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Home buyersâ toolkit
Make buying a home feel easy with Loqbox and Tembo
Itâs official: Your journey to homeownership starts now!
This is one of the biggest money moves youâll make.
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Buying a home? We get it â itâs a lot. From mortgage deposits to dreaming about ââdĂŠcor (let alone figuring out what 'mortgage in principle' means), it can feel overwhelming.
But guess what: Youâve got this. And youâve got us. With a little help from Loqbox and Tembo, youâre going to make the whole process look easy.
Our home buyerâs toolkit is the ultimate guide to unlocking the keys to your dream home. Whether you need to save for a deposit, build your credit, or just understand how the whole process works, weâre with you every step of the way.
Buying a home in 2025: The lowdown
Housing market trends to watch this year*

A buyerâs market
Experts predict 2025 will be a buyerâs market. With more homes on the market, buyers could have more wiggle room to negotiate â thatâs great news for you.

Falling mortgage rates
With the Bank of England base rate predicted to be cut later this year, interest rates on mortgages are expected to fall slightly, meaning you could get more for your money.

Stamp Duty changes
Stamp duty is a tax you could pay when buying a home. Rates increased on 1st April 2025, meaning youâre likely to pay more if you purchase a home this year.
*Weâve summarised 2025 housing market predictions from the likes of The Guardian, Rightmove, Tembo and Moneyweek.
Our tips for navigating the 2025 housing market
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Dani Palmer, â¨
Chief Marketing Officer at Loqbox
Buying a home is a huge achievement. With more homes on the market and mortgage rates set to fall, 2025 could be a great year to make your move.
Taking charge of your finances is the secret to thriving in a buyerâs market and, with Loqbox, you could turn your creditworthiness into your home-buying superpower.
Weâve teamed up with Tembo to create this toolkit to help you break through financial barriers, build great new habits, and navigate your home-buying journey with confidence.
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Polly Gilbert, â¨
Chief Marketing Officer at Tembo
Getting the keys to your first place is one of lifeâs biggest milestones, and nothing beats the feeling of opening your own door for the first time. However itâs not an easy road to get there.Â
Preparing yourself financially remains the most thorny issue: saving a deposit is one thing, but many find their affordability or credit score presents a second - often larger - hurdle.Â
Luckily, thereâs more innovation out there than ever to help would-be buyers. So with expert guidance on your side, and the anticipation of interest rate reductions on the horizon in 2025, letâs make it your year to make home happen.Â
Important note: Weâre not financial advisors here at Loqbox, but we believe that understanding todayâs housing market could help you make smarter decisions on your home-buying journey.
Improvements to your credit score are not guaranteed.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Now itâs time to dive into your toolkit.
Ready to make your dream home a reality? Letâs go.
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Your money
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One of the first things to consider when planning to buy a home is understanding what youâve got to work with in terms of your finances. Knowing where youâre at with your money can help you set realistic goals and craft a budget thatâs right for you. Ask yourself:
- How much do I need to save each month to build a big enough house deposit?
- What property price can I realistically afford, and what mortgage options are available to me?
Your moves
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Brushing up on your financial literacy is the next thing. What do we mean by financial literacy? Basically, itâs your ability to understand the system (and its jargon) to make informed decisions about your finances. It can be a good idea to fill any gaps in your knowledge as you set out on your home-buying journey. Check out our house-hunting lingo library in the resources section here (so you donât have to look much further to figure out what mortgage-in-principle means).
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âThe best thing I did when saving up to buy my home was budgeting. Knowing exactly how much money I had coming in, as well as where my money was going, built my confidence and allowed me to save even more for my deposit. But budgeting is difficult, right? Actually, itâs easier than you think! There are many apps that help you monitor your spending, as well as budget templates created by people like me to help you save money. And trust me, when youâre juggling all the bills that come with owning a house, youâll be grateful you have a budget!â
Loqbox may receive a commission from Tembo if you go on to use their service. This will not impact the service you receive from them or incur additional cost.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For a standard mortgage or remortgage, Tembo charge £499, and for a more complex mortgage (Boost, adverse credit, equity transfer) Tembo charge up to £749. These represent their typical fees, but your Tembo adviser will let you know at the outset if a different fee structure is applicable to your situation. The maximum fee they charge will never be more than 1% of the mortgage loan.
Your vision is set, so now itâs time to get practical.
If youâre dreaming about buying your first house or flat, a strong credit history is key. Thereâs no minimum credit score that will guarantee you a mortgage, but your credit report will play a big part in whether youâll be approved for one.Â
Mortgage providers check your credit report to decide:
â Â If youâre mortgage-worthy.
â Â How much cash theyâll loan you.
â Â What interest rates to offer you.Â
Bear in mind that mortgage lenders also factor in lots of other things â like how much you earn, your age, and the size of your deposit â when they make decisions.Â
Get credit-check confident
Your credit report contains information about you and your financial behaviour. This includes any credit youâve had previously on things like credit cards, as well as loans and mortgages.Â
