailored recommendation. You’ll receive an Illustration (ESIS) showing the interest rate, fees and total cost over the mortgage term so you can make an informed decision.

Step 3 – Decision in Principle

Once we have found the right mortgage for you, we will secure a Decision in Principle (DIP). In Oxford's competitive market, this is particularly important as it demonstrates to sellers and agents that you are a serious, mortgage-ready buyer.

Step 4 – Full Application & Valuation

We’ll handle the paperwork, submit your documents to the lender, liaise on your behalf and arrange the valuation or survey. You won’t need to chase – we do that for you.

Step 5 – Offer to Completion

We’ll track your case through underwriting, chase solicitors and other parties if needed and keep you updated through to exchange and completion. Once you’ve got your keys we’ll diarise a review before any fixed rate ends so you’re never left on an expensive standard variable rate.

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Being prepared with the right paperwork
Documents You’ll Need

Income evidence: Last 3 months’ payslips for employed applicants, or last 2–3 years’ accounts and SA302s for self-employed clients

Deposit evidence: Savings statements, gifted deposit letters or sale-of-property memorandum if using proceeds from another property

Additional documents: Complex cases may require extra paperwork – for example, multiple buy to let schedules, evidence of foreign income or explanations for recent credit issues

Bank statements: Last 3 months’ current account statements showing income credits and regular commitments

Proof of ID and address: Passport or driving licence, plus a utility bill or council tax bill dated within the last 3 months

Oxford Property Market & Local Knowledge

Oxford is a genuinely special property market. Here is what makes it so attractive to buyers and investors:

Regeneration and growth:

Consistent demand and limited housing supply keeping values strong, with excellent long-term capital growth history

Average property prices:

Home to the world-famous University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes, creating strong academic and professional employment

Key buyer groups:

Fast rail connections to London Paddington making it highly attractive for London commuters seeking more space for their money

Transport links:

A thriving science and technology cluster, including the Oxford Science Park and Culham Centre, attracting high-earning professionals

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Mortgage Services We Offer in Oxford

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This is an estimate only. Actual lending is subject to your credit profile, outgoings, deposit and lender criteria. Speak to one of our advisers for a personalised assessment.

FAQ

Oxford Mortgage FAQs

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Mortgage Broker & Advisers in Oxford

Why choose Alexander Southwell Mortgage Services?

Mortgage Broker Oxford Quick Summary

Fee structure:

Our Oxford Mortgage Service

Client types:

Same-day service:

Your Oxford Mortgage Broker

How Our Oxford Mortgage Service Works

Step 1 – Initial Consultation

Step 2 – Research & Recommendation

Step 3 – Decision in Principle

Step 4 – Full Application & Valuation

Step 5 – Offer to Completion

Oxford Property Market & Local Knowledge

Mortgage Services We Offer in Oxford

How Much Can You Borrow?

First Time Buyers Oxford

Remortgage advice Oxford

Buy to let mortgages Oxford

New build mortgages Oxford

Ready to Take the First Step?

Speak to one of our mortgage advisers today, fee-free on mortgages over £100,000. We'll calculate your affordability, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.

Oxford Mortgage FAQs

Is there a fee-free mortgage broker in Oxford?

How much deposit do I need to buy a home in Oxford?

Can I get a mortgage in Oxford if I am self-employed?

What is an Agreement in Principle and do I need one when buying in Oxford?

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