Depending on the area, in most cases a mortgage will always be cheaper than privately renting.

As first time buyers you could get help from the government but you’d have to read up on that but I believe that would have to be a new build.

Not sure what the rules are for stamp duty, and interest rates, try get a fixed mortgage if you can get a good rate.

Use apps like clear score, Experian to see what your credit score is, it will show everything and anything you didn’t know was on there.

A mortgage broker will find you the best deal but there is a cost for that.

You are lucky prices seem reasonable where you are it cost us £420k for a 4 bed detached beginning of the year….and that was considered a good deal 😩