MORTGAGE GUIDANCE
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?
Previous credit problems do not automatically tell you whether you can or cannot obtain a mortgage. Lenders can assess the nature, severity, timing and circumstances of credit issues alongside affordability and other factors.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
UNDERSTANDING CREDIT HISTORY
What do we mean by bad credit?
“Bad credit”, poor credit and adverse credit are informal umbrella terms, not one universal lending category. The significance of anything on a credit report can vary between lenders and circumstances.
Missed or late payments
Defaults or county court judgments (CCJs)
Arrangements to pay or debt management arrangements
Individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) or bankruptcy
High or heavily utilised borrowing
LENDER ASSESSMENT
How might lenders assess credit problems?
Lenders can take different approaches. They may consider the full picture rather than any one item in isolation, and their lending criteria can change over time.
What happened
The type of credit issue can be relevant.
How serious it was
The amount and circumstances may matter.
How long ago it happened
Lenders may distinguish between recent and older issues.
Resolved issues and wider circumstances
Status, subsequent conduct, income, spending, debts, deposit and affordability can all remain relevant.
CHECKING YOUR POSITION
Does my credit score decide whether I can get a mortgage?
There is not one universal consumer credit score that every mortgage lender uses to make the same decision. Lenders may use information from credit reference agencies alongside their own assessment, affordability checks and lending criteria. A particular consumer score does not guarantee a mortgage outcome.
Check your credit information before applying
Review the information held by relevant credit reference agencies; check personal details are accurate; identify unfamiliar or incorrect entries; understand existing borrowing and commitments; and correct genuine errors through the appropriate process. Avoid relying on quick-fix “credit score hacks”.
How much deposit might I need?
Available loan-to-value levels and lender criteria can differ depending on circumstances, including credit history. Deposit size is only one part of the overall assessment.
Explore deposits and loan-to-value →
How much could I borrow?
Affordability remains important regardless of credit history. Lenders can consider income, expenditure, debts, financial commitments and their own affordability assessment.
Understand how much you could borrow →
THINK BEFORE APPLYING
Should I make several mortgage applications?
Applications and searches can be recorded on credit files, so it is sensible to understand what type of credit search is being undertaken. An agreement in principle may involve a soft or hard credit search depending on the lender and process.
SUPPORT WITH YOUR OPTIONS
Can a mortgage adviser help with adverse credit?
Lender criteria can vary considerably. An adviser can help you understand your circumstances and identify lenders or products within the scope of their service that may be appropriate to consider. They cannot guarantee acceptance or access to a mortgage for everyone.
PREPARE WITH CLARITY
Preparing for a mortgage application
These practical steps can help you approach an application with a clearer picture of your finances. They do not determine a lender’s decision.
01 — Understand your credit history
Review what your credit report shows.
02 — Review finances and affordability
Consider income, spending and commitments.
03 — Consider your deposit
Understand the amount and source of funds.
04 — Prepare supporting documents
Gather income and identity evidence.
05 — Understand the application process
Ask how checks and searches will work.
06 — Consider advice where appropriate
Read more about getting a mortgage →
COMMON QUESTIONS
Bad credit mortgage FAQs
Answers to common questions about poor credit, adverse credit and mortgage applications.
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?
What credit score do I need for a mortgage?
Can I get a mortgage after a default or CCJ?
Does bad credit mean I need a bigger deposit?
How long do credit problems affect a mortgage application?
Can a mortgage adviser help if I have poor credit?
READY TO TALK TO AN ADVISER?
Concerned about your credit history?
MortgageAdvice.co.uk can connect you with a selected mortgage adviser to discuss your circumstances and mortgage options. An enquiry does not guarantee that a suitable mortgage is available.
No obligation to proceed.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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