In the UK, the three main credit reference agencies (CRAs) are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can check your report for free using the following services:Â
â⢠Clearscore
⢠Experian App
⢠Intuit Credit Karmaâ
ââWhen looking at your three credit reports, check if you have any incorrect or differing personal information (like your address history) between the three. These differences can damage your chances of getting credit, so correct any mistakes. If you notice any, check out our blog post on how you can fix mistakes them.
3 ways to grow your creditworthiness
By building your credit, you can start ticking the right boxes and feel more confident about making your mortgage application.
- Make yourself visible to the system (if you arenât already) by contacting the CRAs to ask them to create a report for you or by getting on the electoral roll.
â - Practise smart credit utilisation by spending less than 25% of your credit limit if you have a credit card.
â - Join Loqbox: Build credit, the easy way with simple credit-building tools.
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Amazing app
Dropped my credit utilisation from 30% to 7%.
Adam
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300 points
In a short period I got about 300 points. I would recommend Loqbox to everyone who wants to boost their credit score.
Adrian
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My credit score was below 300
Within three months of joining Loqbox it has gone above 500 and still going higher!
Victor
Improvements to your credit score are not guaranteed.
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Dreaming of owning your own home? Turn that dream into a reality by setting your deposit goal.Â
1. Work out how much to saveÂ
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Instead of saying, âI want to own a home one dayâ, get specific. For example: âI want to save a ÂŁ20,000 deposit in the next 5 years so I can buy a two-bedroom home in the region of ÂŁ180,000-ÂŁ200,000".Â
Housing costs in the UK vary wildly depending on location. On average first-time buyers need a house deposit of ÂŁ59,000 (ÂŁ132,685 in London) to get on the property ladder. Typically, youâll need to save between 10-20% of the value of the property, but if your credit history is strong, some lenders might allow you to buy with a 5% deposit. To work out how much to save, use online calculators or talk to a mortgage advisor, like Tembo.Â
Remember: A clear goal = a solid savings plan. Youâve got this!
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2. Review your budget
Open your banking apps, grab a pen and paper, and review your budget. Make some tweaks where you can to find more money to put towards your goal.Â
When was the last time you checked youâre actually using all those app subscriptions? Could you swap out buying lunch for bringing food from home? All of these adjustments can really add up to savings in the long-run.
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And remember, when you come to take out a mortgage, the lender will review your bank statements from the last three months when assessing if you can afford the mortgage. So pay particular attention to your spending then.Â
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Luke Mellard, UK Commercial Director, Hastee
With deposit amounts so high today, a clear goal and manageable plan are critical. Remember to try and reward yourself as you go. It will take sacrifice and small treats along the way will keep you motivated. Make sure youâre taking advantage of the tools available to you. The UK is full of great fintech businesses aimed at saving you money and maximising your income. Your employer may offer financial wellbeing tools that will help and there are benefit calculation tools and apps to make sure youâre not missing out on tax breaks or additional income from government that could really boost the amount you can save.
Learn moreYour home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Loqbox may receive a commission from Tembo if you go on to use their service. This will not impact the service you receive from them or incur additional cost.
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Make your savings work harder
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Saving for a home isnât just about putting money away â itâs about making every penny count. Here are a couple of ways to supercharge your homebuying journey:
Get a government bonus to boost your deposit with Temboâs Cash Lifetime ISA
If youâre aged 18-39, you could save up to ÂŁ4,000 per tax year in Tembo's Cash Lifetime ISA and youâll receive a government bonus of up to ÂŁ1,000. Plus, youâll earn a market-leading* 4.6% AER interest rate (variable) on top. Funds must be used towards your house deposit or retirement.
Boost your deposit with Tembo
Get into the habit of saving while building your credit with Loqbox
Loqbox members save ÂŁ523 a year, on average. Â Saving with us helps you develop consistent habits by combining saving and credit building into one simple process. Small, consistent actions help you lay the foundations for a strong financial future.
Achieve your savings goal with Loqbox
Tembo Cash Lifetime ISA
The 25% bonus and tax-free benefits of these accounts depend on government policy and tax rules, which can change at any time. Ineligible withdrawals may return less than put in.
*Market-leading is defined as Tembo having the best Lifetime ISA interest rate excluding introductory offer periods. Rates are accurate as of February 2025, but are subject to change.
Loqbox
Improvements to your credit score are not guaranteed. Loqbox may receive a commission from Tembo if you go on to use their service. This will not impact the service you receive from them or incur additional cost.
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"When it comes to saving for your house deposit, a Lifetime ISA (LISA) can be a smart way to boost your savings. You can save up to ÂŁ4,000 per year, and the government will add a 25% bonus â up to ÂŁ1,000 annually. Itâs tax-free, and you can use the money saved for your first home costing up to ÂŁ450,000! Starting early can help you maximise government contributions, alongside potential capital gains or paid interest depending on the type of Lifetime ISA you decide to open up. Before you open up a LISA, just remember, withdrawals for anything other than a first home or retirement before age 60 will incur a penalty!"

