3% Deposit Mortgage? | How First-Time Buyers Are Using Rate Reducer to Buy New Build Homes

Buy a home with just a 3% deposit? It’s possible and it’s happening right now thanks to Own New’s Rate Reducer scheme.

Hosted by Sarah Tucker, regular expert on This Morning, BBC, The Times, and founder of one of the UK’s most trusted mortgage brokerages: The Mortgage Mum.

In this episode of On The Ladder, Sarah shares:
A real-life success story of a first-time buyer who stepped onto the property ladder with just a 3% deposit and secured lower monthly mortgage payments - all thanks to expert advice and the innovative Rate Reducer scheme.

Learn how builders are contributing up to 5% of a property’s value to help with both your deposit and your interest rate, giving you a stronger start as a homeowner.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✔️ How Rate Reducer works and why it’s helping more buyers move sooner
✔️ The power of builder contributions: part to your deposit, part to your mortgage rate
✔️ Real example: how one buyer in Glasgow bought with a 3% deposit
✔️ How to calculate your potential monthly savings
✔️ Why the early years of homeownership are the most crucial for financial breathing room

🎓 On The Ladder is a step-by-step video series for UK first-time buyers — no jargon, just practical advice and empowering stories from the experts who help make it happen.

📅 New episodes every month – Mondays at 10am
🔔 Subscribe to The Mortgage Mum to follow the full series
📌 This episode is live now – press play and take your next step On The Ladder

📲 Try the calculator & get started:
Rate Reducer calculator → https://ownnew.co.uk
Or speak to a participating home builder or qualified adviser.

Follow us for more expert guidance:

Instagram: @the_mortgage_mum
TikTok: @themortgagemum

Website: www.themortgagemum.co.uk

0:28 Rate Reducer
0:58 How does it work
1:52 Client case study
3:03 Getting advise


Glossary of Terms – Rate Reducer Episode

First-Time Buyer - Someone buying a home for the very first time.

Deposit - money you put down at the start when buying a home. With Rate Reducer, you may only need 3% of the property price.

Interest Rate -This is what the lender charges you to borrow money. A lower rate means cheaper monthly payments.

Monthly Payments - What you pay every month for your mortgage. This includes your loan and interest.

New Build Home -A brand-new home that’s just been built and never lived in before.

Builder Contribution -Money the home builder gives to help with your deposit and to lower your interest rate. Usually around 3–5% of the property price.

Rate Reducer - A scheme that helps you buy a new build home with a smaller deposit and lower monthly payments. The builder helps you save money at the start.

Rate Reducer Calculator - A free tool on the Own New website that shows how much you could save each month: ownnew.co.uk

Mortgage Adviser A qualified expert (like Sarah or someone from The Mortgage Mum team!) who helps you find the right mortgage and guides you through the process.


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