
Start with an Agreement in Principle
An Agreement in Principle (AIP) from a lender shows sellers you're a serious buyer and gives you a realistic budget. It usually takes 24–48 hours and doesn't affect your credit score if a soft search is used.

How much deposit do I need?
Most Scottish lenders will consider a 5–10% deposit for standard purchases, though a larger deposit typically unlocks better rates. First-time buyer schemes can reduce this further.

Broker or direct?
An independent broker searches the whole market and can flag lenders more likely to accept your circumstances. We can introduce you to brokers we've worked with for years, the choice is yours.