Buying Your First Home | Greenshoots Financial

Buying your first home, step by step.

Whether you're a first-time buyer in Edinburgh, moving up the ladder in Aberdeen, or remortgaging your Highland retreat, we're here to make it simple, clear, and stress-free.

Buying your first home is one of life’s most exciting milestones, but it can also feel like a maze of jargon, paperwork, and big decisions. In Scotland, the process has its own unique features, from “offers over” bidding to the Home Report. We're here to guide you every step of the way so you can enjoy the excitement without the overwhelm.

Key Steps

💡Budgeting & affordability:

Start by reviewing your income, regular expenses, and savings.
Remember to budget for extra costs: legal fees, LBTT (Land and Buildings Transaction Tax), surveys, and moving costs.
While online mortgage calculators give a rough idea, we’ll give you accurate figures based on real lender criteria.

Tip: Don’t panic if your budget feels tight — we’re experts at finding smart solutions to make it work for you.

✅ Getting Your Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP)

An AIP shows sellers you’re a serious buyer and puts you ahead of the pack.
We compare 100+ lenders to find your best fit.
Most AIPs last around 90 days, though specialist lender offers may last around 30 days.

🏡 The House Hunting Process

View lots of properties as it helps you learn what you love (and don’t).
Take notes and photos; they blur together after a few viewings.
Once you find a contender, call us, and we’ll double-check the numbers before you bid so you can feel confident.
Home Report & surveys: Sellers provide a Home Report before marketing in Scotland. Your solicitor will review this carefully and highlight any issues needing attention.

💬 Making an Offer — The Scottish Way

In Scotland, most properties are listed as “offers over,” meaning you usually bid above the asking price.
We recommend talking to us before submitting a formal offer to ensure you're safe.
Once accepted, solicitors exchange paperwork (known as “missives”). This stage can be quiet, but no news usually means things are progressing.

📄 The Mortgage Application

This is where we do the heavy lifting for you.
You’ll provide documents like payslips and bank statements; our friendly admin team will guide you through what’s needed.
Lender processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Don’t worry if you're not contacted daily; we’ll follow up with updates on your behalf.

⚖️ The Legal Process (Concluding Missives)

Your solicitor will handle title checks and searches and prepare all necessary legal documents. We can connect you with a good local solicitor who will also demystify the legal details so you can focus on planning your move.
This stage often takes 6–8 weeks, so patience is key.
You may not get daily updates, but your team works diligently behind the scenes.

🛡️ Sorting Your Insurance

Building insurance is essential - your lender will require it before completion.
We’ll also help you choose and compare life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection, and even private medical insurance to ensure that you and your home are fully protected.

🎉 Completion Day!

Your solicitor will confirm when funds are transferred.
You’ll receive your keys - time to pop the bubbly and step into your new chapter!

Why Choose Greenshoots Financial?

✅Local expertise: We understand the Scottish property market inside out.

✅Jargon-free advice: Clear explanations so you always feel in control.

✅Whole-market access: We work with all major lenders and insurers to find your best fit.

✅Personal relationships: We're here for every move and every milestone, not just a one-off transaction.

📞 Call us on 01506 537111 now or request a callback below to speak with a specialist.

Let Us Help You Every Step of the Way!

THE SMALL PRINT

There are several questions any lender will need to know, from the size of your deposit to your employment history and prospects. To get you seamlessly through the application process, we recommend contacting us before you start your property search.

Please note that your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a mortgage broker do?

A mortgage broker helps you find and secure the most suitable mortgage for your needs by comparing products from a wide range of lenders. At Greenshoots Financial, we offer independent advice to ensure you get the best possible deal tailored to your financial situation - it is our job to do all the legwork and take the pressure from you. We are headquartered in Bathgate but work with customers all over Scotland for both their mortgage and insurance needs.
Why should I use a local mortgage broker?

Working with a local mortgage broker means you benefit from personalised service and in-depth knowledge of the local property market. We understand regional lender criteria and can often access exclusive deals not available directly to the public.
What makes Greenshoots Financial the mortgage broker for me?

We're a whole-of-market broker, so we have access to nearly every mortgage. We also have access to exclusive deals that banks and societies do not always offer directly to customers. In addition, we have decades of experience in applications and will manage all the follow-ups, keeping you in the loop. Not only do we take away the stress of acquiring your mortgage or remortgage, but we also can sort out your protection needs such as critical illness, employment protection, private healthcare, or life protection should anything happen. And, when your product is nearing its change date, you don't have to worry because we will already be looking at the latest and best product for your remortgage and will get in touch. Successfully achieving our clients' insurance and mortgage needs is paramount to every team member. We are qualified and trained to help you, and as whole market brokers are not tied to any provider, we work entirely for you - no matter how complex your situation is.
Can Greenshoots Financial help first-time buyers?

