To improve your chances of getting a mortgage or opening up the market so that you have the most deals to choose from you can do some or all of the following:
1) Save the biggest deposit you can. This can open up the lower end of the interest rate mortgage products to you; can also lower your monthly repayments. A Lifetime ISA could help boost your initial deposit if you are a first time buyer.
2) Ensure your credit score is as healthy as it can be but remember that credit is not necessarily a negative thing. Lenders want to see that you can repay credit.
3) Reduce unnecessary spending in the months leading up to applying for your mortgage, if a lender can see disposable income it will be favourable for your long term affordability checks
4) Encourage regular income. If you have a regular salaried job this will be clear from your payslips and bank statements. Read our self-employed guide for how it can work for non PAYE workers.