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Get startedImprovements to your credit score are not guaranteed.
Missing payments to Loqbox or other credit accounts may harm your score.
Improvements to your credit score are not guaranteed. Missing payments to Loqbox or other credit accounts may harm your score.
Ready to make your move?
Whether you’re ready to buy a home or just getting started with a saving routine, our homebuying guides cover everything from credit scores and mortgages, to saving for a deposit and moving.
Why your credit score matters when buying a home
Your credit profile plays a significant role when you apply for a mortgage. A stronger credit history could save you thousands of pounds over time. Here’s why lenders pay attention to your credit score:
It shows lenders how reliably you manage credit and make your repayments
A stronger credit history will help you access better interest rates
It helps lenders decide how much you can borrow
What you need to know when buying a home
Buying a home can feel complicated, but the process becomes much clearer once you understand the steps involved.
We’ve got loads of information on credit scores, saving for a deposit, the buying process and what to expect when you move home. Explore it all below.
Frequently asked questions about buying a home
There is no minimum number for a mortgage, but a higher credit score can help you access cheaper rates. Every lender in the UK sets their own criteria for income, deposit size and financial history. As a general guide, Experian suggests 670+ is a good starting point. Some specialist lenders accept lower scores (e.g., 550+) but it can come with higher interest rates, which cost more to repay over time.
It varies, but typically takes three to eight months. Getting a Mortgage in Principle can take 24 hours, finding a house can take weeks or months, and the legal process (called conveyancing) usually takes 8 to 12 weeks after your offer is accepted.
Buying can be cheaper in the long run as you are investing in your own property rather than paying rent to a landlord. However, renting can offer more flexibility and lower upfront costs, as you won’t need to pay for stamp duty or building maintenance.
Most lenders can lend up to 4.5 times your annual salary for a mortgage. To borrow £300k, for example, you would usually need a combined household income of roughly £66,000–£70,000. It depends on your situation, circumstances and the lender’s criteria.
Improvements to your credit score are not guaranteed.
Missing payments to Loqbox or other credit accounts may harm your score.
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