Question 1

Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lenders consider when the CCJ was registered, the amount, and whether it's satisfied. Options improve significantly after 12 months and again after 3 years. Specialist lenders can help even with recent CCJs.

Question 2

How long does a CCJ affect my mortgage application?

Accepted Answer

CCJs remain on your credit file for 6 years from registration. Impact reduces over time—recent CCJs are weighted more heavily. After 6 years, they're removed entirely.

Question 3

Does the CCJ amount matter for mortgages?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Small CCJs under £500 are viewed less seriously than larger ones. Multiple small CCJs may be treated worse than one larger one. Total cumulative amount also matters.

Question 4

What's the difference between satisfied and unsatisfied CCJs?

Accepted Answer

Satisfied means you've paid the debt in full. Unsatisfied means it's still outstanding. Most lenders require CCJs to be satisfied before approval, though some specialists consider unsatisfied CCJs.

Question 5

Can I get a CCJ removed from my credit file?

Accepted Answer

If paid within 1 month of the judgement, you can apply to have it set aside. After that, it stays for 6 years. If paid within 6 years, it's marked as 'satisfied' but remains visible.

Question 6

How much deposit do I need with a CCJ?

Accepted Answer

Typically 15-25% depending on CCJ age and amount. Recent or large CCJs require larger deposits. Some specialist lenders accept 10% for older, smaller, satisfied CCJs.

Question 7

Will my CCJ mortgage rate be higher?

Accepted Answer

Yes, expect rates 1-3% above standard products. The premium reduces for older CCJs, larger deposits, and strong income. You can remortgage to better rates after rebuilding credit.

Question 8

Can I get a mortgage with defaults on my credit file?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Defaults are common and many specialist lenders work with applicants who have them. Age, amount, and number of defaults all affect your options.

Question 9

How long do defaults stay on my credit file?

Accepted Answer

Defaults remain for 6 years from the date of default, not when registered. After 6 years, they're automatically removed regardless of whether the debt was paid.

Question 10

Do I need to pay off defaults before getting a mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Some lenders accept unsatisfied defaults, though your options and rates improve if they're paid. Recent defaults usually need to be satisfied.

Question 11

How many defaults can I have and still get a mortgage?

Accepted Answer

There's no fixed limit, but multiple defaults reduce options. Total value matters more than number—£5,000 across 3 defaults may be viewed similarly to one £5,000 default.

Question 12

Is a default the same as a CCJ?

Accepted Answer

No. A default is registered by a lender when you miss payments. A CCJ is a court judgement obtained when a creditor takes legal action. CCJs are viewed more seriously by mortgage lenders.

Question 13

What deposit do I need with defaults?

Accepted Answer

Typically 10-20% depending on default age, amount, and whether satisfied. Older, smaller, paid defaults may qualify for 10% deposit mortgages.

Question 14

Can I get a mortgage during an IVA?

Accepted Answer

Very difficult during an active IVA as you need supervisor permission for new credit. Most lenders won't consider applications until the IVA is completed.

Question 15

How long after IVA completion can I get a mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Some specialist lenders consider applications immediately after completion. Options improve at 1 year post-completion and significantly at 3 years.

Question 16

What deposit do I need after an IVA?

Accepted Answer

Typically 15-30% depending on how recently the IVA completed. Larger deposits required for recently completed IVAs or those with other credit issues.

Question 17

Does an IVA stay on my credit file forever?

Accepted Answer

IVAs remain on your credit file for 6 years from the start date, regardless of when completed. The IVA register also keeps records for 3 months after completion.

Question 18

Are mortgage rates higher after an IVA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, expect specialist rates 2-4% higher initially. Rates improve over time as you rebuild credit. Many clients remortgage to better deals within 2-3 years.

Question 19

Can I get a mortgage after bankruptcy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, once discharged. Most lenders require 3+ years since discharge. Some specialist lenders consider applications 1 year after discharge with larger deposits.

Question 20

How long does bankruptcy affect my mortgage application?

Accepted Answer

Bankruptcy stays on credit files for 6 years from date of order. Most lenders prefer 3-6 years since discharge. Impact diminishes each year after discharge.

Question 21

What deposit do I need after bankruptcy?

Accepted Answer

Typically 20-30% for applications within 3 years of discharge. This may reduce to 15-20% after 3 years with good credit rebuilding.

Question 22

Does the reason for bankruptcy matter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lenders view business failure more favourably than personal financial mismanagement. Being able to explain circumstances helps your application.

Question 23

Can I get a mortgage if bankruptcy was more than 6 years ago?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and your options improve significantly as it no longer appears on credit files. You may access near-mainstream rates with 10-15% deposits.

