Getting a mortgage with bad credit

We help literally thousands of customers with information and access to experts in adverse credit mortgages.

Many of them want to know what their chances of getting a mortgage are, while others have been turned down due to their credit rating.

The good news is that the market is vast and there are deals out there for all kinds of borrowers, from those with clean credit to customers whose record is less than perfect.

It doesn’t matter if a lender has turned you away in the past, with the right advice, it may be possible for you to obtain an adverse credit mortgage loan.

Our guide to mortgages for bad credit borrowers will help you get started, but you can make an enquiry to speak with an expert on this topic over the phone today on 0800 304 7880 if you’d prefer.

The following topics are covered below…

• What are bad credit mortgage loans?
• Can I get a mortgage with bad credit history?
• What credit issues will a mortgage lender accept?
• Which credit issues do lenders class as the most severe?
• How to get the best bad credit mortgage rates
• What else impacts eligibility?
• How to get a mortgage with bad credit and good income
• How to get a mortgage with bad credit and low income
• How to improve your credit rating if you’re getting a mortgage
• How much deposit do you need for a mortgage with bad credit?
• What are bad credit mortgage lenders?
• Can I remortgage my home with bad credit?
• Can I get an adverse credit mortgage anywhere in the UK?
• Can I get an expat mortgage with bad credit?
• How to apply for a mortgage with bad credit
• How to get a mortgage with bad/poor credit in the UK
• What fees and charges does a bad credit mortgage come with?
• Bad credit mortgage loan FAQ
  •  Do I need to pass a credit check to get a mortgage agreement in principle approved?
  •  Can I get a mortgage with no credit history?
  • Mortgages for first time buyers with bad credit history
  
• Speak to a poor credit mortgage expert

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What is a bad credit mortgage loan?

A bad credit mortgage is simply a mortgage for borrowers with a poor credit score, a low credit rating, or any other kind of adverse credit history.

Not all UK lenders offer bad credit mortgage loans, as credit issues are a bigger deal to some mortgage providers than others.

Can I get a mortgage with a bad credit history?

Customers frequently ask us “Can you get a mortgage with bad credit in the UK?” and the answer in many cases is yes. Although some mortgage lenders will turn you away if you have an adverse on your file, some providers will base their lending decision on the severity of the credit problems, how long they’ve been on your file, and how closely you meet their other eligibility and affordability requirements.

What credit issues will a mortgage lender accept?

Some mortgage lenders (mainstream ones, in particular) might offer you unfavourable rates if you have any type of adverse on your file, while others may turn you away altogether. Specialist providers, however, often take a more flexible approach to mortgage customers with a bad credit score or a history of credit problems, and can offer a lifeline to those with any of the following…

• No credit history
• Low credit score
• Late payments
• Missed mortgage payments
• Defaults
• CCJs
• IVAs
• Debt management Schemes
• Repossessions
• Bankruptcy
• Payday Loans: Read about how they can affect mortgage applications
• Customers with multiple credit problems

If you approach a lender who specialises in adverse credit, it may be possible to get a mortgage with bad credit history as these providers often base their lending decision on the severity of the adverse, how long it has been on your file, and how closely you meet their other eligibility and affordability requirements.

Which credit issues do lenders class as the most severe?

While getting a mortgage with poor credit is possible, you may find it more difficult if your credit issue is a repossession or bankruptcy, as these are considered to be the most severe types of adverse in the eyes of most lenders. At the other end of the scale, things like a missed phone bill payment are the easiest for lenders to overlook.

A bad credit lender will also take factors such as how long the adverse has been on the borrower’s file (the longer, the better) and the amount of deposit they have. The tables below will give you an idea of how likely you are to get a mortgage based on the type of credit issues you have and how long you might have to wait to apply.

Secured Finance

Unsecured Finance

Please note that these tables are for example purposes only and were correct at the time of creation (January 2019). Get in touch and an expert will go over any updates with you.

If you have any type of bad credit and need a mortgage loan, get in touch and the expert brokers we work with will search the entire market for the lender best positioned to offer you a favourable deal based on your needs and circumstances.

