Can I get a mortgage after being declined elsewhere?

Yes, absolutely. One lender's 'no' doesn't mean you can't get a mortgage. We specialise in finding the right lender for your specific circumstances. Many of our clients come to us after being declined by high street banks.

Will applying again hurt my credit score?

Our initial assessment doesn't affect your credit score. We review your circumstances and identify suitable lenders before any formal application. We only submit when confident of approval, avoiding damaging your credit with more declines.

How long after a CCJ can I apply for a mortgage?

You can apply immediately. Many specialist lenders work with applicants who have CCJs. The impact depends on the value, how many, how recent, and whether they're satisfied. Satisfied CCJs are viewed more favourably.

How long after bankruptcy can I get a mortgage?

Some specialist lenders will consider applications from day one after discharge, though options are limited. After 3 years, more lenders become available. After 6 years, you'll have access to near-standard products.

How much deposit will I need with adverse credit?

Deposit requirements vary based on your credit issues. Minor recent problems might require 10-15%, while more serious or multiple issues typically need 20-25% or more. A larger deposit reduces the lender's risk.

Will I be able to remortgage to a better rate later?

Yes, this is a common strategy. After 2-3 years of making payments on time and rebuilding your credit, you can often remortgage to a standard lender with significantly better rates.

FCA Regulated

Bad Credit MortgagesUK

Bad credit doesn't always stop a mortgage — applying at the wrong time or to the wrong lender does.

Most adverse credit declines happen before an underwriter even looks at the case. The issue isn't your credit history. It's how and where the application was made.

No credit checkFree, no obligationFCA regulated

Or call 03334 559078

29 Years

Experience

Whole Market

Lender Access

5★

Reviews.io

We regularly help clients secure mortgages despite CCJs, defaults, and previous declines.

TL;DR — Can I Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?

Yes, you can get a mortgage with CCJs, defaults, IVAs, or bankruptcy
Specialist lenders look beyond credit scores — we have access to 100+ of them
Expect 10-25% deposit requirement depending on credit severity
Rates typically 1-3% higher than standard, but you can remortgage in 2-3 years
Free initial assessment using soft search (won't affect your credit score)

Is This Page For You?

This page is for people who have been told "no" elsewhere, or who are worried their credit history will stop them getting a mortgage. If any of these apply to you, we can help:

Declined by a high street bank or broker

CCJs, defaults, or missed payments on your credit file

IVA (current or discharged)

Bankruptcy in the past 6 years

Self-employed with credit issues

Worried about damaging your credit further with applications

Been told to 'wait and try again later'

Unsure if you can realistically get approved

Why Adverse Credit Mortgages Fail

Most bad credit mortgage applications fail not because of the credit issues themselves, but because of how the application was handled. Here's what typically goes wrong:

Wrong lender choice

Every lender has different criteria for adverse credit. What one rejects, another approves. High street banks rarely lend to people with credit issues, but specialist lenders do — if you know which ones.

Wrong timing

Applying too soon after a credit event, or before you've built enough deposit, reduces your options. But waiting too long when you could get approved now costs you years of equity.

Automated declines

Many online applications and comparison sites use automated scoring. You get declined before a human even looks at your case. Specialist lenders use manual underwriting.

Multiple AIPs

Each 'agreement in principle' leaves a footprint on your credit file. Too many searches make lenders nervous and reduce your options further.

Poor case presentation

How your application is packaged matters. Explaining circumstances, sequencing lenders correctly, and knowing what to disclose (and how) can be the difference between approval and decline.

How We Approach It Differently

We don't use comparison sites or automated systems. Every adverse credit case is reviewed by a human adviser who understands lender criteria.

Whole-of-market access

We work with specialist lenders who focus on adverse credit cases. Some only accept applications through brokers like us.

Manual underwriting routes

We know which lenders use human underwriters who can assess your situation properly, not just run a credit score algorithm.

Proper case packaging

We present your application in the best light, explaining circumstances and providing the right supporting documents upfront.

Lender sequencing

We apply to the right lender first. If your first choice declines, we know where to go next without wasting credit searches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying direct to high street banks

Most high street lenders auto-decline adverse credit applications. You get a "no" and a search on your file, reducing your options elsewhere.

Using too many "eligibility checkers"

Some leave soft footprints, others don't. Either way, they often give misleading results for complex cases. A real adviser review is more reliable.

Applying too early

Sometimes waiting 3-6 months opens up significantly better options. But you need someone to tell you that honestly — not just decline you now.

Hiding credit issues

Lenders see everything on your credit file. Trying to hide issues wastes everyone's time. Being upfront lets us find the right lender from the start.

"In adverse credit cases, lender choice matters more than the rate. Getting approved with the right lender now beats waiting years for a slightly better deal that may never come."

Jay Sabine

Principal Adviser, Your Home Finance

Find Out If You Can Realistically Get Approved

No obligation. No credit check. An adviser will review your situation and give you honest feedback on your options.

No obligationNo credit checkAdviser reviewed

Frequently Asked Questions

Verified Client Reviews

Independently authenticated via Reviews.io. Only real clients can leave feedback.

★★★★★

Loading verified client reviews...

Jay Sabine

CeMAP, Cert CII (MP)

29 Years Experience

Content reviewed: January 2026

CeMAP awarded by The London Institute of Banking & Finance. Cert CII (MP) awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute.