If you’re a first-time buyer in Leicester, Northampton, or Bedford, earning a decent salary but struggling to get onto the property ladder, you’re not alone. The average property price for homes across Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, and Bedfordshire is now above £300,000, particularly in growing commuter towns like Loughborough, Kettering, Wellingborough, Luton, and Biggleswade.

Many professionals, especially those working in education, healthcare (NHS), or IT, are finding that while their income is stable, affordability limits and deposit requirements are keeping them from buying. This guide explores the latest first-time buyer mortgage schemes available in 2025, helping you understand what options exist and how they can help you buy a home in your local area.

Nationwide’s Helping Hand Mortgage

Nationwide has expanded its “Helping Hand” mortgage for first-time buyers looking to borrow more than the usual 4.5 times their income. This is particularly useful for couples in professions like teaching, nursing, or tech.

Key Features:

• Borrow up to 6× joint income on a 5- or 10-year fixed rate
• Available up to 95% loan-to-value (LTV)
• Minimum income of £30,000 (single) or £50,000 (joint)
• New-build houses now eligible up to 95% LTV; flats capped at 85%
• Up to £1,000 cashback for energy-efficient homes (Nationwide, 2025).

April Mortgages – 100% Mortgage (No Deposit Needed)

April Mortgages has introduced a product aimed at renters struggling to save for a deposit. Their 100% LTV mortgage removes the deposit requirement entirely and lets buyers fix their rate for 10 or 15 years.

• No deposit required
• Fixed interest rate for up to 15 years
• Borrow up to 4.49× joint income
• Accepts up to 80% variable income
• Available on properties from £75,000 to £2 million (April Mortgages, 2025).

Skipton’s Track Record Mortgage

This is another 100% mortgage option, tailored to renters with a proven payment history.
How it works:

• No deposit needed
• 5-year fixed rate
• Show 12 months of rent paid on time
• Max borrowing up to £600,000
• No fees or early repayment charges (Skipton Building Society, 2025).

Halifax – Affordability Enhancements

Halifax has relaxed its stress testing rules in 2025, making it easier to borrow more without needing a larger deposit.

Changes:

• Borrowing capacity increased by £30,000–£40,000
• Suitable for buyers with 5–15% deposits
• Suitable for those with mild adverse credit or short credit history (Halifax, 2025).

Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor Mortgages (JBSP)

JBSP mortgages are for buyers with family income support who want full ownership of the home.

Gen H:

• Flexible income support
• Supporters can gift or loan a deposit
• Structured contributions possible (Gen H, 2025).

NatWest:

• Up to 4 applicants (one on deeds)
• Supporters under 70 at application
• Supporter doesn’t need to live in the property (NatWest, 2025).

Other Relevant Options

Government Mortgage Guarantee Scheme (95% LTV) – Available through Santander and Barclays. Only 5% deposit needed (HM Government, 2025).

Family Springboard Mortgages – Offered by Barclays and Lloyds. Based on family savings or equity (Barclays, 2025; Lloyds Bank, 2025).

Local Challenges Facing First-Time Buyers

Affordability Gaps – Income doesn’t stretch to £300k+ homes. Enhanced income multiples and JBSP help (Nationwide, 2025; Gen H, 2025).

Limited Savings – High rents make saving hard. Skipton and April Mortgages offer 100% options (Skipton Building Society, 2025; April Mortgages, 2025).

Complexity – Brokers simplify the process for first-time buyers.

With rising prices in the East Midlands and Home Counties, it’s crucial to explore every option. Whether or not you have a deposit, there are schemes to help you buy your first home.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Forever Home Mortgages charges a broker fee of £245-£695 on application.