How to get the best rates on bad credit home mortgage loans

Customers often ask us “What are the bad credit mortgage rates for 2019?” and citing an average figure is pointless, as rates are always in flux and can change at any time. However, there is a way to ensure you’ll end up on the best rates.

The key to finding the most favourable mortgage rates for a borrower with bad credit history is having access to the entire market and meeting the eligibility and affordability requirements at as many lenders as possible.

What else impacts eligibility besides my credit rating?

Although a mortgage provider will look at your credit history when assessing your application, they might also base their lending decision on the following factors…

• Your income and employment status:
  Obviously, the more income you have, the better but how you make your money will also be of interest to the lender. A specialist provider might be needed if you’re self-employed or make a significant amount through bonuses, overtime or commission. You can read more about self-employed mortgages on our dedicated page on the topic.
• Your deposit:
  The minimum deposit sum you’ll need for a residential property is 5% (although some providers will want more) or 15% for a buy to let. Putting down more, however, can minimise some of the perceived risk your bad credit creates. You can read more about deposits here.
• Your age:
  Some lenders won’t cater for borrowers over 75, others 85 and a minority will lend with no upper age limit, as long as they’re confident the borrower will be able to keep up with their payments in retirement.
• Your outgoings:
  Other significant outgoings, such as outstanding loans or dependent children, may affect the amount you’re able to borrow.
• The property type:
  Properties with non-standard construction (e.g. thatched roof, timber frame) might require a specialist lender.

For more information about how meeting the above criteria can help you get a mortgage with bad credit, make an enquiry to speak to an expert today.

How to get a mortgage loan with bad credit

For tips on how to optimise your credit file for a mortgage application, jump ahead to the section titled ‘How to improve your credit rating for a mortgage’. Advice on getting the best rates on a bad credit mortgage can be found in the section below.

If you’re ready to get the ball rolling on your application, make an enquiry here. The brokers we work with specialise in bad credit and have access to every lender on the market, so you can rest assured that you will be paired with the right provider.

How to get a mortgage with bad credit but good income in the UK

Income specifics can be vital to a mortgage application because most providers cap the size of a residential home loan at x4 the borrower’s salary, others will go up to x5 and a minority will stretch to x6 under the right circumstances.

If you’re a high earner after the maximum mortgage loan possible, you will need to find a lender that would be willing to offer the highest multiple of your wage. With bad credit, this can be tricky as some providers will see you as high risk.

However, with access to the entire market via an expert broker, it may be possible to find a niche lender who is flexible with bad credit and an expert in your income type.

In any case, you should start by contacting a whole-of-market broker, so make an enquiry to be connected with one over the phone today.

How to get a mortgage with bad credit and low income

This can be trickier as low income and bad credit are considered niches in the world of mortgages, but with whole-of-market access, it may be possible to find a lender that specialises in borrowers who fall into both categories.

There are a number of options available for borrowers with low income, including guarantor mortgages, supplementing income with things like benefits (some lenders allow this) and government schemes such as Shared Ownership.

Get in touch and the advisors we work with will discuss all of the options with you. They can also connect you with the lender best positioned to help a customer with low income and adverse credit on their file.

How to improve your credit rating for a mortgage

If you’re looking for a low credit score mortgage or any other kind of bad credit history mortgage in the UK, it’s always a good idea to get your credit file into the best possible shape before applying, and these tips will help you do that.

1. Check your credit reports - all of them
   Mortgage lenders will base your credit history on data from one or more of the UK’s three main credit reference agencies, Experian, Equifax and Callcredit. It’s a good idea to check your report with each of these agencies to make sure it’s up to date. It’s important to scrutinise your files and challenge anything that might be inaccurate. Also, keep in mind that not all of the agencies store the same data on you, and not every lender uses the same one, so just because one agency lists credit issues against your name, that doesn’t mean finding a favourable deal is impossible.
   You can check your credit files for free through the link below or we can do it for you if you make an enquiry.