What is a mortgage?
A standard repayment mortgage is the most common way to buy a property. Youâll typically put down a deposit (around 10-25%) and borrow the rest from a lender, then pay off that loan, with interest, in monthly instalments.Â
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For example, say you borrow ÂŁ200,000 to buy a house, and your mortgage loan will be repaid over 25 years. Based on a 5% interest rate, your monthly repayments will be ÂŁ1,169.
Understanding mortgage offers
All mortgages have a âloan to valueâ ratio, or LTV. This refers to the amount of money youâve borrowed on top of your deposit. Generally, the larger your deposit â or the lower your LTV â the lower your interest rate. While that can sound confusing, itâs actually simpler than you might think. Hereâs an example of what two mortgage offers might look like on a ÂŁ100,000 home:
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Youâll notice that the interest rate is lower for the example mortgage with a lower LTV, e.g. bigger deposit. Thatâs because the smaller loan is a lower risk for the lender. This is why putting down as big a deposit as possible can be helpful.
Mortgage rates are applied to different LTV brackets. If youâre between two brackets, youâll be offered rates for the higher LTV. For example, if you have a 7% deposit saved up, youâll be offered rates for 95% LTV deals (5% deposit), not 90% LTV deals (10% deposit).
Top tip: When looking at mortgage offers, bear in mind that you might not get the advertised rate. Lenders will also consider your creditworthiness and affordability when you apply.
Researching your mortgage
If youâre shopping around, heads up â âhardâ credit checks, where lenders pull your full credit report, can affect your score. If youâre denied and keep reapplying for credit, it can make future approvals trickier. The good news? The CRAs know the game, so multiple checks within 45 days are treated as a single inquiry for mortgages.
If you want to avoid a hard check, but want to see what live rates and products you could be eligible for, try getting a mortgage-in-principle with Tembo. Itâs an estimate of how much youâre likely to be able to borrow, based on information you give about your affordability, such as your salary and monthly outgoings. It doesnât require a âsoftâ check, so you can get an idea of your chances without damaging your credit score.Â
Do note that as no soft or hard check is run at this stage, itâs important to self-disclose any issues youâre aware of. Theyâll flag up later in the process, and itâs good for your advisor to be aware of any credit issues as early as possible.
Loqbox may receive a commission from Tembo if you go on to use their service. This will not impact the service you receive from them or incur additional cost. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
For a standard mortgage or remortgage, Tembo charge £499, and for a more complex mortgage (Boost, adverse credit, equity transfer) Tembo charge up to £749. These represent their typical fees, but your Tembo adviser will let you know at the outset if a different fee structure is applicable to your situation. The maximum fee they charge will never be more than 1% of the mortgage loan.

