Can I apply for a mortgage with Bad Credit?
Having bad credit does not always mean you cannot get a mortgage, but it can affect which lenders may consider you and what terms may be available.
Bad or adverse credit can happen for lots of reasons. You may have had missed payments, defaults, a CCJ or other financial difficulties in the past. In some cases, the issue may have been recent. In others, it may have happened some time ago and your circumstances may now be much stronger.
The key point is that lenders do not all view bad credit in the same way. Some are more flexible than others, especially where the problems were isolated, have now been resolved, or are less recent. The sensible lender choice can make a real difference.
By speaking to us you can get:
- Help understanding how lenders assess bad credit
- Guidance on missed payments, defaults and CCJs
- Support with affordability, documents and next steps
- Appointments by phone, video or in person
A MORTGAGE IS A LOAN SECURED AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.
What counts as bad credit for a mortgage?
Bad credit can mean different things to different lenders, which is why it helps to look at the detail rather than assuming all credit issues are treated the same way.
Examples of bad credit can include:
- Missed or late payments
- Defaults
- County Court Judgments (CCJs)
- Debt management history
- Payday loan use
- Mortgage arrears
- A lower credit score or a more mixed credit profile
Some lenders may focus more heavily on the seriousness of the issue, while others may care more about how recent it was and what has happened since.
What lenders may look at besides your credit score
Your credit history matters, but it is not usually the only thing a lender will consider.
They may also look at:
How recent the credit issue was
A problem from several years ago may be viewed differently from something that happened much more recently.
How serious the issue was
A single missed payment may be treated very differently from a default, CCJ or more significant credit problem.
Your deposit
A larger deposit can sometimes improve your options and reduce the level of risk a lender feels they are taking on.
Your income and affordability
Lenders will want to see whether the mortgage looks affordable now, based on your current income and outgoings.
What has changed since the problem
If your finances are now more stable and your recent credit conduct has improved, that may help.
This is why bad credit mortgage advice is often about the wider picture, not just the label of bad credit on its own.
What should I do if I have been declined before?
A past decline does not always mean you cannot get a mortgage. In some cases, it simply means the application was placed with the wrong lender or submitted before the full picture had been properly understood.
If you have already been turned down, it is usually worth taking a step back before applying again. Understanding why the application was declined, what lenders may look at differently, and whether anything should be improved first can make a big difference.
Our guide with 6 top tips for getting a mortgage with bad credit may also help you understand what to focus on next.
Can I remortgage with bad credit?
Remortgaging with bad credit can be more complicated, especially if your credit history has worsened since you first took out the mortgage. But it may still be possible, depending on the lender, the level of equity in your home, your current affordability and the nature of the credit issue.
Some people look into remortgaging because their current deal is ending. Others want to reduce monthly payments, borrow more, or move away from a lender whose options no longer suit them. If bad credit is part of the picture, it becomes even more important to understand which lenders may be willing to consider the application.
How to improve your chances before applying
If it turns out that your options are limited right now, that does not necessarily mean the journey ends there. In many cases, there may be practical steps that improve your chances over time.
This can include things like checking your credit file, correcting errors, reducing unsecured debt where possible, avoiding unnecessary new credit applications and building a stronger recent payment history.
You might also find our guide on how to improve your credit rating useful if you want to take practical steps before applying.
Why use Your Mortgage Expert for bad credit mortgage advice?
If you are worried about bad credit, it helps to have clear advice on what lenders may look at and what your next steps could be.
- Clear advice without unnecessary jargon
- Help understanding how lenders may view adverse credit
- Support with documents, affordability and next steps
- Friendly guidance from enquiry through to completion
- Appointments by phone, video or in person
Whether you are buying your first home, moving, or looking at remortgage options, we can help you understand what may be possible.
Speak to us about Bad Credit Mortgage Advice
If you are worried that bad credit could stop you getting a mortgage, we would be happy to help.
We can talk through your circumstances, explain what lenders may look at, and help you understand what options may still be available.
This page was last updated in April 2026