   Get your credit rating

   

   

   
   
   
2. Be an active borrower
   Customers often ask us “Can I get a mortgage with no credit score?” and while it may be possible to get a mortgage with no credit history, there are steps that you can take to make sure you have at least some borrowing record to speak of.
   There are adverse-specific credit cards you can take out. If you spend on one of them and repay the balance in each month, this will help prove that you can borrow and live within your means. Your credit will likely improve in a matter of months.

More info about building and repairing credit for a mortgage can be found here.

How much deposit do I need for a mortgage with bad credit?

Customers often ask us whether it’s possible to get a mortgage with a large deposit but bad credit, and for some of them, the answer is yes.

The minimum deposit requirement for a residential property in the UK is 5% or 15% for a buy to let, but if you have adverse credit, some lenders will only offer you a mortgage if you put down more, depending on the age and severity of the issue.

For example, those with a repossession against their name may be able to get a mortgage from specialist lenders within 1-3 years if they put down a 25% deposit.

Those with an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) will need between 10-25% deposit, depending on how long is left to run on the debt, and those with a bankruptcy will need between 15-25% in the first three years.

Can I get a bad credit mortgage with 5% deposit?

With the help of a specialist broker who has access to every bad credit lender on the market, it may be possible to get a mortgage with minor bad credit on your file, as long as you meet the provider’s other eligibility requirements.

However, you might struggle to get a mortgage with severe adverse, such as a bankruptcy or repossession, on your file as these issues usually call for a higher deposit amount to offset the risk, especially if they’re less than three years old.

That isn’t to say it’s impossible to get a 95% LTV bad credit mortgage with these issues against your name, but specialist advice will be essential.

Can I get a bad credit mortgage with 10% deposit?

It may be possible to find a 90% mortgage with bad credit, assuming you meet all of the lender’s general eligibility and affordability requirements.

You might, however, struggle if you have severe adverse on your file, such as a recent bankruptcy, repossession or IVA as the specialist lenders who offer mortgages to borrowers with these issues on their file usually need around 25% deposit if the credit problem is less than three years old.

Can I get a bad credit mortgage with 50% deposit?

It may be possible to find a mortgage provider who is willing to offer you a 50% LTV mortgage with bad credit as a deposit this substantial will offset the risk involved in the deal. You will still need to pass all of the lender’s standard eligibility and affordability checks, but a deposit of this size will certainly help your cause.

Can I get a 100% mortgage with bad credit and no deposit?

This will prove difficult as lenders generally don’t offer 100 percent mortgages to customers with bad credit, or anyone else, for that matter.

One of the only ways to get a residential mortgage with no deposit whatsoever is by having a family member or close friend act as a guarantor. With a bad credit guarantor mortgage (also known as a bad credit family springboard mortgage), the lender will secure the loan against a property your guarantor owns or against their savings, and this security can serve as an alternative to a deposit.

Getting a guarantor mortgage with bad credit is the same as applying for any other kind of mortgage under these circumstances. If a lender considers you too high risk due to your adverse, having a guarantor is unlikely to change their mind on that.

Borrowing a deposit

If you’re looking for a mortgage with no deposit and bad credit in the UK, another option might be to borrow the funds. However, you should be aware that many lenders will frown upon customers using personal loans to cover the deposit and going down this path could jeopardise your application.

A more viable options might be to borrow the funds from your family. Most lenders are okay with gifted deposits, as long as the borrower is under no legal obligation to repay the money.

What are bad credit mortgage lenders?

Simply put, they’re mortgage providers who specialise in customers with adverse against their name. While some mainstream lenders might turn these borrowers away, specialist lenders base their decision on the severity of the issue, the age of it, and how closely the borrowers meets their other eligibility requirements.

There are numerous different kinds of bad credit mortgage lenders, including…

• Mortgage lenders for first time home buyers with bad credit
• 2nd mortgage lenders for bad credit customers
• Low/no credit score mortgage lenders
• And lenders who specialise in every other type of adverse credit

The expert brokers we work with also specialise in bad credit and they have access to every adverse credit mortgage lender on the market - make an enquiry to speak with one today for the right advice and to be connected to the best lender for you.