Thereâs help out there
The world of home-buying can feel overwhelming at first, and you wouldnât be alone if a mortgage calculator showed you a number thatâs a lot lower than what youâve been looking at on Rightmove. The good news is, there are ways to increase your affordability, deposit, or to help you buy sooner. Â
Weâve listed a few of those here, but if they make your head spin, donât worry. An entire industry exists to help you find the right mortgage â youâre not expected to become an expert overnight!! Whether you speak to the team at Tembo, or another provider, youâll have a regulated mortgage expert by your side to help you navigate the market and find ways you could buy sooner.Â
1. Shared ownership
Shared ownership (or a part-buy, part-rent scheme) is a popular government-backed scheme which is particularly popular for people on lower incomes, or those who are buying in expensive areas (hello, London). The scheme allows first-time buyers to purchase a share in their dream home (usually 5-25% of the full property value), and then pay rent on the rest. You can also choose to buy more or all of the house in the future, which is called âstaircasingâ.Â
2.First home scheme
First-time buyers can buy a property at 30-50% of its market value with this scheme. But only if itâs their main residence and either a new build built by a developer, or a home previously owned by someone who bought it with the same scheme. The discount is only available to first-time buyers and is valued by an independent surveyor but you can save a great deal of cash. The catch is that you must sell your house at the same discount, normally to an eligible first-time buyer.
Loqbox may receive a commission from Tembo if you go on to use their service. This will not impact the service you receive from them or incur additional cost.Â
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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For a standard mortgage or remortgage, Tembo charge £499, and for a more complex mortgage (Boost, adverse credit, equity transfer) Tembo charge up to £749. These represent their typical fees, but your Tembo adviser will let you know at the outset if a different fee structure is applicable to your situation. The maximum fee they charge will never be more than 1% of the mortgage loan.
Remember the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) we spoke about earlier? This is the tax you pay when you buy property in England and Northern Ireland (Wales and Scotland have similar property taxes that have slightly different names). From the 1st April 2025, there is no tax to be paid for properties bought for ÂŁ300,000 or under if youâre a first-time buyer, or ÂŁ125,000 or under if youâre moving up the ladder.Â
Here are the standard rates charged in England and Northern Ireland:
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How much does Stamp Duty cost?*

*This table reflects the Stamp Duty rates for primary residential properties as published on gov.uk, accurate as at 1st April 2025. Certain discounts may apply, such as for first-time buyers. Note: Stamp duty is not currently charged on primary residences costing ÂŁ125,000 or less. Please refer to gov.uk for the most up-to-date information.