Question 24

Can I get a mortgage with missed payments on my credit file?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Occasional late payments are common and many lenders accept them. Recent or frequent late payments are more problematic than isolated incidents.

Question 25

How do lenders view missed mortgage payments vs credit card payments?

Accepted Answer

Missed mortgage payments are viewed most seriously as they directly relate to mortgage affordability. Credit card late payments are less impactful but still considered.

Question 26

How many late payments can I have?

Accepted Answer

No fixed rule, but generally 1-2 isolated late payments in the past 2 years won't significantly affect options. Multiple recent late payments reduce choices substantially.

Question 27

Does a 1-month late payment matter?

Accepted Answer

A single late payment (status 1) is less serious than multiple months late (status 2+). Many mainstream lenders accept occasional status 1 payments if otherwise clean.

Question 28

How long do missed payments stay on credit files?

Accepted Answer

6 years from the date of the late payment. Impact reduces over time—a 5-year-old late payment matters much less than one from last month.

Question 29

What credit score do I need for a mortgage?

Accepted Answer

There's no universal minimum—lenders use their own scoring. Generally, 700+ on Experian or 600+ on Equifax gives good options. Lower scores may still qualify with specialist lenders.

Question 30

Does checking my credit score affect my mortgage application?

Accepted Answer

No. Personal credit checks (soft searches) don't affect your score. Only lender applications (hard searches) leave a mark and can temporarily reduce your score.

Question 31

Why do I have different scores with different agencies?

Accepted Answer

Each credit reference agency (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) uses different scoring models and may hold slightly different information. Lenders often check multiple agencies.

Question 32

How can I improve my credit score quickly?

Accepted Answer

Register on electoral roll, correct any errors, reduce credit utilisation below 30%, avoid new credit applications, ensure all bills are paid on time. Most improvements take 2-3 months to show.

Question 33

Do mortgage lenders see the same score I see?

Accepted Answer

No. Consumer scores are indicative only. Lenders have access to raw credit data and apply their own scoring criteria, which may weight factors differently.

Question 34

What's the minimum deposit with bad credit?

Accepted Answer

Typically 10-15% for minor issues, 15-25% for more serious credit problems. Very recent or severe issues may require 25-30%.

Question 35

Can I use gifted deposit with bad credit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gifted deposits from family are accepted by most adverse credit lenders. You'll need a gifted deposit letter confirming it's not repayable.

Question 36

Does a larger deposit improve my chances with bad credit?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. A larger deposit reduces lender risk, giving access to better rates and more lender options. 25% deposit opens significantly more doors than 10%.

Question 37

Can I use equity from another property as deposit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you own property with equity, you can use this as deposit for a new purchase. Some lenders allow remortgaging to release equity for this purpose.

Question 38

Can I get a mortgage on a Debt Management Plan?

Accepted Answer

Difficult during an active DMP. Most lenders want the DMP completed. Some consider applications if the DMP will be cleared with funds from the mortgage.

Question 39

How long after a DMP can I get a mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Options improve immediately upon completion. Many specialist lenders consider applications 6-12 months post-DMP with a reasonable deposit.

Question 40

Does a DMP show on my credit file?

Accepted Answer

The DMP itself may not, but the underlying reduced payments and potential defaults will show. These remain for 6 years from the date they occurred.

Question 41

How soon can I remortgage after getting a bad credit mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Most adverse credit mortgages have 2-year fixed periods. You can remortgage after this without early repayment charges. 2-3 years of on-time payments significantly improves your options.

Question 42

Do bad credit mortgages have higher fees?

Accepted Answer

Some do, but not always. Many specialist lenders charge similar arrangement fees to mainstream products. Higher rates are more common than higher fees.

Question 43

Can I get a bad credit mortgage with a small deposit?

Accepted Answer

5% deposit adverse credit mortgages are rare. Most require 10% minimum, with better options at 15-20%. This is one area where more deposit significantly helps.

Question 44

Will a guarantor help me get a mortgage with bad credit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A guarantor (usually a parent) can significantly improve your options by providing additional security. Some lenders specifically offer guarantor products for adverse credit.

Question 45

Can I get a joint mortgage if one person has bad credit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the application will be assessed on the weaker credit profile. Having a partner with good credit helps with income but doesn't override credit issues.

Question 46

Are there government schemes for bad credit borrowers?

Accepted Answer

Government schemes like Help to Buy have credit checks but may be more lenient than standard products. Shared Ownership can be easier to access with credit issues.

Question 47

How long should I wait to apply after credit problems?

Accepted Answer

This varies by issue. Minor late payments: apply now. Defaults/CCJs: ideally 12+ months. IVA: after completion. Bankruptcy: 1-3 years after discharge.

