Adverse Credit Mortgage Guide: Can You Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?
Past credit problems do not always mean you cannot get a mortgage.
You may have missed payments during a difficult period. You may have had a default, a County Court Judgment, a debt management plan, an IVA, bankruptcy, or repossession. These issues can affect which lenders may consider you, but they do not always stop you from applying.
This Adverse Credit Mortgage Guide explains how UK mortgage lenders may assess bad credit, what can affect your chances of approval, how much deposit you may need, and when it may help to speak with a specialist adviser.
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What Is Adverse Credit?
Adverse credit means your credit history shows previous financial difficulties. It is also often called bad credit, poor credit, impaired credit, or a low credit score.
For mortgage purposes, adverse credit may include:
- Missed mortgage, loan, credit card, or utility payments
- Defaults on credit agreements
- County Court Judgments, also called CCJs
- Debt Management Plans
- Individual Voluntary Arrangements, also called IVAs
- Bankruptcy
- Repossession
- Payday loans or repeated short-term borrowing
- High credit use or multiple recent credit applications
Mortgage lenders do not all treat these issues in the same way. Some lenders may decline recent or serious credit problems. Others may consider the application if the issue is older, settled, explained clearly, or balanced by a larger deposit and stable income.
Read our mortgage affordability guide to understand how income, commitments, and existing debts can affect borrowing.
Can You Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?
Yes, it may be possible to get a mortgage with bad credit, but approval depends on your circumstances.
Lenders usually assess:
- The type of credit issue
- When it happened
- Whether the debt has been satisfied
- The value of the debt
- Your deposit size
- Your income and affordability
- Your current credit conduct
- The property type
- Whether you are buying, remortgaging, or raising capital
A small missed payment from several years ago may be viewed differently from a recent bankruptcy or repossession. A satisfied CCJ may also be assessed differently from an unpaid one.
The most important point is that lenders usually look at the full picture, not just the credit score. This is why a specialist mortgage adviser can be useful. They can review your credit history before you apply and help identify lenders whose criteria may fit your situation.
Find mortgage advisers across the UK to compare by location, language, gender, or firm.
How Lenders Assess an Adverse Credit Mortgage Application
When you apply for a mortgage, lenders will usually review your credit file, income, expenditure, deposit, and the property you are purchasing or remortgaging.
They may consider:
1. How recent the credit issue is
Older credit issues are often easier to place than recent ones. A missed payment from several years ago may carry less weight than a default registered within the last 12 months.
2. How serious the issue is
A late mobile phone payment is usually less serious than bankruptcy, repossession, or multiple unsatisfied CCJs.
3. Whether the debt has been satisfied
Some lenders prefer that debts be fully paid before an application. Others may consider active arrangements if they have been maintained well.
4. Your recent financial conduct
A clean recent credit history can help. Lenders may look for evidence that your finances are now stable and that commitments are being paid on time.
5. Your deposit and loan-to-value
A larger deposit may reduce lender risk. This can sometimes improve the range of lenders available, although it does not guarantee approval.
6. Your affordability
Lenders assess whether the mortgage appears affordable based on income, committed spending, credit commitments, dependents, and other regular costs.
Use the Connect Experts mortgage guides to compare related mortgage topics before choosing an adviser.
How Long After Bad Credit Can You Apply for a Mortgage?
There is no single waiting period that applies to every lender. Some lenders may consider older or minor issues sooner than serious or recent events.
As a broad guide only:
| Credit issue | When some lenders may consider an application |
|---|---|
| Missed payments | Often easier if older than 3 to 6 months |
| Defaults | Often easier if older than 12 months |
| CCJs | Often easier if older than 12 months and satisfied |
| Debt Management Plan | May be considered if maintained well |
| IVA | Often easier after completion, depending on lender criteria |
| Bankruptcy | Usually more difficult until discharged and time has passed |
| Repossession | Often, one of the most difficult issues to place |
These examples are not guarantees. Lender criteria change, and every application is assessed individually.
If you are remortgaging rather than buying, the assessment may differ. You can read the remortgage guide for wider guidance on switching deals, refinancing, or reviewing your current mortgage.
How Much Deposit Do You Need for an Adverse Credit Mortgage?
The deposit required for an adverse credit mortgage depends on the credit issue, how recent it was, and the lender’s criteria.