Letâs be real: House prices may have decreased slightly, but when youâre juggling rising living costs, changing inflation rates and the ever-changing housing market, buying your first home can feel like an impossible dream. But at Tembo, weâre here to make home happen, even when it feels impossible.
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Weâll help you explore alternative and affordable ways to buy your first home if youâre not in the position to obtain a mortgage âin the traditional wayâ (aka the standard repayment mortgage), or if you canât borrow the amount youâd hoped for. Whether youâre looking to boost your deposit, team up with loved ones, or maximise your income potential, weâre about finding solutions that work for you.Â
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Here are a few options to consider:
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Income Boost mortgage
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If you have a deposit saved, but you donât earn enough to get the mortgage borrowing you need, an Income Boost mortgage â also known as a Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor mortgage (JBSP) â could help. This option lets a friend or family member add some or all of their income to your mortgage application to boost your borrowing potential. They act as a guarantor, so they won't be an owner or hold any equity in the property; but if you miss any of your repayments, they will be required to step in.
Deposit Boost mortgage
âDeposit Boost mortgages are a way for a family member or friend to unlock money from their property and gift it to you. The equity released from their home can be used as your deposit, or added to your existing pot to boost your overall deposit value. This can increase your mortgage affordability, helping you buy your first home.
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Find out more about deposit boosts.Â
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Savings as Security (springboard) mortgage
âSavings as Security mortgages, also known as a âSpringboard Mortgageâ, allow a family member to help you onto the ladder without gifting you a deposit in the traditional sense. Instead, they put their savings into a designated account offered by a mortgage lender. If you make all your mortgage payments on time, your family member will get their savings back at the end of an agreed term, plus any accrued interest.
Higher lending schemes
If you donât have family who could help you get on the ladder, there are other options out there. If youâre a key worker, work in a professional field (think doctor, vet, accountant), or earn a higher than average wage, you could borrow 5x your income for a mortgage or more.Â
There are also new build initiatives like Deposit Unlock, which lets you purchase a newly built home with only a 5% deposit. Or 100% mortgages that use your track record of paying rent on time to prove you can afford a mortgage â without needing a deposit.Â
All of these schemes have different eligibility criteria, so itâs worth seeking expert mortgage advice to find out which ones are right for you before applying.
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This list certainly isnât exhaustive. Temboâs team of specialist mortgage brokers can help you find the right option for you.
Loqbox may receive a commission from Tembo if you go on to use their service. This will not impact the service you receive from them or incur additional cost.Â
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.Â
For a standard mortgage or remortgage, Tembo charge £499, and for a more complex mortgage (Boost, adverse credit, equity transfer) Tembo charge up to £749. These represent their typical fees, but your Tembo adviser will let you know at the outset if a different fee structure is applicable to your situation. The maximum fee they charge will never be more than 1% of the mortgage loan.

1 . Decide what you want
Time for the fun part! Picture your dream home, and put together a list of your wants and needs. Itâs important to ask yourself some big questions at this stage, things like:
- What compromises am I willing to make, and whatâs non-negotiable? Try to rank whatâs most important for you. For example, you might have to choose between a central location or a place with a garden and space to host a cracking summer BBQ.
- Do I want a new build, or a fixer-upper with heaps of potential? Consider if you have the money to get the work done, or the skill to do it yourself.
Then, search for properties online to see whatâs available within your budget and understand the costs. Itâs all about turning daydreams into real plans â because the first step to achieving your goal is knowing exactly what youâre looking for.
2. Make a plan
âYou might find it helpful to get a âmortgage-in-principleâ before you start searching for a home. This is a certificate you can get from your potential mortgage advisor (or provider) that shows how much they might be willing to lend you.
Understanding your mortgage options now could save you time (and headaches) when itâs time to apply.
3. Begin your search
âAt last, itâs time to start house hunting. Search online and speak to local estate agents. When viewing properties, stay curious:
- Ask questions like, âHow old is the boiler?â and âWhat are the neighbours like?â
- 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.
- Donât let the agent rush you! A second viewing isnât always possible, so take your time.

Watch this video from Tembo for more even more things to add to your house viewing checklist:
Loqbox may receive a commission from Tembo if you go on to use their service. This will not impact the service you receive from them or incur additional cost. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For a standard mortgage or remortgage, Tembo charge £499, and for a more complex mortgage (Boost, adverse credit, equity transfer) Tembo charge up to £749. These represent their typical fees, but your Tembo adviser will let you know at the outset if a different fee structure is applicable to your situation. The maximum fee they charge will never be more than 1% of the mortgage loan.