Can I get a mortgage with no credit check?

Not exactly. While it’s impossible to get a mortgage loan with no credit check in the UK, lenders aren’t generally interested in your credit ‘score’ - they’re interested in how your specific history fits in with their lending criteria.

In the UK, there is no set minimum credit score to qualify for a mortgage, but if yours is particularly low, it may be possible to find a lender that ‘checks’ rather than ‘scores’. Make an enquiry to speak with a whole-of-market expert about this.

Can I remortgage with a bad credit rating?

If you have bad credit but need a remortgage you might well be in luck, as remortgaging with bad credit is often much easier than buying a home with adverse.

Borrowers in this scenario usually have two options - a full refinancing of their debt or taking out a second charge mortgage for borrowers with bad credit.

Second charge mortgage loans for people with bad credit

A 2nd charge mortgage (or a homeowner loan) is a loan secured against a property you own which basically functions as a second mortgage. They’re available to customers with credit problems (as long as they pass the eligibility checks) and might be a viable option if you need funds for consolidating debts, home improvements or any other legal purpose and have been turned down for a remortgage.

Loan to value ratios and affordability can be more flexible on 2nd charge mortgages - it might even be possible to borrow up to x10 your income, and adverse credit is typically less of an issue than with 1st charge home mortgages. For more information about 2nd charge mortgages find out more here or make an enquiry.

Can I get a bad credit home mortgage loan anywhere in the UK?

Almost anywhere. Bad credit mortgage lenders operate all over the UK, but some have postcode restrictions outside of England. Certain bad credit mortgage lenders in Scotland, for example, won’t lend in the Highlands or off the mainland, and you’ll find it’s a similar situation with bad credit mortgage providers in Northern Ireland.

However, the advisors we work with have access to every one of the adverse credit mortgage lenders in Scotland and every poor credit mortgage provider in Northern Ireland - if there’s a deal you’re eligible for, they can find it for you.

Can I get an expat mortgage with bad credit?

Yes, it may be possible, whether you’re an expat buying a home in the UK or an expat buying abroad. Bad credit is a common issue for expatriates since living abroad means that lenders might not be able to trace any credit history.

This makes expats higher risk in the eyes of some mortgage providers, and any additional adverse that might be on their file only ramps this risk up further. There are, however, specialist lenders who deal with expat borrowers every day.

The advisors we work with may be able to connect you with a lender that is well positioned to cater to a borrower who falls into both the expat and bad credit niches. Make an enquiry to speak with one of them today.

How do I get a mortgage with bad credit?

People often ask us “Can I get a mortgage with bad credit history?” and the answer for many of them is yes, and here’s how you go about getting a mortgage with bad credit.

1. Get your credit files
   The should be your first port of all as checking which credit issues are showing up on your Experian, Equifax and Callcredit files will give you a good idea of the mortgage providers you’re able to approach. Remember, all three files can differ in terms of what they include, so it may be possible to find a lender who will offer you a favourable deal even if one or more of the agencies reports issues.
   By obtaining files from the three agencies, you can also make sure they’re up to date and challenge any potential mistakes. You can request you files through the links below or making an enquiry with us.
   

   Get your credit rating

   

   

   
   
   
2. Raise as much deposit as possible and carry out credit repair
   Next, you should optimise your credit file in preparation for your application, to minimise any risk the lender might feel your adverse creates. See the section titled ‘How to improve your credit rating for a mortgage’ for tips on how to do this.
   It may also be a good idea to raise as much extra deposit as you can at this stage, because putting down extra can also offset some of the risk involved in the deal.
3. Avoid multiple searches
   Making multiple applications online or approaching a mainstream bank for a bad credit mortgage loan comes with the risk of being turned away, as not all lenders cater for customers with adverse and having a number of ‘hard’ credit searches on your file can further jeopardise your chances of getting a mortgage in the future.
4. Find a whole-of-market broker
   The best way for someone with a poor credit history to apply for a mortgage is through a broker with access to the whole market. That way, you can rest assured that the most favourable deals you’re eligible for will be within reach.
   Here’s what you should look for in a bad credit mortgage broker…

• Whole of market & independent
• Reasonable and fair fee structure - should only charge on success
• Gives you access to direct deals
• Has exclusive products
• Has links with commercial finance
• Is whole of market for insurance
• Has years of experience
• Has plenty of happy customers

The advisors we work with have been hand-picked to ensure they have all of the above qualities, and they have a strong track record arranging mortgages for people with bad credit history. Get in touch to speak with one of them for a quote today.