As a broad guide:
- Historic or mild credit issues may need a lower deposit
- Recent missed payments or defaults may need a higher deposit
- Recent CCJs, bankruptcy, or repossession may require a larger deposit
- Strong income and stable recent conduct may help
- A lower loan-to-value may improve lender choice
Some borrowers with adverse credit may need a deposit of around 15% or more. More serious or recent credit issues may require a higher deposit. The exact amount depends on the lender, product, credit profile, and affordability assessment.
First-time buyers with credit issues should also read the first-time buyer guide to understand deposit planning, affordability, and buying costs.
Types of Adverse Credit and What They May Mean
Missed or Late Payments
Missed payments can affect your credit profile, especially if they are recent or repeated. Lenders may look at what was missed, how long ago it happened, and whether your current conduct has improved.
Defaults
A default shows that a credit agreement broke down. Lenders may look at the default amount, date registered, whether it has been satisfied, and whether there have been further issues since.
County Court Judgments
A CCJ can make mortgage approval more difficult, especially if it is recent, large, or unpaid. Some lenders may consider older or satisfied CCJs, subject to criteria.
Debt Management Plans
A Debt Management Plan may show that you have taken steps to manage debts. Lenders may consider whether the plan is active, completed, or maintained well.
IVAs
An IVA is a formal debt solution. Mortgage options may be limited during or shortly after an IVA. Some lenders may consider applications after completion, depending on how much time has passed and the rest of your profile.
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a serious credit event. Mortgage options are usually more limited, especially soon after discharge. Some lenders may consider applicants after time has passed and credit conduct has improved.
Repossession
Repossession is usually treated as a serious issue. Lenders may need more time to have passed before considering an application.
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Adverse Credit Mortgage Myths
Myth: “I will never get a mortgage with bad credit.”
Truth: Bad credit can make a mortgage harder to arrange, but it does not always make it impossible. Some lenders consider applicants with historic or explained credit issues.
Myth: “Every lender uses the same credit score.”
Truth: Lenders use different criteria. One lender may decline an application that another lender is willing to assess.
Myth: “I must wait 6 years before applying.”
Truth: Some credit issues remain visible for several years, but some lenders may consider applications before they disappear from your file. The outcome depends on the type, age, value, and status of the issue.
Myth: “A bigger deposit guarantees approval.”
Truth: A larger deposit may help, but lenders still assess affordability, credit history, income, and property suitability.
Myth: “Applying to lots of lenders improves my chances.”
Truth: Multiple credit applications can harm your credit profile. It is usually better to review your position before submitting applications.
How to Improve Your Chances Before Applying
Before applying for an adverse credit mortgage, it may help to prepare carefully.
You can:
- Check your credit reports with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Correct inaccurate information before applying
- Register on the electoral roll at your current address
- Avoid taking out new credit shortly before your application
- Pay existing commitments on time
- Reduce unsecured debts where possible
- Save a larger deposit if you can
- Prepare a clear explanation for past credit issues
- Gather income documents, bank statements, and proof of deposit
- Speak with a mortgage adviser before making multiple applications
These steps do not guarantee approval, but they may help present your case more clearly.
If your circumstances are complex, you can search for specialist mortgage and protection brokers who understand non-standard income, adverse credit, protection needs, and specialist lending.
Buying a Home with Adverse Credit
Buying a home with adverse credit may be possible, but preparation matters.
Lenders may want to see:
- A realistic deposit
- Stable income
- A clear credit history explanation
- Recent financial stability
- Evidence that existing commitments are affordable
- A property that meets lender criteria
If you are buying your first home, your adviser may also review first-time buyer options, affordability, deposit source, and any family support.
Read the first-time buyer guide if you are buying for the first time and want to understand the wider process.
Remortgaging with Adverse Credit
You may be able to remortgage with adverse credit, but the options can depend on why you are remortgaging.
Common reasons include:
- Your current mortgage deal is ending
- You want to avoid moving onto a standard variable rate
- You want to release equity
- You want to consolidate debts
- Your credit profile has changed since your last mortgage
- You want to review your options after a previous decline
Debt consolidation needs careful advice. Turning unsecured debts into secured borrowing on your home may reduce monthly payments, but it can increase the total cost over time and put your home at risk if repayments are not maintained.
Read the remortgage guide for more information about remortgage timing, costs, and options.
Why Use a Specialist Mortgage Broker?
Second Charge Mortgages and Adverse Credit
A second charge mortgage is a loan secured against a property that already has a mortgage. Some homeowners consider a second charge when they need to raise funds but do not want to disturb their existing mortgage deal.
This may be relevant if:
- Your current mortgage rate is lower than available remortgage rates
- You have early repayment charges
- You need to raise funds for a specific purpose
- Your credit profile has changed since your first mortgage
Second charge borrowing is secured against your home, so advice is important.