Question 48

Can I get a mortgage if I've been declined?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A decline doesn't mean all lenders will refuse you. Different lenders have different criteria. We regularly help clients who've been declined elsewhere.

Question 49

Does self-employment make bad credit mortgages harder?

Accepted Answer

It adds complexity as you need to prove income alongside addressing credit issues. However, specialist lenders handle both scenarios—you just need the right advice.

Question 50

What documents do I need for a bad credit mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Standard mortgage documents plus any evidence that explains credit issues (redundancy letter, divorce papers, medical records). Proof that issues are resolved also helps.

Question 51

Can I get an interest-only mortgage with bad credit?

Accepted Answer

Rarely for residential. Buy-to-let interest-only is more accessible. Most residential adverse credit mortgages are repayment only.

Question 52

Are online lenders good for bad credit mortgages?

Accepted Answer

Some online lenders specialise in adverse credit. However, the best adverse credit products often come from specialist lenders only accessible through mortgage advisers.

Question 53

Can I get a bad credit mortgage on a new build?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though options are slightly reduced as some new-build lenders don't offer adverse credit products. Specialist lenders do cover new builds with credit issues.

Question 54

Will my bad credit affect the property I can buy?

Accepted Answer

Not directly, but your borrowing capacity may be lower due to higher rates. This might mean buying a less expensive property than you'd ideally like.

Question 55

Can I add credit issues to a mortgage application later?

Accepted Answer

You must declare all credit issues upfront. Failing to disclose and them being discovered later can lead to application rejection or even mortgage fraud allegations.

Adverse Credit Mortgage Q&A

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Adverse Credit Mortgage Q&A

Browse by Category

Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ?CCJs

How long does a CCJ affect my mortgage application?CCJs

Does the CCJ amount matter for mortgages?CCJs

What's the difference between satisfied and unsatisfied CCJs?CCJs

Can I get a CCJ removed from my credit file?CCJs

How much deposit do I need with a CCJ?CCJs

Will my CCJ mortgage rate be higher?CCJs

Can I get a mortgage with defaults on my credit file?Defaults

How long do defaults stay on my credit file?Defaults

Do I need to pay off defaults before getting a mortgage?Defaults

How many defaults can I have and still get a mortgage?Defaults

Is a default the same as a CCJ?Defaults

What deposit do I need with defaults?Defaults

Can I get a mortgage during an IVA?IVAs

How long after IVA completion can I get a mortgage?IVAs

What deposit do I need after an IVA?IVAs

Does an IVA stay on my credit file forever?IVAs

Are mortgage rates higher after an IVA?IVAs

Can I get a mortgage after bankruptcy?Bankruptcy

How long does bankruptcy affect my mortgage application?Bankruptcy

What deposit do I need after bankruptcy?Bankruptcy

Does the reason for bankruptcy matter?Bankruptcy

Can I get a mortgage if bankruptcy was more than 6 years ago?Bankruptcy

Can I get a mortgage with missed payments on my credit file?Missed Payments

How do lenders view missed mortgage payments vs credit card payments?Missed Payments

How many late payments can I have?Missed Payments

Does a 1-month late payment matter?Missed Payments

How long do missed payments stay on credit files?Missed Payments

What credit score do I need for a mortgage?Credit Scores

Does checking my credit score affect my mortgage application?Credit Scores

Why do I have different scores with different agencies?Credit Scores

How can I improve my credit score quickly?Credit Scores

Do mortgage lenders see the same score I see?Credit Scores

What's the minimum deposit with bad credit?Deposits

Can I use gifted deposit with bad credit?Deposits

Does a larger deposit improve my chances with bad credit?Deposits

Can I use equity from another property as deposit?Deposits

Can I get a mortgage on a Debt Management Plan?Debt Management

How long after a DMP can I get a mortgage?Debt Management

Does a DMP show on my credit file?Debt Management

How soon can I remortgage after getting a bad credit mortgage?General

Do bad credit mortgages have higher fees?General

Can I get a bad credit mortgage with a small deposit?General

Will a guarantor help me get a mortgage with bad credit?General

Can I get a joint mortgage if one person has bad credit?General

Are there government schemes for bad credit borrowers?General

How long should I wait to apply after credit problems?General

Can I get a mortgage if I've been declined?General

Does self-employment make bad credit mortgages harder?General

What documents do I need for a bad credit mortgage?General

Can I get an interest-only mortgage with bad credit?General

Are online lenders good for bad credit mortgages?General

Can I get a bad credit mortgage on a new build?General

Will my bad credit affect the property I can buy?General

Can I add credit issues to a mortgage application later?General

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