A mortgage after credit problems — there may still be a way.
Missed payments, defaults, a CCJ, even a discharged bankruptcy. Specialist lenders look at where you are now, not just a score — and we know which ones do.
Declined elsewhere? That isn't the whole story.
Plenty of careful, reliable people have something on their credit file. Job loss, illness, an unexpected bill — life happens, and a score doesn't show the recovery.
Many high-street lenders rely on automated credit scoring, so an application with adverse credit can be rejected before a person ever reads it. Specialist lenders work differently: an underwriter looks at your individual circumstances and what you can genuinely afford now, rather than stopping at the score.
We've helped clients with missed and late payments, defaults, County Court Judgments, debt management plans, IVAs, discharged bankruptcy, payday loan history and high levels of debt against income. Every situation is different, and no adviser can promise a lender will say yes — what we can promise is a straight answer about where you stand and which lenders are worth your time.
Some bad-credit lenders do ask for a bigger deposit, and rates are usually higher than the high street's best. We'll set the real numbers out plainly — and if now isn't the right time, we'll say so and help you get ready instead: reducing debt, tidying the file, correcting any errors on your credit report.
Your first conversation is free, and there's no obligation. See how it works
The high street and the specialists, side by side.
Neither is "better" — they serve different situations. This is roughly how they differ for someone with an imperfect credit history.
| High-street lender | Specialist lender | |
|---|---|---|
| How you're assessed | Often an automated credit score — recent adverse credit can mean an automatic decline | Manual underwriting — a person weighs your circumstances and current affordability |
| Past credit issues | Usually only minor or historic issues are accepted | CCJs, defaults, DMPs, IVAs and discharged bankruptcy can all be considered |
| Deposit | Standard deposits for a clean history | Often more — commonly 10% to 25%, depending on how severe and how recent the issues are |
| Interest rates | Generally the lowest rates on the market | Usually higher — though remortgaging to a better deal once your credit improves is common |
How it goes from here.
A judgement-free chat
Tell us what happened, in confidence. We'll be honest about whether now is the right time — and what to do if it isn't.
Research
We search the whole market for lenders who genuinely consider your history, not a shortlist.
A clear recommendation
A written recommendation in plain English, with the costs and trade-offs spelled out.
Questions we hear about bad credit mortgages.
Can I get a mortgage if I've been bankrupt?
Some lenders will consider applicants who have been discharged from bankruptcy for at least 12 months, and options tend to improve the longer it has been. We'll tell you honestly whether now is the right time to apply — and what to do first if it isn't.
How much deposit do I need with a bad credit history?
It depends on how severe and how recent the issues are. Some lenders will lend up to 90% — a 10% deposit — while others ask for 15% to 25%. We'll show you where you actually stand before you commit to anything.
Do bad credit mortgages cost more?
Usually, yes — specialist lenders generally charge higher rates than the high street. It doesn't have to be forever, though: once your credit record improves, we can look at remortgaging you to a better deal.
What if I have a lot of debt compared to my income?
Some lenders assess your full financial situation rather than just the debts on paper. If your income is stable and the repayments are genuinely affordable, there may still be options — we'll look at the whole picture with you.
I've been declined by my bank — is it worth trying again?
One decline doesn't mean every lender will say no. High-street banks often rely on automated credit scoring, while specialist lenders underwrite by hand and look at your circumstances. Nobody can guarantee an approval, but a decline elsewhere is not the end of the road.
What if a mortgage isn't realistic for me right now?
Then we'll say so, plainly — and help you get ready. That can mean reducing existing debt, managing payments so the record improves, and correcting any errors on your credit report. When the timing is better, we pick it back up together.
What does the first conversation cost?
Nothing. Your first conversation is free, there's no obligation, and it's completely without judgement. We only charge a fee for our services on completion, and we'll always tell you what it is before you commit to anything.
Whatever's on your file, the conversation is free — and without judgement.
Tell us roughly what's happened and we'll come back to you within one working day. No hard sell, no obligation, no lectures.