You’re going to make this look easy

This is one of the biggest money moves you’ll make. Buying your first home is exciting but, let’s face it, it can feel a little daunting too. That’s where Loqbox comes in.

Whether you need to save for a deposit, build your credit, or just decode terms like “mortgage-in-principle”, we’ve got your back every step of the way.

Get mortgage-ready by growing your credit

If you’re dreaming about buying your first house or flat, a strong credit history is key. Mortgage providers check your credit report to decide:

✔ If you’re mortgage-worthy.

✔ How much cash they’ll loan you.

✔ What interest rates to offer you (aka how “nice” they’ll be).

By building your credit, you can start ticking the right boxes and feel more confident about making your mortgage application.

Bear in mind that mortgage lenders also factor in other things — like  how much you earn, your age, and the size of your deposit — when they make decisions.

How Loqbox makes buying a house feel easy

We get it. You’ve got a lot on your plate, and the last thing you need is unsolicited advice to stop putting avocado toast on it. That’s why we keep things simple. No jargon, no fluff — just smart tools and straightforward tips to help you on your home-buying journey.

We’re here to help you achieve your goal of owning a home, your way.

The key stages of buying a property

It can feel like a really complex process, but your home-buying journey can feel more manageable by breaking it down into simple steps.

1. Decide what you want

Let’s start with the fun part! It’s time to ask yourself, “What does my dream home look like?”.

• Would you prefer to own a cosy flat in the city, or a larger home with a garden and space to host a cracking summer BBQ?
• Do you want a new build, or a fixer-upper with heaps of potential?

Once you have a vision, spend some time looking at properties online to get a sense of what’s out there, and crucially how much things cost.

‍

2. Get credit-check confident

Your vision is set, so now it’s time to get practical.

Most people in the UK finance their home purchase by getting a mortgage. When you apply for one, lenders check your credit report, so it’s important to feel confident about yours.

So take some time to check your credit reports, and consider whether you might want to build your credit before you take your next step.

‍

3. Make a plan

Work out how much you might need to save for a mortgage deposit and plan for other expenses like solicitors’ fees, home buyer surveys and stamp duty. Learn more about the costs involved here.

Once you’ve got the numbers, create a savings plan and start working towards your goal. Try to make your plan realistic, and approach it step by step.

‍

4. Explore your options

It’s time to explore your mortgage options and work out how much you can afford to spend on your home.

You could start by researching your options online, or consider speaking to a mortgage advisor for professional advice.

You might find it helpful to get a “mortgage in principle” before you start searching for a home. This is a certificate you can get from your potential mortgage provider that shows how much they might be willing to lend you.

Understanding your mortgage options now could save you time (and headaches) when it’s time to apply.

‍

5. Begin your search

At last, it’s time to start house hunting. As well as searching for potential properties online, you can speak  to local estate agents to help you with your search.

When you’re viewing properties, try to approach every place with curiosity:

• Prepare a list of questions beforehand. How old is the boiler? What are the neighbours like?
• Try not to let excitement stop you from noticing potential issues that could cause you problems later on.
• Consider inviting a trusted friend to join you to give a second opinion.
• Take lots of photographs and videos.

Once you start thinking about putting in an offer, read this blog post for even more information about the home buying process.