How to apply for a mortgage with bad credit

As we mentioned in the section above, the best way to apply for a mortgage with bad credit is to contact a whole-of-market broker to make sure you have access to all of the best deals you’re eligible for. You can get the ball rolling on your application and find out more information by visiting this article on applying for a mortgage with bad credit.

What fees and charges does a bad credit mortgage loan come with?

If you have bad credit and are getting a mortgage, the additional costs and fees you’ll be expected to foot are usually no different. They may include…

• Arrangement fees
• Booking fees
• Valuation fees
• Legal fees
• Stamp Duty
• Early repayment charges and exit fees

You should note that you may not have to pay all of the above as some lenders offer inclusive deals and things like Stamp Duty may not apply in certain scenarios.

Bad credit borrowers should also keep in mind that the additional fees they’re asked to pay might be somewhat higher than a customer with pristine credit, but that doesn’t mean finding a favourable mortgage deal is impossible.

Bad credit mortgages FAQ

Here, you will find additional information about how bad credit can affect a mortgage application, based on the questions we’re most frequently asked.

What are my chances of getting a mortgage with bad credit history?

Firstly, they will be higher if you approach a whole-of-market advisor who has access to every adverse credit lender on the market.

Secondly, your chances of getting a mortgage with bad credit will likely come down to the severity of the credit issue(s), how long they’ve been on your file, and how closely you meet the lender’s other eligibility and affordability requirements.

Can I get a mortgage with really bad credit?

Many customers have asked us whether there are mortgage loans for people with really bad credit, and the answer to this question will vary from lender to lender.

The most severe forms of adverse credit are bankruptcies and repossessions, and there are a minority of specialist lenders who may consider offering mortgages to borrowers with these on their files. Their lending decision will mostly come down to how long ago the issue was discharged.

Do I need to pass a credit check to get a mortgage agreement in principle approved?

No lender in the UK can offer guaranteed mortgage approval if you have bad credit - all of them will perform some kind of credit check before offering you a decision in principle, and whether this will leave a mark on your file depends on the provider.

Some only perform a ‘soft’ search at this stage, while others perform a ‘hard’ credit check. You should avoid having too many hard searches on your file, where possible.

How easy is it to get a mortgage with bad credit?

It can be more difficult than for borrowers with a clean credit rating, as fewer lenders are willing to take a risk on adverse credit customers. However, that doesn’t mean finding a favourable deal is impossible.

Whether you have a hard time finding a bad credit mortgage may come down to the severity of your credit problems, how long they’ve been on your file and how closely you meet the other items on the specialist lender’s eligibility checklist.

Can I get a mortgage with no credit history?

Most mainstream lenders will decline a customer who has a low credit score or no credit history, but a specialist provider may consider offering you a deal if you meet their other eligibility and affordability requirements very closely.

Moreover, there are steps you can take to build up some borrowing history. See the section titled ‘How to improve your credit rating for a mortgage’ for more info.

Are there mortgages for first time buyers with bad credit history?

Yes, mortgage loans are available for first-time buyers with poor credit history, but seeking specialist advice is highly recommended because some lenders consider first-time buyer mortgages to be higher risk and your adverse won’t help with that.

Not all mortgage providers will allow you to use one of the government’s first-time buyer schemes, such as Help to Buy, to get a mortgage with bad credit, but a flexible, specialist lender might permit it, as long as you meet their other requirements.

