First-time buyers urged to follow these six steps to boost their chances of getting a mortgage

A mortgage is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll make - and is therefore one of the most daunting parts of the home buying process.

For first-time buyers hoping to get onto the property ladder, it can be difficult to know where to start and what to do when applying for a mortgage.

You often hear of stories of people whose mortgage applications are declined, which can be extremely off putting.

To help boost your chances of securing a mortgage, first-time buyers are being urged to follow six useful steps.

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Brian Murphy, head of lending at Mortgage Advice Bureau, has revealed his top tips for potential first time buyers hoping to get a mortgage.

"Getting yourself in a strong enough financial position is the first step in getting you on your way to securing your first home," Brian says.

"But next, you will need a mortgage, and knowing which kind is best for you can be difficult, especially when it is something you haven’t done before."

Here are the six essential steps first-time buyers should follow:

For all mortgage applications, lenders need to verify your income to assess what you can or cannot afford before lending you money.

This means providing various documentation to help evidence your financial position.

"This can include bank statements, proof of income, proof of address, or your latest utility bill," Brian says.

"For those who are self-employed, some lenders may ask for further documentation, such as two or more years of certified accounts, tax calculations and tax year overview.

"Getting everything in order well in advance of your application will help smooth the process."

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