A less-than-perfect credit history is more common than you might think — and it doesn't necessarily mean you can't get a mortgage. The reality is that "bad credit" covers a wide spectrum.
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Try the calculator →What counts as bad credit?
Missed or late payments, defaults, County Court Judgements (CCJs), Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), bankruptcy, Debt Management Plans, and repossession all affect your credit profile — but to different degrees.
Can I still get a mortgage?
Yes, in many cases. The key factors are: how serious the issue was, how long ago it happened, whether it's been resolved, and your deposit size. A larger deposit significantly reduces lender risk.
Specialist adverse credit lenders
High street banks have strict criteria and will often decline applicants with credit issues. However, specialist lenders focus specifically on borrowers with adverse credit history — at higher rates to reflect the risk.
Steps to improve your chances
- Check and correct your credit reports
- Register on the electoral roll
- Build positive credit history responsibly
- Save a larger deposit (15–20% or more)
- Wait if possible — credit issues have less impact as they age
- Use a specialist mortgage broker
💡 Don't apply speculatively. Every full mortgage application leaves a hard footprint on your credit file. Multiple rejections can make things worse. Get specialist broker advice first.