Another thing to consider is that bad credit mortgages come with higher deposit requirements that some first-time buyers might struggle to meet, but if you make an enquiry, the advisors we work with will help you find the lender best positioned to help a first-time buyer with your needs, circumstances and credit rating.

Can I get a 2nd mortgage with bad credit?

It may be possible, as there are 2nd mortgage loans aimed at bad credit borrowers, but they are harder to come by where second homes are concerned.

Things like the loan to value ratio, income requirements and affordability checks can be more stringent when you’re buying a second home, and a higher number of lenders will respond with an outright ‘no’ to customers with bad credit.

This is because 2nd mortgages are higher risk in general, since the borrower will already have significant outgoings from their existing home. However, with the help of a whole-of-market broker, you may be able to find a lender with a high appetite for risk who’s willing to offer a deal to a second home buyer with poor credit.

Can I get a third mortgage with bad credit?

A number of customers have also asked us whether it’s possible to get a 3rd mortgage with bad credit, and most of the above information applies, except it will prove even more difficult and the number of approachable lenders will decrease.

The more properties you own, the higher your outgoings, and therefore the level of risk will increase in the eyes of most lenders.

How far back do mortgage lenders look at credit history?

Most lenders will typically look at the last six years, as six years is the maximum amount of time most credit issues can remain on your file. Even if you have active adverse within this timeframe, it may still be possible to get a mortgage, depending on the severity of the issue and when it was registered.

Can I get an interest only mortgage with bad credit?

It may be possible if you can prove to the lender that you have a viable repayment vehicle to settle up at the end of term. Residential interest only mortgages are less common than repayment and your bad credit will almost certainly make one harder to obtain by reducing the number of approachable lenders.

When borrowing under these niche circumstances, getting specialist advice before you dive in is essential. You can read more about interest only mortgages here.

Can I get a self-build mortgage with bad credit?

It might prove difficult, but is by no means impossible. Self-build mortgages are designed for those with the means and expertise to build their own property (or at least oversee the construction of it). They are harder to come by than regular residential mortgages because the borrower must prove they are capable of seeing the project through and the final build value will line up with the original valuation.

With this in mind, the level of risk is often higher than for a regular mortgage, and as a result, not all lenders offer self-build loans. With bad credit on your file, the number of approachable providers will be even smaller.

That said, finding a lender who caters for self-build mortgage applicants with poor credit isn’t out of the question if you have whole-of-market access, so make an enquiry to speak with one of the specialist brokers we work with today.

Can I get a contractor mortgage with bad credit?

Possibly, yes. There are specialist mortgage providers who cater to the type of contractors listed below, and some of them deal with bad credit, too.

• Self-employed contractors
• Employed fixed/short term contractors
• Contractors/employees of umbrella companies
• Zero hours contracts with 6 months working history
• Agency workers

Whether one of these contractor lenders can offer you a deal might come down to factors such as how long you’ve been employed in that capacity, whether you’re contract has been renewed before, as well as the severity of your adverse credit.

Can I port my mortgage with bad credit?

Mortgage porting (transferring a mortgage from one property to another) is theoretically possible with bad credit. The process isn’t all that different to applying for your existing mortgage product from scratch, so whether you’re successful will depend on the lender’s stance on the severity of your credit problems, how long they’ve been on your file, and how closely you meet their other requirements.

Are there small mortgage loans for customers with bad credit?

Yes, the size of the mortgage you will get is all about affordability, offset against factors such as your credit rating. What’s ‘small’ to a borrower with high income might be substantial to somebody with low earnings, but the amount a mortgage provider is willing to offer you will be capped based on multiples of your salary. See the ‘How to get a mortgage with bad credit but good income…’ section for more.

Speak to a bad credit mortgages expert

If you have questions and want to speak to an expert for the right advice regarding the mortgage options that are available for people with bad credit, call Online Mortgage Advisor today on 0800 304 7880 or make an enquiry here.

Then sit back and let us do all the hard work in finding the broker with the right expertise for your circumstances. We don’t charge a fee and there’s absolutely no obligation or marks on your credit rating.