Can You Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?
If you have bad credit, it’s natural to assume that getting a mortgage will be difficult — or even impossible. In reality, many lenders are willing to consider applications with adverse credit, provided the circumstances are understood and presented correctly.
Bad credit can include missed payments, defaults, County Court Judgements (CCJs), or a history of high borrowing. While these factors can limit your options, they do not automatically prevent you from securing a mortgage.
How Lenders Assess Bad Credit Applications
Every lender has its own criteria when reviewing applications involving bad credit. Some may focus on how recent the issue was, while others will consider the size and frequency of missed payments or defaults.
Key factors lenders assess include:
- How long ago the credit issue occurred
- Whether the issue has been resolved
- Your current financial stability
- Your deposit size
- Your overall affordability
This is why applying to the right lender is essential. A declined application can affect your credit profile further, so a targeted approach is always better.
Does a Bigger Deposit Help?
Yes — in many cases, a larger deposit can improve your chances of approval.
Lenders see borrowers with bad credit as higher risk, so a bigger deposit can:
- Reduce the lender’s exposure
- Improve your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio
- Potentially give you access to better rates
That said, even with smaller deposits, there are still options available depending on your situation.
Specialist Lenders vs High Street Banks
High street lenders often have stricter criteria when it comes to bad credit.
Specialist lenders, on the other hand, are more flexible and may consider:
- Recent defaults
- Historic CCJs
- Self-employed income
- Complex financial situations
Understanding which lenders are appropriate can significantly improve your chances of success.
Can You Remortgage with Bad Credit?
Yes, remortgaging is still possible with bad credit.
In some cases, borrowers look to remortgage to:
- Secure a better rate
- Consolidate debt
- Release equity
However, timing and lender choice are key. If your credit has worsened since your original mortgage, your options may be different — but not necessarily limited.
Get Clear Advice Before You Apply
If you’re unsure where you stand, getting advice before submitting an application is crucial.
At A Little Mortgage Advice, we assess your situation and match you with lenders who are more likely to consider your circumstances.
👉 You can read more in our Bad Credit Mortgage Advice hub.