Can You Get a Joint Mortgage If One Person Has Bad Credit?

Yes, you can get a joint mortgage when one partner has bad credit. Options include: applying jointly with specialist adverse credit lenders, applying in sole name (if income is sufficient), or using a JBSP (Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor) mortgage. On a joint application, lenders assess both credit histories, so one person's issues affect the application. Specialist lenders understand these situations.

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Can I get a joint mortgage if my partner has bad credit?

Yes, but it's more complex. You have options: apply together with specialist lenders who accept adverse credit, apply in sole name (using only your income), or use a JBSP (Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor) mortgage where your partner helps with affordability but isn't on the deeds. A broker can advise on the best approach.

Will my partner's bad credit affect my mortgage application?

If you apply jointly, yes. Lenders assess both applicants' credit histories. One person's CCJs, defaults, or poor credit affects the joint application. However, you can sometimes apply in sole name if your income is sufficient alone, keeping your partner off the mortgage (though they may still need to consent if married).

Can one person be on the mortgage but both on the deeds?

Yes, this is possible but not common. You can have someone on the property deeds who isn't on the mortgage. However, lenders may be reluctant as the person on deeds has property rights but no mortgage liability. Legal advice is essential for this arrangement.

What is a JBSP mortgage?

JBSP (Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor) lets multiple people be on the mortgage (for affordability) but only one person on the property deeds (for ownership). Useful when a partner with bad credit can help with income but you want to protect the property from their credit issues. Available from select lenders.

Should I apply alone or jointly with a bad credit partner?

Depends on your circumstances. Sole application: works if your income alone is sufficient, avoids partner's credit issues, but limits borrowing. Joint application: higher borrowing potential, but need specialist lenders for adverse credit. A broker can compare options and likely outcomes.

Can we buy a house if both of us have bad credit?

Yes, but options are more limited. Specialist adverse credit lenders consider applications where both parties have credit issues. You'll need a larger deposit (20-25%), will pay higher rates, and the severity and recency of issues matters. A broker specialising in adverse credit is essential.

Quick Answer

Can We Get a Joint Mortgage If My Partner Has Bad Credit?

Last reviewed: December 2025

Reviewed by Jay Sabine – CeMAP Qualified – 29 years experience

Yes - you can apply jointly with specialist lenders, apply in your sole name, or consider a JBSP mortgage. Your best option depends on income levels and severity of credit issues.

When one partner has bad credit, getting a joint mortgage is more challenging but far from impossible. Standard lenders assess both applicants' credit histories, so one person's CCJs, defaults, or missed payments can derail a joint application with mainstream banks. However, specialist adverse credit lenders take a more nuanced view, considering the full picture including whose name the issues are in, how old they are, and whether they're satisfied. Alternatively, if the partner with good credit has sufficient income alone, a sole application avoids the credit issues entirely. JBSP mortgages offer a middle ground - both incomes count for affordability, but only the good-credit partner owns the property.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Both parties are liable on a joint mortgage regardless of who owns the property.

Key Points

1Joint applications assess both partners' credit
2Specialist lenders accept joint applications with adverse credit
3Sole name application avoids partner's credit issues
4JBSP mortgages use both incomes but one owner
5Whose name the credit issues are in matters
6Time since issues and whether satisfied affects options

Eligibility Criteria

At least one partner with stable income
Sufficient income to meet affordability (joint or sole)
Deposit available (larger for adverse credit)
Credit issues documented and explainable
No current bankruptcy for either party

Typical Timeframe

Applications where one partner has bad credit may take 4-8 weeks. If considering whether joint or sole application is better, get advice before applying - multiple declined applications worsen credit. Decision in principle available within 48 hours from most lenders.

Next Steps

1Both partners check their credit reports
2Calculate affordability in sole vs joint names
3Identify whose credit is the issue and severity
4Speak to a specialist adverse credit broker
5Compare joint vs sole application options

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Can We Get a Joint Mortgage If My Partner Has Bad Credit?

Key Points

Eligibility Criteria

Typical Timeframe

Next Steps

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