MORTGAGE APPLICATION
Mortgage lenders may check your credit information when assessing an application or earlier in the mortgage process. The type of search, when it is carried out and how it appears on your credit file can vary.
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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Credit information can help lenders assess an applicant’s borrowing history and existing commitments as part of their wider lending assessment. It is only one part of the decision.
Soft credit search
A soft search can be used to review credit information without leaving the same type of visible application search that a hard search does. Whether and when a lender uses one varies.
Hard credit search
A hard search is associated with an application for credit and is normally recorded on the applicant’s credit file so that other lenders can see it.
Mortgage providers do not all use credit searches in exactly the same way or at the same stage. Check the lender’s process rather than assuming a particular type of search will be used.
Agreement in principle
A lender may conduct a credit search when considering an agreement in principle, but practices vary.
Full mortgage application
Credit information normally forms part of the lender’s assessment of a full application.
Before completion
A lender may carry out further checks or reassess an application before completion where appropriate under its process.
Read about mortgage underwriting →
Hard searches are recorded on a credit file and may be considered by organisations assessing future credit applications. It is not helpful to assume a universal numerical effect on a credit score because scoring systems and lender assessments differ.
Multiple hard searches can be visible on a credit file. Applicants should generally understand why an application has failed before repeatedly applying elsewhere rather than assuming another lender will approve it.
Information available through credit-reference agencies may include relevant borrowing and payment history, credit accounts and other recorded credit information. The exact information and lender assessment vary.
Existing credit accounts
Outstanding borrowing
Repayment history
Certain missed or late payments
Credit searches
Other relevant credit-file information
Obtaining your own credit report is not the same as making an application for borrowing and does not create a hard application search simply because you have reviewed your information.
Check information carefully and, if something appears inaccurate, raise it with the relevant credit-reference agency or organisation that supplied the information. Accurate adverse information should not be concealed.
Mortgage availability depends on the nature and timing of the credit issue, affordability, deposit, property, lender criteria and wider circumstances. Different lenders can have different criteria.
Read about bad credit mortgages →
An adviser can discuss an applicant’s circumstances, identify mortgage options that may be available and explain relevant lender criteria. An adviser cannot guarantee approval or alter accurate information on a credit file.
Read about mortgage bank statements →
Read about mortgage proof of income →
Find out how a mortgage adviser can help →
Do mortgage lenders do hard or soft credit checks?
Does an agreement in principle affect my credit score?
When does a mortgage lender carry out a credit check?
Can a lender check my credit again before completion?
Do multiple mortgage applications affect my credit file?
Does checking my own credit report affect my credit score?
What information can a mortgage lender see on my credit file?
Can I get a mortgage with adverse credit history?
MORTGAGE APPLICATION
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