Buying your first home doesn't have to feel complicated.

Generally, you're considered a first-time buyer if you've never owned a residential property anywhere in the world. There are specific rules around first-time buyer status for some tax reliefs and schemes, so it's important to check the criteria that apply to your circumstances.

The deposit you need depends on the mortgage you qualify for and the property you're buying. Some mortgages are available with a 5% deposit, while having a larger deposit can give you access to different mortgage options and potentially lower rates.

It's also important to remember that you'll need money for other costs involved in buying a home, so your entire savings pot doesn't necessarily need to go towards the deposit.

Some 100% mortgage products are available, meaning a deposit isn't required in the traditional sense. However, these mortgages are not available to everyone and can have specific eligibility requirements and risks to consider.

A mortgage adviser can look at your circumstances and explain whether a low-deposit or 100% mortgage could be an option for you.

There isn't one fixed amount that every first-time buyer can borrow. Lenders consider factors including your income, regular commitments, credit history, deposit and the property you're buying.

Some lenders may offer higher income multiples in certain circumstances, but you shouldn't assume that a particular salary multiplier will apply to you.

Mortgage rates change regularly and the rate available to you will depend on factors such as your deposit, loan-to-value, credit profile, income and the mortgage product you choose.

Rather than looking for a single 'first-time buyer rate', it's usually more useful to look at the overall mortgage options available based on your circumstances.

Your deposit is only one part of the cost of buying a home. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to budget for conveyancing, surveys, mortgage-related costs, moving expenses and tax.

Working out these costs early can give you a much clearer idea of the money you'll need before you start making offers.

First-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland may qualify for first-time buyer Stamp Duty Land Tax relief if they meet the relevant conditions. The rules depend on the purchase price and your circumstances.

Because the property is in Newcastle, Stamp Duty Land Tax applies rather than Scotland's Land and Buildings Transaction Tax.

Depending on your circumstances, first-time buyers may benefit from things such as first-time buyer Stamp Duty relief, Lifetime ISA bonuses and mortgage products designed for buyers with smaller deposits.

There isn't one package of benefits that applies to everyone, so it's worth checking which options are relevant to your circumstances.

A Lifetime ISA can be used towards the purchase of a qualifying first home, subject to the rules of the scheme. The government adds a 25% bonus to eligible contributions, subject to the annual limits and other conditions.

The property must meet the scheme's requirements, including the current purchase price limit, so check the rules before relying on a Lifetime ISA towards your deposit.

Yes. A first-time buyer can apply for a joint mortgage with someone who has owned a property before. However, whether you qualify for particular first-time buyer benefits can depend on who is buying the property and how the purchase is structured.

It's worth checking this before making an application if first-time buyer tax relief or another benefit is important to your plans.

Yes, 95% loan-to-value mortgages are available, meaning you may be able to buy with a 5% deposit if you meet the lender's criteria.

The mortgage available to you will depend on your circumstances, the property and the lender's current criteria.

Some 100% mortgage products are available, but they are subject to specific lender criteria and aren't suitable or available to every first-time buyer.

Buying with no deposit can also mean borrowing a higher proportion of the property's value, so it's important to understand the risks and the monthly cost before deciding whether this route is right for you.

Having a less straightforward credit history doesn't automatically mean you can't get a mortgage. The impact will depend on the type of credit issue, how recent it is, your wider circumstances and the lender's criteria.

It's usually better to understand your position before making multiple mortgage applications, as some applications can leave a footprint on your credit file.

Yes. First-time buyers can buy flats as well as houses. However, lenders can consider factors such as the type of property, its construction, lease arrangements and other characteristics when deciding whether to lend.

If you're looking at a particular flat in Newcastle or the wider North East, it's worth checking the mortgageability of the property before committing to the purchase.

A standard residential first-time buyer mortgage is intended for a home you're going to live in. If your intention is to buy a property specifically to let, you may need a different type of finance, such as a buy-to-let mortgage.

If your plans involve buying a home now and potentially letting it out later, speak to an adviser before making assumptions about which mortgage you need.

Before making an offer, it's sensible to have a clear idea of your budget, understand your deposit position and consider obtaining an Agreement in Principle. You should also budget for the wider costs of buying a home.

Once you know what you can realistically afford, you can start looking at properties with a much clearer idea of your position.

As well as your deposit, you'll need to think about the other costs involved in buying your Newcastle home. These can include conveyancing, surveys, mortgage-related costs, moving expenses and, depending on the purchase price and your circumstances, Stamp Duty.

Planning for these costs before you start viewing properties can help you understand what you can comfortably afford rather than focusing only on the purchase price.