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Buying a Home with Bad Credit – Honest Mortgage Specialists

Struggling with Bad Credit? We Can Still Help You Buy Your First or Next Home

Looking to buy a home with bad credit? At Honest Mortgages, we help first-time buyers and movers secure the right deal, even with a poor credit history. Whether you need a first-time buyer mortgage or a tailored bad credit mortgage, our specialist lenders understand real-life circumstances such as CCJs, defaults, or missed payments, giving you clear options to get on the property ladder.

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Reviewed by David Baaye, CeMAP Mortgage Adviser. FCA regulated. Updated September 2025.

What Counts as 'Bad Credit'?

Bad credit can include:

  • County Court Judgements (CCJs)
  • Defaults or missed payments
  • Bankruptcy or IVAs
  • Debt Management Plans (DMPs)
  • Low credit score or no history

Every lender sees these differently — we’ll help you understand your position.

How We Can Help

  • Review your credit report and explain it in plain English
  • Assess affordability and deposit options
  • Find the right lender for your needs
  • Support you from start to finish

How to Improve Your Chances

  • Register to vote (important!)
  • Stay on top of repayments
  • Pause new credit applications
  • Save a larger deposit (15–20% if possible)

We’ll help build a realistic plan based on your situation.

Let’s Talk Honestly

We believe in honest advice — no judgment, no jargon. If you’re ready to explore your mortgage options, we’re here to help.

Get Started Today

Bad Credit Mortgage Types We Help With

First-Time Buyers

Step-by-step help with your first mortgage. We'll guide you through deposits, affordability and getting the keys in your hand.

Buy to Let

Support for landlords and investors. We'll help you find the right mortgage to maximise your rental return.

Shared Ownership

Own part of a home and pay rent on the rest. Great for getting started when deposits are tight.

95% LTV Mortgages

Only have a 5% deposit? No worries. We’ll help you find lenders who make homeownership possible.

Large Mortgages

Need to borrow more? We specialise in larger loans, including complex incomes and bespoke lending solutions.

Right to Buy

Buying your council house? We can help you use your discount as a deposit and get the right deal in place.

Circumstances We Can Help With

We understand life happens — here’s how we support you without judgment.

01

County Court Judgements

We work with lenders who may still consider your application even if you’ve had CCJs in the last 6 years.

02

Defaults

Some lenders are open to applicants with defaults on their file, even within the last 6 years.

03

Arrears / Missed Payments

We can help even if you’ve had missed or late payments — including in the past 12 months.

04

Low / Poor Credit Scores

We consider more than just your score — we look at your situation and match you with the right lender.

05

Debt Management Plans

We may be able to help even if you're in an active DMP, provided it's been managed well.

06

IVA / Bankruptcy

We work with lenders who accept applications after IVA or bankruptcy, once conditions are met.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ?
Yes, especially if the CCJ is over 12 months old or settled. Some lenders accept unsatisfied CCJs too.
Will I pay more interest?
Some lenders charge slightly higher rates, but we’ll help you find the most affordable option for your circumstances.
How much deposit do I need?
Expect to put down 10–25%, depending on the severity of your credit history.
Can I get a mortgage after bankruptcy?
Yes, once discharged (typically after 1–3 years), many specialist lenders will consider your application.
How much can I borrow for a mortgage?
This depends on your income, outgoings, credit profile, and deposit size. Most lenders offer around 4 to 4.5 times your annual income, but it varies.
Do I need a mortgage broker?
Not always, but a broker can save you time, stress, and money—especially if your situation is complicated or if you’ve been declined elsewhere.
How long does a mortgage offer last?
Typically between 3 and 6 months, depending on the lender.
How long after a default can I apply for a mortgage?
Some lenders will consider your application even if the default was recent, especially if it’s been satisfied. Others prefer it to be at least 12–24 months old.
Can I get a mortgage while in a debt management plan?
Yes, some lenders accept applicants with active DMPs if payments are up to date and affordable.
Does applying for a mortgage hurt my credit score?
Not if we use a soft credit search at the beginning—which we do. A hard check is only done once you’re ready to proceed with a full application.
Are bad credit mortgages interest-only or repayment?
Most are repayment mortgages, but interest-only may be available depending on your income, equity, and exit strategy.
What makes Honest Mortgages different?
We specialise in helping real people—not just ideal credit scores. We offer full transparency, no hidden fees, and honest, jargon-free advice.
How do I get started?
Just fill out our short form or give us a call. There’s no obligation, and we’ll only move forward when you’re ready.
What is porting a mortgage?
Porting is a term used by mortgage companies for moving your mortgage from one property to another. Not all mortgages are portable. If you are considering a move it’s always best to check your mortgage terms and conditions.
What should I do if my fixed rate is coming to an end?
You can often secure a new mortgage deal up to 6 months in advance. That way, you’ll be protected if rates go up but still have flexibility if they drop.
How soon would I get a decision?
We aim to get you a decision in principle within an hour once we have all of your information to hand.