Real Answers to Real Mortgage Questions
From bad credit to shared ownership and everything in between — we know mortgages can be confusing. That’s why we’ve put together honest, straight-talking answers to the questions we get asked the most. No jargon. No fluff. Just facts.
Bad Credit Mortgages
Yes, especially if the CCJ is over 12 months old or settled. Some lenders accept unsatisfied CCJs too.
Some lenders charge slightly higher rates, but we’ll help you find the most affordable option for your circumstances.
Expect to put down 10–25%, depending on the severity of your credit history.
Yes, once discharged (typically after 1–3 years), many specialist lenders will consider your application.
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.
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.
We use lenders who are specialists in the adverse credit market.
Typically between 3 and 6 months, depending on the lender.
Some lenders consider recent defaults, especially if satisfied. Others prefer 12–24 months since the default.
Yes, if payments are up to date and affordable, some lenders accept applicants with active DMPs.
No, not if a soft search is used at the start. A hard check only happens when you're ready to proceed.
Most are repayment, but interest-only could be an option depending on your income and exit strategy.
We help real people — not just ideal credit scores — with clear, honest advice and no hidden fees.
Just fill in our short form or give us a call. No pressure — we move at your pace.
Porting means moving your mortgage to another property. Not all are portable, so check your terms first.
You can secure a new rate up to 6 months in advance to avoid rises — and switch if rates fall in the meantime.
We aim for a Decision in Principle within an hour once all your info is submitted.
Shared Ownership Mortgages
It’s a government scheme where you buy part of a property (25%–75%) and rent the rest from a housing association.
You may qualify if you earn under £80k (£90k in London), are a first-time buyer, or can’t afford full market value.
Yes — we work with lenders that offer shared ownership mortgages to those with credit issues like CCJs or defaults.
Yes, we have access to lenders who consider all of these — depending on age, repayment history, and severity.
Usually not — they rely on your mortgage approval, so if a lender says yes, they usually do too.
Yes — sometimes applying in one name is better if one person has stronger credit.
Some lenders offer 100% shared ownership mortgages — meaning no deposit is needed in many cases.
It depends on your income, expenses, and credit. We'll assess your affordability range for you.
Yes, you may be able to remortgage or buy more shares (staircase) with the right lender even if your credit is imperfect.
Absolutely — we often succeed where others can’t. Declines don’t mean you're out of options.
Some lenders accept applicants up to 70 or 75, particularly if income is stable or from a pension.
Check it for free using Experian, Equifax, or Credit Karma. A full report helps us advise you better.
Usually within 24–48 hours, depending on your documents and circumstances.
Yes — many lenders accept gifts from close family. We'll help you get the paperwork right.
Yes. You'll pay rent on the share you don’t own, and a mortgage on the share you do.
Yes. The housing association usually has first refusal, but you can still sell your share or the full property if you staircase.
Yes, most are leasehold and may include service charges or ground rent depending on the terms.
Pros: Smaller deposit, more affordable monthly costs, gradual ownership.
Cons: Rent + mortgage + lease fees, and staircasing costs.
Cons: Rent + mortgage + lease fees, and staircasing costs.
Start by checking eligibility. Then we help you through the full mortgage application and housing association steps.