Step 1. Making an offer
Timeline: 1-3 days
Found âthe oneâ? Time to make your move! Send your offer to the agent in writing (email is fine). Donât rush to offer the full asking price â haggling is all part of the game! Play it cool â donât let the agent know youâre head over heels. Remember, they work for the seller, and a higher offer equals a higher commission (fee) for them.Â
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Set yourself a maximum offer, and stick to it. Increase in small steps (5%-10%) if needed. If your offer is declined, stay calm and negotiate or submit your âbest and finalâ â e.g. highest possible â offer. Always remember that unless you have a bit of extra deposit to put down, a higher offer means an increase in your monthly repayments, and could tip you into a different LTV bracket, so check in with your mortgage advisor.Â
Step 2. Offer accepted? Time to apply for your mortgage
Timeline: 2-6 weeks
Applying for a mortgage takes around two to six weeks, depending on how quickly you can share your documents. To speed things up, work with a mortgage broker and get your paperwork ready in advance. You might decide to get life and income protection insurance so that you can be confident you can keep up with payments, whatever happens.Â
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A mortgage underwriter will review your documents and arrange a valuation to confirm the propertyâs worth. Stay organised to keep things moving.Â
Step 3. Conveyancing (aka âThe legal bitâ)
Timeline: 8-12 weeks
When picking a solicitor, ask about their timelines. A period of eight to 12 weeks is common â you can often get started while your mortgage agreement is being processed.Â
Step 4. Exchange of contracts (aka âMaking it officialâ)
Timeline: 4 weeks
Once contracts are signed by you and the seller, and exchanged, the property transaction becomes legally binding.
Step 5. Completion
Timeline:1-2 weeks
Your completion date is the day your payment is transferred to the sellerâs solicitor and you can pick up the keys to your new home. Youâll agree the date with them: one to two weeks after the exchange of contracts is typical, giving you both time to plan the move.Â
Step 6. Move into your new home!
Timeline:1-3 days
Youâve made it! Youâre officially a homeowner. Itâs time to celebrate.
Loqbox may receive a commission from Tembo if you go on to use their service. This will not impact the service you receive from them or incur additional cost. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For a standard mortgage or remortgage, Tembo charge £499, and for a more complex mortgage (Boost, adverse credit, equity transfer) Tembo charge up to £749. These represent their typical fees, but your Tembo adviser will let you know at the outset if a different fee structure is applicable to your situation. The maximum fee they charge will never be more than 1% of the mortgage loan.

When your current mortgage deal comes to an end, itâs time to remortgage. Check your mortgage offer for the expiry date, or ask your lender or broker to be sure you donât leave it too late and fall onto your lenderâs Standard Variable Rate (typically much higher than fixed rates). Start searching up to six months before your deal ends to secure the best rate. With Temboâs rate-checking service, you can apply up to six months before your current deal ends. If rates fall, contact your advisor and theyâll reapply for you with no charge to lock in the lower rate.Â
Why remortgage?
- Because your term is ending!
- Lower rates: If youâre paying a Standard Variable Rate (SVR), switching to a fixed-rate mortgage can cut costs. For example, the average SVR is 7.96%, compared to 5.07% for a 5-year fixed-rate.
- The value of your home has increased: If your property has gone up in value or youâve paid a chunk off your mortgage balance since you last applied, you could get access to lower mortgage interest rates.
- To add or remove someone from the mortgage: This is known as a transfer of equity. If youâre removing another borrower, the lender will first check if you can afford to pay the mortgage on your own. If youâre adding someone, theyâll go through the credit check process too.
- Improved credit: If your credit score has improved since you last took out a mortgage deal, you could be offered better interest rates than when you previously applied if you remortgage.
How to remortgage
- If youâre staying with the same lender: Log into your account, choose a new rate, and switch when your current deal ends. Or, if you want support from an expert, you can ask them to help you with this process. Itâs called a âproduct transferâ.
- If you want to switch lenders:
1. Apply for a new mortgage with financial details and supporting documents.
2. Undergo a property valuation.
3. Appoint a solicitor to manage paperwork and transfer the mortgage.
Work with expert brokers at Tembo to find the best mortgage rates for you. Your dedicated Tembo advisor will also walk you through every step to make remortgaging as smooth as possible.
Get advice from TemboLoqbox may receive a commission from Tembo if you go on to use their service. This will not impact the service you receive from them or incur additional cost.Â
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.Â
For a standard mortgage or remortgage, Tembo charge £499, and for a more complex mortgage (Boost, adverse credit, equity transfer) Tembo charge up to £749. These represent their typical fees, but your Tembo adviser will let you know at the outset if a different fee structure is applicable to your situation. The maximum fee they charge will never be more than 1% of the mortgage loan.

