We Understand How Stressful This Feels
Being declined for a mortgage—or worrying you'll be declined—is incredibly frustrating. You're not alone. Every week we help people who thought homeownership was out of reach.
"I've been rejected twice already" — We work with lenders who look beyond automated decisions.
"My CCJ was years ago" — Many lenders view old credit issues very differently from recent ones.
"I'm embarrassed to explain" — We've heard it all. No judgement, just solutions.
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit in the UK?
Yes, you can get a mortgage with bad credit in the UK. Specialist lenders accept CCJs, defaults, missed payments, IVAs, and bankruptcies. Expect 10-25% deposit and rates 1-3% higher than standard. Many remortgage to better rates after 2-3 years.
Based on 29 years helping clients with credit issues secure mortgages.
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit in the UK?
Yes, you can get a mortgage with bad credit in the UK. Specialist lenders work with people who have CCJs, defaults, missed payments, IVAs, or discharged bankruptcies. You'll typically need a 10-25% deposit depending on the severity of your credit issues, and rates may be 1-3% higher than standard mortgages. Many clients successfully remortgage to better rates after 2-3 years of rebuilding credit.
Key Facts: Bad Credit Mortgages
- •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)
Content reviewed: 13 January 2026
What is it?
A mortgage designed for borrowers with credit issues such as CCJs, defaults, missed payments, IVAs, or bankruptcy. Specialist lenders assess current affordability rather than focusing solely on credit history.
Who qualifies?
- People with CCJs registered 12+ months ago
- Those with satisfied defaults over 12 months old
- Applicants with missed payments but stable income
- Discharged bankrupts (typically 3+ years)
- Completed IVA holders
Typical deposit
15-25% depending on severity and recency of credit issues. Minor issues may qualify for 10%, severe recent issues may require 30%+.
Typical rates
1-4% above standard rates. A typical 5-year fix might be 6-8% compared to 4-5% for clean credit. Rates improve with larger deposits and older credit issues.
Documents needed
- 3-6 months bank statements
- Proof of income (payslips/SA302)
- Proof of deposit source
- Explanation letter for credit issues
- Evidence issues are resolved (satisfaction certificates)
Real Example
Situation: Client with £3,000 CCJ from 2022 (satisfied), earning £45,000, wanting to buy a £250,000 property.
Outcome: Approved with 15% deposit (£37,500) at 6.2% over 5 years. Monthly payment £1,380. Plans to remortgage in 2 years once credit improves.
What Are Adverse Credit Mortgages?
Bad credit mortgages (also called adverse credit mortgages) are designed for people who have experienced financial difficulties in the past. Whether you have CCJs, defaults, missed payments, an IVA, or even a discharged bankruptcy, specialist lenders can still help you get on the property ladder.
Unlike mainstream lenders who focus heavily on credit scores, specialist lenders assess your current financial situation and ability to afford repayments. They understand that past financial problems don't define your future, and many people successfully rebuild their finances after credit issues.
While you'll typically pay higher interest rates and need a larger deposit, adverse credit mortgages offer a genuine path to homeownership. Many of our clients use these mortgages as stepping stones, remortgaging to better rates after 2-3 years of rebuilding their credit. Whether you're combining adverse credit with self-employment, or considering first-time buyer options, we have specialist lenders for every scenario.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Why Choose Your Home Finance for Adverse Credit Mortgages
We specialise in helping people with credit issues find the right mortgage
Specialist Lenders
Access to lenders who specialise in adverse credit cases and look beyond your credit score
Expert Guidance
Our advisers understand adverse credit mortgages and know how to present your application effectively
Case-by-Case Review
We assess your individual circumstances, not just your credit file
No Obligation
Free initial consultation with no pressure to proceed
Credit Issues We Help With
No matter your credit history, we have access to specialist lenders
CCJs (County Court Judgements)
Satisfied or unsatisfied CCJs considered
Defaults
Utility bills, credit cards, loans, or other defaults
Missed Payments
Late or missed payments on credit commitments
IVAs (Individual Voluntary Arrangements)
Active or discharged IVA cases
Bankruptcy
Discharged bankruptcy cases considered
Repossession
Previous property repossession
Adverse Credit Mortgage Insights: Expert Tips
Essential guidance to help you navigate adverse credit mortgages successfully
Different lenders view credit issues differently. CCJs, defaults, missed payments, IVAs, and bankruptcy all have varying impacts. The severity, amount, and how recent the issues are matter more than the type. Some lenders specialise in specific credit problems—knowing which ones is crucial to getting approved.
Waiting can improve your chances and rates. Most lenders prefer 12+ months since your last missed payment. CCJs and defaults have less impact after 3 years. Discharged bankruptcies may be considered after 3-6 years. However, waiting isn't always necessary—specialist lenders can help sooner with the right circumstances.
Bad credit mortgages typically require larger deposits. Recent minor issues might need 10-15% deposit. Multiple or serious issues often require 20-25% or more. Larger deposits reduce lender risk and can secure better rates. Some specialist lenders accept 10% with the right circumstances.
Expect higher rates than standard mortgages, but they're not permanent. Initial rates might be 1-3% higher than prime lending. Your rate depends on credit issue severity, deposit size, and time elapsed. Many clients remortgage to better rates within 2-3 years after rebuilding credit.
This combination requires specialist knowledge. Learn more about our specialist self-employed mortgage services. You'll need strong recent accounts showing consistent income. Larger deposits help offset both risk factors. Some lenders specialise in this exact scenario. We know which lenders are most flexible for self-employed applicants with credit issues.
Register on the electoral roll at your current address. Correct any errors on your credit file. Avoid new credit applications before applying. Pay all current commitments on time. Keep credit utilisation below 30%. Consider adding a guarantor if borderline. Small steps make a significant difference.
For a more comprehensive guide covering all adverse credit scenarios, visit our Complete Adverse Credit Mortgages Hub
Check Your Credit Report
Before applying for a mortgage, it's essential to know exactly what's on your credit file. The UK has three main credit reference agencies, plus a multi-agency service that shows all three:
We recommend CheckMyFile for adverse credit cases as it shows data from all three agencies, helping identify discrepancies that different lenders may see.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about adverse credit mortgages
Written by FCA-Regulated Advisers
This guide is written by Your Home Finance's team of FCA-regulated financial advisers with 29 years of combined experience in specialist mortgages. All information is verified against current FCA guidelines and lender criteria.
Last updated: November 2024 • All information current and verified
Specialist mortgage advisers for UK homebuyers with credit challenges • 98% client satisfaction rate
People Also Ask About Bad Credit Mortgages
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Quick Answers
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Deposit requirements with adverse credit
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Options if you have defaults
Missed Payment Mortgages
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Mortgage After Bankruptcy
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Mortgage After IVA
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What Credit Score Do I Need?
Credit score requirements explained
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.