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Bad Credit Mortgages

If you've been juggling bad credit while trying to sort your mortgage, we're here to help. As a reputable UK mortgage broker with access to over 90 lenders, we can find a solution out there for you. Get in touch for a chat.
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What is bad credit? How bad credit affects mortgages How to improve your chances of getting a mortgage with bad credit Finding your bad credit mortgage deal Bad credit mortgages FAQs

What is Bad Credit?

Bad credit, often referred to as adverse credit, can be a hurdle for many when considering a mortgage application. Bad credit refers to a credit history that shows past difficulties in managing credit obligations. This may include:
  • Late payments
  • Defaults
  • County Court Judgments (CCJs)
  • Debt management plans
  • Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVAs)
  • Bankruptcy
These blemishes on a credit report can be indicators of past financial struggles or mismanagement, and they often lead lenders to view an individual as a higher credit risk. It’s important to understand that adverse credit is often a reflection of a specific period in someone’s financial history and not necessarily indicative of their current financial situation.
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How Bad Credit Affects Mortgages

Bad credit can have a significant impact on your mortgage prospects. Understanding how it influences your available pool of lenders, the rates offered, and the overall feasibility of obtaining a mortgage is essential for those with less-than-perfect credit histories. This page delves into the relationship between bad credit and mortgage opportunities.

Effect on Choice of Lender

The presence of bad credit in your history can be a deciding factor in what lenders will borrow to you. Lenders scrutinise credit histories to assess risk, and adverse credit can often lead to declined applications. However, this isn’t a universal rule. The severity of the bad credit, its age, and the circumstances surrounding it are all considered.

You will probably find most high-street lenders here in the UK have pretty strict criteria surrounding your credit history. However, many lenders exist (often accessible by brokers only) who specialise in handling applications from individuals with adverse credit, offering alternative solutions where mainstream lenders might not. This is where the value of a broker like Proper Advice shines, as we can access these types of solutions!

Impact on Mortgage Rates

If you have bad credit, you may find that the terms of any mortgage offer are less favourable than those for individuals with clean credit histories. This often translates to higher interest rates, which lenders charge to offset the perceived higher risk.

Additionally, you may be required to provide a larger deposit, as lenders seek to reduce their exposure to potential default. The combination of higher rates and larger deposits can in many cases make mortgages more expensive for those with adverse credit.

Long-Term Financial Implications

Bad credit doesn’t just affect the initial stages of securing a mortgage; it can also have long-term financial implications. Higher interest rates mean higher monthly payments and an increased amount of interest paid over the life of the mortgage.

This can significantly affect your overall financial planning and budgeting. It’s important to carefully consider these long-term costs and weigh them against the benefits of homeownership.
Bad credit can present challenges in the mortgage process, but it’s not an insurmountable obstacle.

With the right approach and expert mortgage advice from Proper Advice, securing a mortgage with bad credit can go from a stressful situation to a breeze.

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Improving Your Chances
Of Getting A Mortgage With Bad Credit

Before applying for a mortgage, there are several proactive steps you can take to improve your chances:
  • Review and Rectify Your Credit Report: Ensure your credit report is accurate and up-to-date. Correct any errors and address any outstanding issues.
  • Demonstrate Financial Stability: Show evidence of steady income and a solid record of recent financial responsibility. This includes regular savings, timely payment of bills, and reduction of existing debts.
  • Save for a Larger Deposit: Having a larger deposit can sometimes offset the perceived risk associated with bad credit and may lead to more favorable mortgage terms.
Be prepared for a more thorough scrutiny of your financial situation. Lenders will closely examine your credit history, income, outgoings, and the severity of your adverse credit. Transparency about your financial past and current situation can help build trust with potential lenders. To find out about the process in more detail, visit our Remortgage Hub!

Finding Your Bad Credit Mortgage Deal

Not everyone has a perfect credit history. We're able to find solutions for almost any scenario.
  • Access to over 120 lenders, some who specialise in bad credit mortgages
  • Choose from the best deals and rates
  • Discover if any broker exclusive deals are available to you
  • Expert advice on how to manage your credit file
  • Personalised quotes and guidance at every step
Sometimes finding a mortgage deal is complicated enough, never mind with a less-than-perfect credit history. Let us handle the stress and find you the perfect solution.

Why Choose Proper Advice? What Makes Us Different

We know there are plenty of brokers out there. Here's what makes us different:
Access to 90+ lenders
We're whole-of-market, which means we're not tied to a panel of five or six lenders. We search the full market, including specialist lenders and broker-exclusive deals, to find the best option for you.
Two points of contact
You'll be looked after by a dedicated adviser and a case manager. That means there's always someone who knows your case and can answer your questions.
We monitor your rate
During your application, we review your rate every week. If a better deal becomes available before you complete, we'll switch you to it. Not every broker does this, but we think it's the right thing to do.
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1,800+ 5 star reviews
We don't say we're good - our clients do. With over 1,800 five-star reviews on Trustpilot and Google, our track record speaks for itself. We're rated "Excellent" on both platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Having adverse credit can limit your mortgage options. Lenders may perceive you as a higher risk, potentially leading to higher interest rates or the need for a larger deposit. It’s not a definitive barrier, but it does mean you’ll need to navigate the mortgage landscape more carefully.

Yes, securing a mortgage with adverse credit is possible. There are specialist lenders and products designed for those with less-than-perfect credit histories. These options might come with different terms compared to standard mortgages, like higher interest rates, but they provide a pathway to homeownership.

Yes, several lenders offer mortgage products specifically for individuals with adverse credit. These products often take into account the unique circumstances of applicants with a history of credit difficulties.

Adverse credit information typically stays on your credit file for six years. However, its impact on your credit rating decreases over time, especially if you demonstrate responsible financial behaviour and stability.

Clearing debts can improve your credit score, but it’s equally important to establish a consistent track record of responsible credit use. Sudden, significant debt repayment won’t immediately erase historical issues but will positively contribute to your overall credit health.

Bad credit doesn’t permanently impact your ability to obtain a mortgage. As your financial situation improves and you build a record of reliable credit management, your prospects for securing a mortgage with favourable terms also improve.

Absolutely. Consulting with a mortgage advisor can be extremely beneficial if you have adverse credit. We can offer expert advice tailored to your individual circumstances and guide you through the complexities of the mortgage market, helping you to find the most suitable options.

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Reviewed by Michael Kallaras. Michael is our Managing Director and is a CeMAP-qualified mortgage adviser, specialising in remortgages, debt consolidation, and helping clients navigate complex lending scenarios.

Last Reviewed: July 2026
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