Okay so, youâve done the thing, youâve reached your goal and bought a property. First things first â congratulations! We hope you feel proud of your achievement.Â
Staying financially secure as a homeowner
Youâve done the work to get to this point so now itâs about staying consistent with those habits which helped you get here in the first place. Here are a few key tips to consider now that youâre a homeowner:
- Make your mortgage a priority: Each time you get paid, the first thing you might want to do is cover your mortgage repayment. This is also a good time to pay your bills, insurance and put away savings â which brings us to our next point.
- Save an emergency fund: Rainy days happen, boilers break, jobs end⌠Itâs important to be able to cover yourself when unexpected expenses come at you. We suggest saving around three to six times your monthly expenses as a starting point. The Tembo Cash ISA is a great place to start: save up to ÂŁ20,000 tax-free each year and earn 4.8% AER (variable) on your savings. Plus, with instant, unlimited withdrawals, your money is always close at hand.
- Maintain a strong credit report: Staying on top of your mortgage and your bills will naturally help improve your creditworthiness, which in turn could help you access better rates for credit cards and your mortgage when your deal ends.
If youâre ready to harness the power of great financial habits, join Loqbox to build your credit the easy way.Â
Improvements to your credit are not guaranteed.
Loqbox may receive a commission from Tembo if you go on to use their service. This will not impact the service you receive from them or incur additional cost.
Tax-treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. Withdrawals usually take place the same working day if requested before 2pm, or the next working day if after 2pm. Tembo Cash ISA is not flexible, any funds withdrawn and redeposited within the same tax year may count towards ISA allowance twice.
Making it your home
Now the moving boxes are in, itâs time to transform your new house into a home. Here are some costs to plan for:
- Get your bills sorted: Think broadband, utility bills and council tax. The boring, but necessary stuff.
- Change your address: Update your bank accounts and bill providers to avoid missed payments. Find out how this could affect your credit here.
- Plan for the essentials: Donât let small fixes become big headaches â get your boiler serviced and handle the little repairs early.
Make it cosy: Forget Pinterest-perfect. Focus on small, personal touches like hanging pictures or adding new cushions to make it feel like home.
Achieve financial freedom with Loqbox
Edoardo Moreni, the Co-founder & CEO of Emma.
Stay on track with smart money management when buying a home. Start by reviewing your finances and setting 6-12 month goals:
- Reassess your income and expenses to include new costs like mortgage payments and maintenance.
- Plan ahead by setting realistic savings goals for furniture or an emergency fund.
- Be honest about spending habits and find areas to cut back, ensuring you have extra cash on hand.
With the Emma app, you can track spending patterns, set savings goals, and create automated budgets to stretch your income further.
Learn moreLingo Library
- Mortgage-in-principle: A formal indication of how much you could borrow for a mortgage based on the financial information youâve provided.
- Affordability: This is a measure of what you can afford to borrow for a mortgage and comfortably repay each month, alongside any other debts you already have, your household bills and living expenses.
- Downpayment: Another word for your deposit, this is the initial payment you make when purchasing a home using a mortgage loan.
- Chain-free: You can purchase (or sell) a property without needing another property transaction to happen first. If youâre a first-time buyer, you are chain-free, which is a huge advantage!
- Stamp Duty Land Tax: A tax that is paid when purchasing property over a certain value which can make buying more expensive.
- Conveyancing: The legal process of buying, selling or remortgaging a property which needs to be handled by a solicitor.
- Exchange of contracts: The point where the buyer and seller (through their conveyancers) swap contracts to sign.
- Under offer: When the offer has been accepted by the seller but the sale is yet to be finalised.

Louise Bastock, EditorÂ
Itâs easy to get laser-focused on saving for your deposit, and forget to prep your post-purchase finances. You now have a mortgage and bills to juggle, furniture to buy, renovations to fund. Not to mention all the unexpected costs. In my second year of home ownership my washing machine, fridge, boiler and bathroom plumbing all decided theyâd had enough!
ââAlongside your deposit, save into an easy-access savings account so you have funds readily available. I found it helpful to get really granular with my savings after I bought my property, using digital banking apps to separate them into specific pots for âfurnitureâ, âbillsâ, âdecoratingâ, or âunexpected repairsâ.
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