Before you scroll through Rightmove, fall in love with "the one," or even book your first viewing… there's one crucial step every first-time buyer needs - and hardly anyone explains it properly.

In this episode of On The Ladder, we're breaking down the Decision in Principle (also known as an Agreement in Principle, Mortgage in Principle, or simply a DIP). This simple document is your very first green light from a lender, proving they're willing - in principle - to lend you money for your new home.

We'll walk you through:

• What a Decision in Principle actually is
• Why you should get one before you start house-hunting
• How a mortgage adviser helps you find the lender that suits your situation
• The truth about credit checks (and why you shouldn't apply for DIPs everywhere online)
• How long a DIP lasts — and what to do if it expires
• Why you should never reveal your full DIP amount to an estate agent
• Whether you can have more than one DIP
• How your DIP becomes a full mortgage application when you find "the one"

By the end of this episode, you'll understand exactly why a DIP is the difference between hoping you can buy a home… and knowing you can.

If you're a first-time buyer, self-employed, on maternity leave, or simply unsure where to start, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need to take the next step.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: How to Save for a House Deposit UK | On The Ladder Ep. 1

Follow on Instagram: @the_mortgage_mum

Can't get a mortgage approved - even though you're paying high rent?

In this episode of On The Ladder, Sarah Tucker breaks down a new mortgage product from Gen H that could be a game-changer for first-time buyers struggling with affordability.

It's called a part and part mortgage, and it allows you to buy with just a 5% deposit — while keeping monthly payments lower by putting part of the mortgage on interest-only.

💡 In this episode, you'll learn:

• What a part and part mortgage actually is (in simple terms)

• How it can make homeownership more affordable in today's market

• What kind of income and deposit you'll need to qualify

• Real-life example: how one couple used this to buy their first home

• Why having a broker is key to using this product responsibly

This isn't a fit for everyone but for the right buyer, it could be the stepping stone you've been waiting for.

🎓 On The Ladder is your step-by-step guide to buying your first home in the UK, with expert advice, real solutions, and no jargon.

🎧 Listen now and take your next step On The Ladder.

Or watch the full episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/zfJHOaGdb-k

🎙️ Buy a Home with Just a 3% Deposit? Here's How.

It might sound too good to be true but with Own New's Rate Reducer scheme, it's absolutely possible.

In this episode of On The Ladder, host Sarah Tucker - founder of The Mortgage Mum and trusted expert featured on This Morning, BBC, and The Times — shares a real-life success story of a first-time buyer who bought their dream home with just a 3% deposit and lower monthly payments.

💡 In this episode, you'll learn:

• What the Rate Reducer scheme is and how it works

• How home builders contribute up to 5% to help with your deposit and interest rate

• A real example: buying a new build in Glasgow with just 3% down

• How to use the Rate Reducer calculator to see your potential savings

• Why the early years of homeownership are key for financial stability

🎓 On The Ladder is your monthly, step-by-step guide for UK first-time buyers — no jargon, just real advice, practical tools, and empowering stories to help you move forward.

📅 New episodes every month – Mondays at 10am
🔔 Subscribe and follow to never miss an episode

📲 Try the calculator: https://ownnew.co.uk
🔗 More guidance: www.themortgagemum.co.uk

📱 Follow us on social:
Instagram: @the_mortgage_mum
TikTok: @themortgagemum

It's time for Episode 2 of M's The Word! We're diving into two powerful topics that impact us all - especially around the festive season:

💴 Money Management in Relationships Did you know 1 in 5 couples argue about money every single week? In this episode, we break down how to manage your finances both individually and as a couple - with tips to reduce tension and build financial trust.

📱 Mobile Phone Addiction During the Holidays The average Brit checks their phone every 12 minutes - even more during Christmas. We talk about how to set boundaries with your screen time, be more present, and reconnect with what (and who) really matters. ✨

Whether you're budgeting with your partner or trying to unplug during the holidays, this episode has something for you.

👇 Watch the full episode on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments!
📲 Follow @ms_theword for more content, behind-the-scenes, and upcoming episodes!

• What is a house deposit and how much do you actually need in the UK?
• Strategic ways to save (no skipping coffees required)
• Mortgage schemes for first‑time buyers: 5% deposit, shared ownership, guarantor products & more!!
• Realistic tips for building a deposit faster - even on a lower income

Episode 1: Media Myths & the Mother Load at Christmas

Welcome to the very first episode of M's The Word!! The bold new talk show and podcast where we dive into money, motherhood, mindset, and every other "M" word that matters.

In this episode, we're unpacking media myths and the emotional overload of the holiday season - and yes, we're talking about that controversial Diary of a CEO episode where financial experts claimed you shouldn't buy a house (!).

We also get real about:

• Why advent calendars might need to be cancelled

• The cofusion of unrealistic and one sided financial advice online

• How Christmas hits differently when you're managing a household

• The mental load, mum guilt, and the myth of "having it all together"

It's honest, it's eye-opening, and it's the start of something real.

🎙️ Hosted by Sarah Tucker, with Gemma Bennett, Jade Timpson-Proud & Shelley Walker
📅 New episodes every month!
💬 Like what you hear? Leave a review and share with someone who needs this conversation.

Connect With Us:

• Watch the full show on YouTube: M's The Word | A Bold New Talk Show & Podcast on Life's Big Topics

• Follow us on Instagram: M's The Word (@ms_theword) • Instagram photos and videos

• Subscribe for updates & behind-the-scenes content: M's The Word (@ms_theword) • Instagram photos and videos

Hello and welcome back to another episode of The Mortgage Mum podcast.

What happens when two would-be first-time buyers look at Britain's housing market and decide to fix it rather than squeeze into it?

On this episode of The Mortgage Man Podcast, Sarah sits down with Will Rice, Co-Founder and (until recently) CEO of Gen H, to unpack the extraordinary story of channeling a first-home deposit into building a new kind of mortgage lender.

Listen to this episode, out now on The Mortgage Mum Podcast - directly on our website or wherever you get your podcasts! www.themortgagemum.co.uk/podcast

If you would like to reach out to Sarah, Founder and CEO at The Mortgage Mum please email sarah@themortgagemum.co.uk or call 01702 887426.