A less-than-perfect credit history does not automatically rule out a mortgage. Specialist “adverse credit” lenders assess applications that high-street banks may decline — and as a whole-of-market broker, we know which lenders are realistic for your circumstances.
What counts as adverse credit?
Adverse (or “bad”) credit covers a range of situations, including:
- County Court Judgments (CCJs)
- Defaults on credit agreements
- Missed or late payments
- An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) or a discharged bankruptcy
- A thin or limited UK credit file
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?
Often, yes. What matters to a specialist lender is the detail: how recent the issue was, how large, whether it has been settled, and how your finances look now. Older, smaller and settled issues are viewed very differently from recent, unsatisfied ones — and every case is judged individually.
What affects what you can borrow
The age and type of the credit issue, the size of your deposit, your income and affordability, and the overall picture since. A larger deposit often opens up more options and better rates.
How we help
We review your credit file with you, match you to lenders who are comfortable with your situation, and handle the application from start to finish — so you apply where you have a realistic chance, rather than collecting further declines.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ?
Often yes — particularly if the CCJ is older, was for a smaller amount, or has been satisfied. Specialist lenders assess CCJs case by case rather than declining automatically.
How long after a default can I get a mortgage?
It varies by lender. Some will consider an application while a default is still on file; more options and better rates usually open up as it ages and once it has been satisfied.
Will applying hurt my credit score?
A broker can review lenders’ criteria and your options before any formal application, so you only make a full application where you have a realistic chance of approval.
Talk it through: contact our team for a no-obligation conversation about your options.
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Speak to Mohit Mehra | 07915 577777
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with your repayments.
