First-time buyers · Birmingham · Bought a 3-bed semi
"Kivo told us we had £8,200 too much on a credit card that was killing our affordability. We paid it down, waited 90 days, and our score jumped 23 points. We got the mortgage we wanted."
🏠 Outcome: Secured a 5-year fixed at 4.2% on a £220,000 property. First-time buyer relief saved £2,500 in stamp duty.
62
→
84
Score journey
Over 6 months
Sophie Lewis
First-time buyer · Manchester · Used LISA scheme
"I didn't know about the LISA bonus — Kivo flagged it and I used the government's 25% top-up to push my deposit over 10%. That one tip saved me thousands in mortgage interest."
💰 Outcome: Used a £4,000 LISA bonus to hit 10% LTV. Secured a 2-year fix at 3.9%. Total saving vs 5% deposit: ~£180/month.
38
→
71
Score journey
Over 12 months
Priya Nair
Self-employed · London · Sole trader for 3 years
"As a freelancer I assumed I couldn't get a mortgage. Kivo explained exactly what lenders need — 2 years of SA302 forms, a strong last year — and I prepared everything in advance. My broker was amazed."
🎯 Outcome: First application accepted. Secured a 5-year fix on a £385,000 flat with a 15% deposit after targeted preparation.
77
→
77
Confirmed ready
Applied within 2 weeks
Tom & Rachel Hughes
Home movers · Bristol · Upsizing family home
"We just needed the confidence to go ahead. Kivo confirmed what we suspected — we were in a strong position. Having the data to show our broker meant the fact-find was 20 minutes, not two hours."
✅ Outcome: Mortgage offer in hand within 6 weeks. Moving into a 4-bed detached in time for the new school year.