Honest Mortgages – Bad Credit Mortgage Specialists
Honest Help for Buying or Remortgaging
Struggling with bad credit mortgages or exploring shared ownership mortgages? At Honest Mortgages, we work with specialist lenders who understand real-life circumstances, even if you’ve had defaults, missed payments, or a low credit score. Our friendly, transparent advice means no hidden costs and support from start to finish, helping you find the right mortgage for your needs.
Reviewed by David Baaye, CeMAP Mortgage Adviser, FCA regulated. Updated September 2025.
Bad Credit Mortgages At a Glance.
A quick look at what a bad credit mortgage is, who it can help and how we work with specialist lenders to find a realistic way forward.
What Is a Bad Credit Mortgage.
Designed for people with a history of missed payments, defaults, CCJs or low credit scores. Specialist lenders look at your full financial picture, not just the score.
Can I Get a Mortgage.
Yes. We work with lenders who understand that real life happens. Whether you are in a debt plan or rebuilding after past issues, we look for a deal that suits you and explain your bad credit mortgage options in plain language.
We Can Help With.
- CCJs or defaults within the last 12 to 24 months
- Low or recovering credit scores
- Discharged bankruptcy
- Debt management plans
- Self employed applicants
How We Help.
- Free initial chat
- Soft credit checks where possible
- Whole of market comparison
- Support from first call to completion
More Than 20 Years Helping Clients With Credit Bumps.
We specialise in helping people who may not fit a perfect tick box. If you have been declined elsewhere or are worried about your credit file, we are here to listen and give straight answers. You can also read our full bad credit mortgage guide if you prefer to do some research first.
We genuinely enjoy helping clients overcome past credit problems and move into the right home.
Over 20 Years Experience.
We carefully review every application, looking beyond the headline score. Whether you have credit issues, are newly self employed or contracting, we help you secure a mortgage that fits your situation today.
For a deeper look at how lenders think, see bad credit mortgages, myths vs reality.
Get StartedOur Mission.
We help people who may have been declined by mainstream lenders. Our experience with specialist lenders means we can often help where others cannot.
We understand that poor credit is stressful, so we focus on clear communication and removing as many barriers as we can.
Circumstances We Can Help With if You Have Bad Credit.
Life happens. Here are some of the situations we regularly see and support, without judgement.
County Court Judgements.
We work with lenders who may still consider your application even if you have had CCJs in the last six years.
Defaults.
Some lenders are open to applicants with defaults on their file, including those recorded within the last six years.
Arrears and Missed Payments.
We can help even if you have had missed or late payments, including within the past 12 months.
Low or Poor Credit Scores.
We consider more than just the number on the screen, matching you with lenders that focus on the wider picture.
Debt Management Plans.
Some lenders will consider applicants who are in an active DMP, provided it has been well conducted and affordable.
IVA or Bankruptcy.
We work with lenders who can consider applications after IVA or bankruptcy once certain conditions are met.
Defaults, a Debt Management Plan and a Route Onto the Property Ladder.
A couple with two credit card defaults from 2022 and an active debt management plan wanted to buy their first home but had been declined by their bank.
We reviewed their full credit reports, checked that their DMP payments were up to date and recommended a specialist lender comfortable with recent credit issues.
The result was an agreement in principle for a shared ownership purchase with a 10 percent deposit on their share and a clear plan to improve their credit profile over the next few years.
Honest Tips for Bad Credit Mortgages.
Understanding Bad Credit Mortgages.
Struggling with a poor credit history but still want to own a home. This guide explains how lenders view your file and what may still be possible.
Learn more
Bad Credit Mortgages, Myths vs Reality.
Myth: they are impossible to get. Reality: many lenders specifically offer products for clients with credit issues.
Read the guide
Tips for Bad Credit Applicants.
Practical steps you can take in the months before applying, from managing commitments to checking your credit reports.
See our tipsBrowse Mortgage Guides by Situation.
Use this hub as your starting point. It organises our main guides into simple categories so you can quickly find the ones that match your situation.
Shared Ownership View page
- Shared ownership case study and 2025 guide
- Government schemes
- Shared ownership after bankruptcy
- Shared ownership and DMPs
- Shared ownership and missed payments
- Shared ownership, full guide
- Shared ownership deposit rules
- Shared ownership approval tips
- Shared ownership lenders
- Shared ownership after an IVA
- Shared ownership and CCJs
- Shared ownership and defaults
- Shared ownership and low credit scores
- Can you get shared ownership
- Shared ownership, everything you need to know
Right to Buy View page
First Time Buyer View page
Buy to Let View page
Remortgaging View page
- Remortgaging in 2025, timing and rules
- Which lenders offer remortgages
- Remortgage approval tips
- Self employed remortgaging
- Remortgaging with defaults
- Remortgaging with a CCJ
- Remortgaging after an IVA
- How long to wait before remortgaging
- Remortgaging with a DMP
- Remortgage to consolidate debt
- Bankruptcy and remortgaging
No guides match this search. Try another keyword like CCJ, IVA, defaults or shared ownership.
Bad Credit Mortgage FAQs.
A few of the questions we are asked most often. If you cannot see your situation here, just ask and we can talk it through.
Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ.
Yes, especially if the CCJ is over 12 months old or settled. Some specialist lenders will consider more recent CCJs as well, depending on the amount and reason.
Will I pay more interest on a bad credit mortgage.
Rates can be higher where there is recent or severe adverse credit, but not always. We search across lenders to find the most affordable option available to you.
How much deposit do I need with bad credit.
This depends on your credit profile and income. Many bad credit lenders work with deposits in the 10 to 25 percent range, although there are cases where lower deposits are possible.
Can I get a mortgage after bankruptcy.
Yes, once you have been discharged for a certain period and met the lender criteria. Different lenders have different time scales and rules around bankruptcy.
Can I get a mortgage while in a debt management plan.
Some lenders will consider this, particularly where the plan has been in place for a while and payments are up to date and affordable.
Does applying for a mortgage hurt my credit score.
We start with soft searches where possible. A hard search is only carried out when you are ready to proceed with a full application and understand the recommendation.
Explore Our Bad Credit Services and Tools.
If you are still exploring your options, these pages and tools can help you dig deeper into the route that suits you best.
