Bad Credit Mortgages

Yes. Some specialist lenders will consider you even if you have one or more CCJs, especially if they are over 12 months old, settled or relate to smaller amounts. The more time that has passed and the stronger your current profile, the better your options.

Some lenders will look at applications even when defaults are recent, especially if they are now satisfied. Others prefer the default to be at least 12 to 24 months old. The age, size and reason for the default all play a part in what is possible.

Often yes, rates can be higher where there is recent or severe adverse credit because the lender sees more risk. However, not every bad credit case means very high rates. We compare specialist lenders to find the most competitive option available for your situation and review things again when your credit improves.

It depends on the type and severity of the credit issues. As a guide, many bad credit lenders work in the 10 to 25 percent deposit range, although there are cases where lower deposits are possible if the issues are older or more minor. A higher deposit usually gives you better rates and more lender choice.

Yes. Once you have been discharged and enough time has passed, several lenders may be prepared to help. Each lender has its own rules on how many years must pass after discharge and whether the bankruptcy has been fully satisfied, so tailored advice here makes a big difference.

Some lenders will consider an application while a DMP is still active, particularly where the plan has been running for a while and all payments are up to date. They will look at affordability carefully, so it is important that the DMP is sustainable alongside a new mortgage.

A full mortgage application usually involves a hard credit check, which can leave a small footprint on your file. We normally start with soft credit checks where possible, to review your options without impacting your score, and only move to a full application when you are ready to proceed.

Most lenders start around 4 to 4.5 times your annual income, but this is adjusted up or down based on things like your credit history, commitments, dependants and the size of your deposit. With bad credit, affordability checks can be stricter, so tailored advice is important.

Most mortgage offers are valid for around 3 to 6 months, depending on the lender. If your purchase or remortgage is delayed it may be possible to extend the offer or re apply, but this is reviewed case by case.

Many lenders allow you to secure a new rate up to 6 months before your current deal ends. This can protect you if rates rise, while still giving flexibility if better deals appear. With bad credit, planning ahead is especially important so you do not fall onto a higher standard variable rate.

Porting a mortgage means moving your existing mortgage deal from one property to another when you move home. Not all mortgages are portable and lenders still re assess your income, outgoings and credit file, so it is important to check your options before you commit to a move.

Once we have your full information and credit reports, we can usually obtain a decision in principle very quickly with the right lender. The full application and offer stage then depends on how complex your case is and how busy the lender is at the time.