For many young people today, the idea of owning a home can feel more like a dream than a goal. Rising property prices, the cost of living, and tighter lending rules have made it harder for first-time buyers to take that all-important first step onto the property ladder. But it’s not impossible — far from it.

At Mc Daid Mortgages, we’ve been helping young people in the North of Ireland secure their first home since 1996. We understand the challenges, and more importantly, we know how to overcome them with the right advice, support, and planning.

🧱 The Barriers Facing Young Buyers

1. Building a Deposit
   Saving for a deposit is one of the biggest hurdles. With rents rising and everyday costs taking more of your monthly income, setting aside thousands of pounds isn’t easy. Most lenders require at least a 5% deposit, but the bigger the deposit, the better the mortgage options.
2. Credit History Concerns
   Many young people don’t have much of a credit history — or may have a few missed payments from their student years. Lenders look closely at credit scores, so this can have a big impact on the mortgage products available.
3. Understanding the Process
   The world of mortgages can seem overwhelming: decisions in principle, fixed vs. variable rates, lender criteria, insurance, surveys… It’s no surprise many young buyers feel unsure of where to start.
4. Affordability Calculations
   Lenders don’t just look at income. They examine spending habits, debts, and even lifestyle factors. Many young people are surprised to find they can’t borrow as much as they expected, or that their part-time income or contract work is treated differently.
5. Confidence & Fear of Rejection
   Some young buyers assume they’ll never qualify, or fear making the wrong decision. This lack of confidence often leads to delays, missed opportunities, or relying on second-hand advice from social media or friends.

💡 So, How Can We Help?

At Mc Daid Mortgages, we specialise in helping first-time buyers — especially younger clients — navigate the journey from “thinking about it” to holding the keys in their hand. Here’s how we support you:

✅ Clear, Honest Guidance

We break everything down in plain English. No jargon, no sales pitch — just straightforward advice tailored to your situation.

✅ Full Market Access

We’re not tied to any one bank or lender. That means we search the whole of the market to find a mortgage deal that suits you best.

✅ Deposit Options

We’ll explain how much you’ll need, whether family help is possible, or if there are schemes that could assist. If you’ve got savings or gifts from parents, we’ll help structure that correctly for lenders.

✅ Credit Score Support

Not sure what’s on your credit report? We’ll show you how to access it and suggest ways to improve it if needed — before you apply.

✅ Budget Planning

We help you work out what you can realistically afford, including not just the mortgage payment but also legal fees, insurance, stamp duty (if applicable), and more.

✅ Self-Employed or Freelance? No Problem

We’re experienced in dealing with all kinds of income — including self-employed, zero-hour contracts, or multiple part-time roles. We know which lenders are flexible and how to present your case.

✅ No Upfront Fees

We don’t charge for your initial consultation or advice. In fact, if you go ahead with your mortgage and arrange your insurance with us, we don’t charge any advice fee at all.

🌟 Why Mc Daid Mortgages?

• Trusted local name in the North of Ireland since 1996
• Friendly, personalised service — we’re on your side
• Regular communication and support throughout the whole process
• Help with life insurance, income protection and other essentials
• We’re here long after you get your keys — helping you keep your mortgage under review as life changes

🙋 Thinking About Buying?

Whether you’re months away or just starting to think about buying your first home, the best thing you can do is get advice early. We’ll help you understand where you stand now — and what steps you can take to get mortgage-ready.

You don’t need to have all the answers. That’s our job.

📞 Call us: 07968155176
📍 Visit us: 40, Coneyville, Derry, BT48 8FW
📧 Email us: pat@mcdaidmortgages.co.uk
🌐 Website: www.mcdaidmortgages.com

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.
As with all financial products, terms and conditions apply.