Buyer Hub

Buying a home comes with a lot of questions — from deposits and affordability to mortgage offers, insurance and completion day.

The Buyer Hub brings together Leah’s free guides, tools and resources in one place, so you can understand the process at your own pace and feel clearer about your next step.

Start Here

If you’re just starting to think about buying, these guides will help you understand what to expect, what to look out for, and how to feel more prepared before making decisions.

How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home?

A clear guide to the typical mortgage and buying timeline, including what can slow things down and what you can do to keep the process moving. This guide positions around the full journey from the first adviser conversation to getting the keys.

Home Viewing Checklist

A practical checklist to help buyers view properties with more confidence, spot possible red flags, and ask better questions before making an offer. The guide covers things inside and outside the property, from damp and wiring to the local area and hidden costs.

Mortgage in Principle Guide

A simple guide explaining what a Mortgage in Principle is, when you might need one, how estate agents use it, and what to watch out for before applying.

Deposits & Affordability

Before you start viewing properties, it helps to understand how much you might be able to borrow, what deposit you may need, and what other costs you should plan for.

Deposit Guide

A guide to how much deposit you may need, where it can come from, and how lenders view deposits. The guide covers savings, gifted deposits, LISAs and other ways buyers may fund their deposit.

Affordability Guide

A guide explaining how lenders calculate what you can borrow, including how income, overtime, bonuses, commission, benefits and family support can affect affordability.

Extra Costs Guide

A guide to the costs buyers need to plan for beyond the deposit, including legal fees, surveys, moving costs, stamp duty, broker fees and ongoing costs like insurance and protection.

Mortgage Affordability Calculator

Use the calculator to get a quick estimate of what you may be able to afford, based on your household income and deposit.

Mortgage Decisions

Once you know what might be possible, the next step is understanding the choices that can affect your mortgage, your monthly payments and your long-term plans.

Fixed vs Variable Mortgage Guide

A plain-English guide to the difference between fixed and variable mortgages, including the pros, cons, and how interest rate changes could affect monthly payments.

New Build vs Older Property Guide

A guide to the differences between buying a new build and an older property, including how each can affect mortgage options, insurance, maintenance, value and resale.

Credit & Self-Employed

Not every mortgage situation fits neatly into a lender’s box. These guides explain what may be possible if you’re self-employed or worried about your credit history.

Bad Credit Mortgage Guide

A guide for buyers with defaults, CCJs, missed payments or other credit concerns. It explains which credit issues lenders may focus on, how long marks stay on your file, and what steps may improve your chances.

Self-Employed Mortgage Guide

A guide for sole traders, limited company directors, contractors and self-employed buyers, explaining how lenders assess income and what documents may be needed before applying.

Protection & Completion

Getting a mortgage offer is a big step, but the journey doesn’t stop there. These guides help you understand what happens near completion, what protection to consider, and how to stay organised once you’re in your home.

What Insurance Do I Need When Buying a Home?

A guide to the main types of cover homeowners may need to consider, including life cover, critical illness, income protection and home insurance. It also explains how to avoid being over- or under-insured.

Completion Day Guide

A guide explaining what happens on completion day, including how money moves, how keys are released, and what can cause delays.

Monthly Tips After Completion

A monthly homeowner tips sign-up covering money-saving ideas, reminders about mortgage and protection reviews, insurance, budgeting and home maintenance.