First Time Finance

First Time Finance Helping foreign nationals buy their first home in the UK | 99% approval rate | FCA regulated

One of the best parts of our work is the people we get to help.Many of our clients have moved to the UK to build a bette...
15/03/2026

One of the best parts of our work is the people we get to help.
Many of our clients have moved to the UK to build a better future for themselves and their families. They’ve taken huge steps- new careers, new communities, and often leaving everything familiar behind to create something new.
Buying a home is often the moment things start to feel settled. It’s stability. It’s security. It’s the foundation that allows families to build a future and create something lasting for the next generation.
We don’t just process mortgage applications.
We help people turn ambition into stability and long-term roots here in the UK.
Being trusted with that journey is something we never take lightly.

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with payments on your mortgage.

Meet the team behind First Time Finance ↓First up, you’ve met Ripley, our Founder and Mortgage Adviser. Ripley works clo...
13/03/2026

Meet the team behind First Time Finance ↓

First up, you’ve met Ripley, our Founder and Mortgage Adviser. Ripley works closely with clients to understand their situation, match them with the right lender, and guide them through the mortgage process from start to finish.

Next is Henry, one of our Mortgage Advisers. Henry focuses on structuring applications properly and ensuring each client is matched with the lender that best fits their visa, income and financial profile.

You’ve also met Jamila, our Documents Specialist. Jamila prepares everything before your conversation with our advisers, making sure your documents are organised, clear and ready for the lender.

And Ibimina, our Case Manager, who keeps everything moving once your application is underway - coordinating updates, checking progress and making sure the process runs as smoothly as possible.

This is the team working behind the scenes to help foreign nationals navigate the UK mortgage process with clarity and confidence.

And there are more members of the team you’ll be meeting soon… 👀

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

There’s a lot of confusing advice online about mortgages for foreign nationals, and it’s not always easy to know what’s ...
10/03/2026

There’s a lot of confusing advice online about mortgages for foreign nationals, and it’s not always easy to know what’s accurate.

We answer questions like these every day, from visa rules and deposits to credit history and timelines.

If you’re thinking about buying a home in the UK, this is your opportunity to ask anything that’s been on your mind.

Drop your question in the comments, or send us a message if you’d prefer a private conversation. We respond personally and we’re always happy to help clarify the process.

No pressure, no assumptions- just clear guidance so you can move forward with confidence.

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with payments on your mortgage.

Buying a home in the UK as a foreign national can feel overwhelming- especially when advice online is often conflicting ...
02/03/2026

Buying a home in the UK as a foreign national can feel overwhelming- especially when advice online is often conflicting or unclear.

This checklist breaks the process down into the key areas lenders actually assess, so you know exactly what to focus on before you apply.

Strong preparation is what leads to faster approvals, fewer delays and a much smoother experience overall.

Save this for later, and if you’d like us to review your situation before you start, we’re here to help.

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with payments on your mortgage.

A property survey isn’t mandatory when buying a home in the UK, but in many cases, it can save you thousands.A survey is...
23/02/2026

A property survey isn’t mandatory when buying a home in the UK, but in many cases, it can save you thousands.

A survey is designed to protect you, not the lender. While the lender’s valuation confirms the property is worth the price being paid, it doesn’t assess the condition of the home or highlight potential issues you may inherit after completion.

Foreign nationals often skip surveys because the buying process already feels unfamiliar and overwhelming, or because they’re unsure whether it’s really necessary. But without one, issues such as structural problems, damp, roofing faults or hidden repair costs often only come to light after you’ve moved in- when the responsibility is entirely yours.

For older properties, non-standard builds, or homes that have been renovated or extended, a survey can give you valuable insight and negotiating power before it’s too late.

Whether a survey is worth it depends on the property, your circumstances and your risk tolerance. We’ll help you understand your options and decide what makes sense for you- so you can move forward with clarity and confidence, not guesswork.

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with payments on your mortgage.

A clear, simple timeline for foreign nationals buying a home in the UK ↓Save this- it’ll give you clarity before you eve...
15/02/2026

A clear, simple timeline for foreign nationals buying a home in the UK ↓

Save this- it’ll give you clarity before you even start.

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with payments on your mortgage.

Deposit rules are stricter for foreign nationals- but still very flexible when everything is traceable.Acceptable source...
05/02/2026

Deposit rules are stricter for foreign nationals- but still very flexible when everything is traceable.

Acceptable sources include:
• UK salary savings
• Savings from abroad
• Family gifts
• Sale of property or assets
• Multiple sources combined
What lenders won’t accept:
• Large unexplained deposits
• Untraceable cash
• “Borrowed” deposit funds

If you’re unsure whether your deposit is acceptable, let us check it before you apply.

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with payments on your mortgage.

Here’s a realistic timeline for foreign nationals applying for their first mortgage in the UK ↓AIP: 1–3 daysMortgage Off...
02/02/2026

Here’s a realistic timeline for foreign nationals applying for their first mortgage in the UK ↓

AIP: 1–3 days
Mortgage Offer: usually 2–3 weeks
Completion: 2–3 months

The biggest cause of delays?
Missing or unclear documents.

At FTF, we check every single detail upfront so you don’t get stuck for weeks waiting for underwriting queries.

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with payments on your mortgage.

Many foreign nationals panic when their visa is close to expiring, but that doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be decline...
28/01/2026

Many foreign nationals panic when their visa is close to expiring, but that doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be declined.

Some lenders require 12+ months left.
Others only need 6.

A small number accept less than 6 months with the right documents and stability.
This client went from “I’ve heard it’s impossible” to fully approved- because the answer depends on your lender, not the rumours.

If your visa is running out, message us before you make any assumptions.

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with payments on your mortgage.

Visa holders ask us these questions every single day.This is your go-to reference guide ↓Save this- it’ll give you clari...
21/01/2026

Visa holders ask us these questions every single day.
This is your go-to reference guide ↓

Save this- it’ll give you clarity before you even start.

If you have a question that isn’t on this list, send us a DM and we’ll answer it.

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with payments on your mortgage.

Foreign nationals hear a lot of outdated advice.Here are the most common residency myths- and the truth behind them ↓Eve...
19/01/2026

Foreign nationals hear a lot of outdated advice.
Here are the most common residency myths- and the truth behind them ↓
Every lender has different rules. The key is knowing which ones understand your situation.
That’s exactly where we come in.
Save this and send it to anyone who’s been told these things.

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with payments on your mortgage.

Most people think an AIP means you’re fully approved.It doesn’t.An AIP is based on limited information and often changes...
14/01/2026

Most people think an AIP means you’re fully approved.
It doesn’t.

An AIP is based on limited information and often changes once lenders see your documents.

A mortgage Offer is the real approval- after your visa, income, deposit and credit file have been fully reviewed.

At FTF, we check every document before submitting your AIP, which massively reduces the chance of surprises later.

Save this for when you start your homebuying journey.

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with payments on your mortgage.

Address

London

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+442035764870

Website

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