Getting a Mortgage with Bad Credit in the UK
Expert guidance on securing a mortgage despite credit issues, including advice on specialist lenders, deposit requirements, and improving your chances of approval.
Understanding Bad Credit Mortgages in the UK
A bad credit mortgage is a home loan designed for borrowers with credit issues such as CCJs, defaults, late payments, or a low credit score. While mainstream lenders might reject applicants with poor credit, specialist lenders offer options specifically for this market.
These mortgages typically come with higher interest rates and require larger deposits to offset the increased risk to the lender. However, they provide a pathway to homeownership for those who might otherwise be excluded from the property market.
Credit Issues That Affect Mortgage Applications
- County Court Judgments (CCJs)
Court orders registered against you for unpaid debts
- Defaults
When you've broken the terms of a credit agreement
- Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs)
Formal agreements to pay creditors part of what you owe
- Bankruptcy
Legal status for those who cannot repay debts
- Missed or Late Payments
History of not paying bills on time
Bad Credit Mortgage Options in the UK
Different mortgage options available based on your specific credit situation.
Specialist Bad Credit Mortgages
Mortgages from lenders who specialize in working with borrowers who have credit issues.
Key Features:
- Higher interest rates than standard mortgages (typically 2-4% higher)
- Larger deposit requirements (usually 15-25% minimum)
- More flexible acceptance criteria for credit issues
- Often available through specialist mortgage brokers only
- Examples: Pepper Money, Kensington, Precise Mortgages, Bluestone
Guarantor Mortgages
Mortgages where a family member or close friend with good credit guarantees the loan.
Key Features:
- The guarantor is legally responsible if you miss payments
- Can help you access better interest rates despite bad credit
- May allow for a smaller deposit in some cases
- The guarantor usually needs to be a homeowner with equity
- Examples: Barclays Family Springboard, Nationwide Family Deposit Mortgage
Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor
A mortgage where someone else's income is considered alongside yours, but they're not on the property deed.
Key Features:
- Both incomes are considered for affordability
- Only you own the property
- Can help overcome income limitations caused by bad credit
- The other person is still liable for the mortgage
- Examples: Metro Bank, Barclays, Halifax
Right to Buy with Bad Credit
Mortgages for council or housing association tenants looking to buy their home despite credit issues.
Key Features:
- Available to tenants with a secure tenancy
- Significant discounts on the market value of the property
- Lenders may be more lenient with credit issues due to the discount
- Deposit requirements can be lower
- Examples: Many high street and specialist lenders offer Right to Buy mortgages
Improving Your Credit Score
While not a mortgage option, improving your credit score can significantly increase your chances of approval and access to better rates.
Key Strategies:
- Check your credit report for errors and correct them
- Register on the electoral roll
- Pay all bills on time
- Reduce your credit utilization (the amount of credit you're using compared to your limit)
- Avoid applying for too much credit at once
- Consider using a credit-builder credit card
Get Personalized Mortgage Advice
Connect with a specialist mortgage advisor who can assess your situation and find the best options for you.
Real People, Real Results
Read how we've helped others secure a mortgage despite their credit history.
Sarah's Story
Sarah had several missed payments on credit cards but was able to secure a mortgage with a specialist lender after working with our advisors.
Read MoreJohn's Story
John had a CCJ but was able to get a guarantor mortgage with the help of his parents, allowing him to buy his first home.
Read MoreEmily's Story
Emily used the Right to Buy scheme to purchase her council house despite having a low credit score, thanks to the significant discount.
Read More