From First Home to Family Home
From First Home to Family Home: Navigating the Move Closer to Family
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The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.
28th January 2026
Starting a family often brings a shift in priorities. While a first home is a wonderful milestone, the arrival of children often highlights the need for a little extra support. For Ash and Tessa, who had lived in their first home since 2017, the goal was clear, they wanted to move closer to their relatives to help with childcare while continuing to grow their successful businesses.
The Self-Employed Challenge
As both Ash and Tessa are self-employed sole traders, they were naturally concerned about how their income would be assessed by lenders. One of the most common myths in the mortgage world is that being self-employed makes getting a mortgage nearly impossible. In reality, while the paperwork requires a bit more attention, many lenders are very supportive of entrepreneurs.
Because their work is not dependent on their location, the move had no impact on their ability to earn. Our focus was on presenting their income clearly to lenders to ensure they felt confident in the application, removing the stress that they had previously associated with the mortgage process.
Transitioning from Help to Buy
Ash and Tessa’s previous property had been purchased using the Help to Buy scheme. This meant that the equity loan needed to be repaid in full as part of the sale. Navigating the closure of a Help to Buy account while simultaneously looking at a new property can feel like a lot to manage, but it is a very common path for many second-time buyers.
The couple decided to purchase a new build once again. Although the Help to Buy scheme is no longer available for new applications, the healthy deposit they had built up from the sale of their first home meant they had a wealth of competitive options available to them in the wider market.
The Benefit of a Green Home
One of the standout features of their new build was its high energy efficiency. Because the property had an EPC rating of B, we were able to explore "Green Mortgage" products. These are specialised deals that lenders offer specifically for energy-efficient homes, often providing more favourable terms as a reward for the property’s lower environmental impact.
This was a significant win for the couple, allowing them to benefit from a modern, efficient home while also securing a mortgage product that aligned with their desire to keep costs manageable.
Long Term Security for Peace of Mind
Given that Ash and Tessa found the mortgage process quite stressful in the past, their main priority was stability. With a young family and the fluctuations that can sometimes come with being self-employed, they wanted to know exactly what their outgoings would be for the foreseeable future.
We decided on a five-year fixed rate. This choice provided them with total budget certainty, meaning they will not have to think about their mortgage or go through the application process again for several years. It allows them to focus entirely on their children and their business rather than worrying about interest rate changes.
A New Chapter Begins
I am absolutely delighted for Ash and Tessa. They are now settled in their new home, surrounded by family and the childcare support they were looking for. They have the peace of mind that their monthly payments are fixed, and they have successfully navigated the move from their first house to their long-term family home.
Are you planning your next move?
If you are looking to move house because you have started a family, or perhaps you are interested in the benefits of a new build home, I would love to help. Whether you are self-employed and worried about income assessment or simply want a smooth, stress-free move, please get in touch for a chat.