"Bad credit" covers everything from a few missed payments or a low credit score to defaults, CCJs, debt management plans, IVAs and bankruptcy. Lenders treat each one differently, and none of them is an automatic no. What matters most is how recent the issue was, how serious it was, and how you've managed money since. Whether you need your first mortgage, a remortgage or a buy to let with adverse credit, the market is wider than most people think.
Big banks often rely on automated credit scoring, but specialist lenders use real underwriters who listen to the story behind a blip, such as illness, divorce or redundancy. We check your credit report with you first, then match you to lenders we know will consider your history, avoiding failed applications that damage your score further.
"We will never charge you a penny for our service. We're 100% fee-free mortgage brokers on all mortgages over £100,000."
Recent or serious credit issues typically need a 15-25% deposit, while older or minor issues may be possible with 10% or less. Rates from specialist lenders are usually higher at first, but once your credit file recovers we can often remortgage you onto a mainstream deal.
Explore each topic in detail, from the types of credit issues lenders see to checking your report and improving your chances.
Missed payments, defaults, CCJs, debt management plans, IVAs and bankruptcy: lenders treat each differently. See how the age, size and type of issue shapes which lenders are realistic for you.
Practical steps to strengthen your application, from building your deposit and registering to vote to tidying up your credit file in the months before you apply.
Lenders use three different credit reference agencies, so checking just one can miss the problem. We recommend a multi-agency report such as checkmyfile before approaching any lender.
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