Yes! We specialise in supporting first-time buyers across Scotland. We guide you through the entire mortgage process, from calculating affordability to choosing the right product and handling paperwork, making your first home purchase as smooth as possible. Our guide to the key steps can be found here.
Do I really need insurance, and what types can Greenshoots Financial help me with?

At Greenshoots Financial, we believe insurance is an essential part of protecting what matters most - your family, your business, and your lifestyle. We search the whole market to find the most suitable policies tailored to your individual needs, ensuring you get the best possible cover at the right price. We can help you with: Life insurance - Provides financial security for your loved ones if you pass away. Critical illness cover - Pays out a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious illness, helping you focus on recovery without financial stress. Income protection - Replaces part of your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. Business protection - Protects your business against the loss of a key person, business loan cover, or shareholder protection. Private medical insurance - Gives you fast access to private healthcare, reducing waiting times and improving treatment options. Home insurance - Protects your property and belongings from unexpected events like fire, theft, or flooding. We don’t charge a fee for our insurance advice or applications - our service is completely free to you, as we are paid directly by the insurer. This means you receive expert, impartial guidance without any upfront cost.
How much can I borrow for a mortgage?

The amount you can borrow depends on your income, expenses, credit history, and the lender’s criteria. At Greenshoots Financial, we provide personalised affordability assessments for clients in Scotland, including Bathgate and West Lothian, to help you understand your options clearly.
What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

The following documents are required before moving forward with an application: ✔️3-months bank statements and proof of earnings ✔️Photo ID- Original copy of driving licence or passport ✔️Proof of address - original copy of utility bill dated within the last 3 months ✔️Proof of deposit ✔️Credit Report - We can support with this if you require
What is an agreement in principle (AIP)?

An agreement in principle (AIP) is the first step to getting a mortgage. Some lenders also call this a mortgage in principle, mortgage promise or decision in principle. An AIP helps understand how much you could borrow before you apply for a mortgage and it shows estate agents and sellers that you’re serious about buying, and in a position to do it.
Can you help with buy-to-let mortgages?

Yes, we offer specialist advice for buy-to-let mortgages. Whether you're a first-time landlord or building a portfolio, we can help you understand the market and secure the best rates.
How long does it take to get a mortgage approved?

On average, a mortgage application can take between 2 to 6 weeks to be approved, depending on your circumstances and the lender’s processing times. We help streamline the process to avoid unnecessary delays.
Is it better to go directly to a bank or use a mortgage broker?

Sometimes people who try to organise a mortgage themselves are unsuccessful due to the loan amount or come across credit issues they don’t know about or have a low score. In this case, we can speak to someone the same day to find a suitable lender to fit their circumstances. One size doesn’t fit all and the benefit of an independent broker is we are aligned to your outcome, not an individual lender. While banks can only offer their own products, a mortgage broker like Greenshoots Financial has access to a wide range of lenders and products. This often means better rates, more choice, and expert guidance throughout the process.
How soon can I get an appointment?

We have appointments 7 days a week, and we offer evening appointments for people who cannot attend during working hours. In addition, we have a team of experienced advisers who can see you the same day.
What sort of things should I ask?

Our experienced mortgage brokers can advise on many things, including support with recommendations for a great Estate Agent, a lawyer, wills, pensions etc.; however, specifically to your application: What documents should I gather in advance? How can I increase my chances of being eligible for a mortgage? What are the best mortgage options for first-time buyers? What insurance products are necessary and what are recommended? Which is better for me: a shorter fixed or a more extended period? When is the best time to remortgage in the future?
Why do you charge for mortgage services but not for insurance?

At Greenshoots Financial, we believe that our clients should always know exactly what they are paying for and why. This philosophy ensures you receive expert support without surprises, and helps build trust from day one. When it comes to mortgages, we don’t just look at a handful of options - we research the entire market. We consider your deposit, employment history, income, future plans, and lender-specific criteria to find the most suitable mortgage product for you. This level of research requires significant time, expertise, and diligence. The mortgage application process is complex and involves: Preparing and reviewing extensive documentation. Communicating with lenders on your behalf. Handling follow-ups and additional requirements. Our service ensures that your application is as strong as possible, reducing the risk of delays or rejections. Every client’s situation is unique. Our advisors provide bespoke advice, helping you navigate options such as first-time buyer deals, remortgages, or buy-to-let mortgages, all tailored to your specific goals and circumstances. When it comes to insurance (for example, life cover or income protection), we receive a commission directly from the insurance provider once your policy is set up. This does not affect the price of the policy and also means you can benefit from our full advice and application support without paying a fee yourself. We believe that protection products, such as life insurance or critical illness cover, are essential to safeguarding your home and your family’s financial future. By removing upfront fees, we make it easier for clients to access this important advice without cost being a barrier.