Read the second charge mortgage guide to understand how this type of borrowing works.
Buy-to-Let Mortgages with Adverse Credit
Adverse credit can also affect buy-to-let mortgage applications. Lenders may assess the applicant’s credit history, property rental income, deposit, landlord experience, and overall risk.
Buy-to-let criteria can differ from those for residential mortgages. Some lenders may be more flexible, while others may have strict rules around defaults, CCJs, bankruptcy, or missed mortgage payments.
Landlords and property investors can read the buy-to-let guide for wider information about buy-to-let mortgage requirements.
Why Use an Adverse Credit Mortgage Broker?
An adverse credit mortgage broker can help you understand which lenders may consider your circumstances before you apply.
A broker may help by:
- Reviewing your credit profile
- Explaining how lenders may assess your credit issue
- Identifying lenders that may consider your situation
- Checking affordability before application
- Advising on deposit expectations
- Helping avoid unsuitable applications
- Supporting your mortgage submission with relevant documents
- Explaining product costs, fees, and risks
A broker cannot guarantee approval. However, they can help you avoid applying blindly and may improve the quality of the application presented to lenders.
Search adverse credit mortgage brokers if you want to find advisers experienced in bad credit, CCJs, defaults, or complex circumstances.
How Connect Experts Helps You Find the Right Adviser
Connect Experts helps you search for mortgage advisers across the UK. You can filter advisers by location, language, gender, firm, and specialist area.
This can be useful if you want:
- A broker who understands adverse credit
- A broker near your area
- Advice in a preferred language
- Support with residential, buy-to-let, remortgage, or second charge options
- A specialist who can explain lender criteria clearly
Connect Experts is a mortgage adviser directory and matching platform. Mortgage advice is provided by the adviser or firm you choose.
Visit Connect Experts to search for FCA-authorised mortgage advisers across the UK.
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FAQ: Adverse Credit Mortgage Guide
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is an adverse credit mortgage? | An adverse credit mortgage is a mortgage for someone whose credit history includes issues such as missed payments, defaults, CCJs, IVAs, bankruptcy, or debt management plans. It is not a separate legal mortgage type, but a common way to describe mortgage applications involving poor or impaired credit. |
| Can I get a mortgage with bad credit in the UK? | Yes, it may be possible to get a mortgage with bad credit in the UK. Approval depends on the type of credit issue, how recent it was, whether it has been satisfied, your deposit, income, affordability, and the lender’s criteria. |
| Does a CCJ stop me getting a mortgage? | A CCJ can make getting a mortgage more difficult, but it does not always stop you. Lenders may look at the CCJ amount, date, whether it has been paid, and whether your recent credit conduct has improved. |
| Can I get a mortgage after a default? | It may be possible to get a mortgage after a default. Lenders will usually consider when the default was registered, whether it has been satisfied, the value of the default, and your wider financial position. |
| Do I need a bigger deposit with adverse credit? | You may need a bigger deposit if you have adverse credit, especially if the issue is recent or serious. The exact deposit depends on lender criteria, affordability, and the strength of your overall application. |
| Will bad credit mean a higher mortgage rate? | Bad credit can mean fewer lender options and potentially higher rates. However, the rate available depends on your credit profile, deposit, loan-to-value, income, property type, and market conditions at the time of application. |
| Should I apply directly to a lender if I have bad credit? | You can apply directly, but it may not be the best route if your circumstances are complex. A specialist adviser can review your credit profile before application and help reduce the risk of applying to unsuitable lenders. |
| Can I remortgage with adverse credit? | Yes, it may be possible to remortgage with adverse credit. Options depend on your current mortgage, equity, credit history, affordability, and reason for remortgaging. |
| Can first-time buyers get a mortgage with bad credit? | Some first-time buyers may be able to get a mortgage with bad credit. Lenders may assess deposit size, income, credit history, affordability, and whether the credit issue is historic or recent. |
| How can I find an adverse credit mortgage broker? | You can use Connect Experts to search for adverse credit mortgage brokers across the UK. You can filter by adviser, location, language, gender, and firm to find support that suits your circumstances. Find an adverse credit mortgage broker |
Important Notice
Mortgage approval is subject to lender criteria, status, affordability checks, credit assessment, and your individual circumstances.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or loans secured against it.
Connect Experts is a mortgage adviser directory and matching platform. Mortgage advice is provided by the adviser or firm selected by the customer.