Bad Credit Mortgages
If you’ve experienced credit issues in the past, getting a mortgage can feel uncertain — but bad credit doesn’t automatically mean your options are limited. We specialise in helping clients secure bad credit mortgages, whether you are buying your first home, moving property, or remortgaging.
With the right advice and access to specialist lenders, you may have more options than you think.
Helping You to Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit
If you have less-than-perfect credit, obtaining a mortgage can feel difficult — but it is often still possible. Many lenders specialise in bad credit mortgages (sometimes referred to as adverse credit mortgages), offering options for applicants who may not meet high-street criteria.
As experienced bad credit mortgage brokers, we understand how lenders assess credit history and what factors can influence a successful application. Whether your credit issues are historic or more recent, we review your circumstances carefully and match you with lenders who are more likely to consider your case.
Bad credit does not automatically mean you cannot buy a home or remortgage. With the right advice and lender selection, you may have more options available than you expect.
Same-Day Decision in Principle Available
For urgent situations, we can often arrange a same-day decision in principle to help you move forward quickly and with confidence.
If we genuinely cannot help you, you will not pay a fee.
01268 387898
Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it.
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Get Your Credit Report
Obtaining a credit report to help give you the best chance of getting the right mortgage. At A Little Mortgage Advice, we recommend checkmyfile because of their reliability and accuracy of reporting.
Click the link below to start your 7 day no obligation free trial.
*A Little Mortgage Advice receives a small fee from checkmyfile. Monthly fee of £14.99 applies after your free 7-day trial. You may cancel at any time without charge by Freephone, Secure Message, email or online. The free 7-day trial applies only to new customers aged 18 years or more who are living in the UK. The 7-day free trial period starts when you register.
Types of Bad Credit Mortgages
First of all, who could benefit from bad credit mortgage advice? If you have one or several of the following on your credit file, then you are more than likely a good candidate for a bad credit mortgage:
County Court Judgements (CCJs)
Defaults
Missed/Late Payments
Debt Management Plan (DMP)
Too many hard searches
Excessive borrowing/large amount of debt
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
Debt Relief Order (DRO)
Bankruptcy
If you have any of the above on your credit file, it’s all too easy to assume that it is not possible to be accepted on a mortgage application. With A Little Mortgage Advice by your side, though, you will be able to find a mortgage to fit your circumstances. When you have a complex credit history, a mortgage that is the perfect fit will make life so much easier for you, both in the short and long term.
How We Help With Bad Credit Mortgages
As specialist bad credit mortgage advisors, we work with a wide range of lenders — including those who focus specifically on applicants with adverse or historic credit issues.
Every lender has different eligibility criteria. Some place more emphasis on recent missed payments, while others consider the overall financial picture, including income stability, deposit size and how long ago the issue occurred. Understanding these differences is crucial when applying for a bad credit mortgage.
Even if you have previously been declined, that does not necessarily mean your options are exhausted. As independent mortgage brokers with access to specialist lenders, we assess your situation carefully and approach providers who are more likely to consider your circumstances.
From initial enquiry through to completion, we guide you at every stage of the process so you are never left uncertain about what happens next.
Why Choose A Little Mortgage Advice?
Specialist Advisor
We’re a specialist independent mortgage broker with access to all U.K. mortgage lenders, meaning that we search the whole of the market to find you the best mortgage product to suit your individual circumstances. A Little Mortgage Advice Brokers really do go that extra mile for our customers.
Personalised Service
As a small, independent mortgage advice brokerage, you will have a dedicated mortgage advisor who will stay with you throughout the mortgage process. We dedicate the same amount of time to each customer, never leaving you waiting, responding quickly and answering all of your questions so you feel comfortable and confident that you are in safe hands.
Five-Star Reviews
Every customer interaction, email, and phone call is important to us. We pride ourselves on offering a five-star service at all times, our reviews speak volumes and so do the awards that we have won for outstanding service.
No Obligation Quote
We offer a free no-obligation quote and helpful advice throughout the process. So, finding out if we’re the right fit for you won’t cost you a penny. It’s as easy as picking up the phone and giving us a call, you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain because our mortgage adviser is qualified and experienced.
Bad Credit Mortgage Advice Across Essex & Surrounding Areas
If you’re looking for a bad credit mortgage in Benfleet or nearby areas such as Rayleigh, Rochford, Basildon, Billericay, Romford and Ilford, our experienced mortgage advisor is here to help. We work with clients throughout Essex, including Brentwood, Chelmsford, Colchester and Southend, as well as across London and surrounding areas, providing tailored advice for those with adverse credit histories.
Whether you’ve had missed payments, defaults, CCJs or have previously been declined, we understand how different lenders assess applications and can guide you towards the most suitable options. While we are based in Benfleet, we support clients across Essex and beyond, offering both local expertise and access to the wider UK mortgage market.
While we’re based in Benfleet and work with clients across Essex, we also support customers throughout the UK. As an experienced mortgage advisor, we have access to a wide range of lenders and can help secure suitable mortgage options wherever you are, with the added benefit of strong local knowledge across Essex.
What Counts as Bad Credit?
Bad credit can include a range of circumstances, including:
- Missed payments
- Defaults
- County Court Judgments (CCJs)
- Debt management plans
- Historic bankruptcy
- Payday loan usage
Each lender assesses these issues differently. The key factors often include how recent the issue was, whether it has been satisfied, and your current financial stability.
What Interest Rates Can You Expect?
Bad credit mortgages can sometimes come with higher interest rates compared to standard mortgage products. However, rates vary depending on your specific circumstances, deposit size, income and the severity of any credit issues.
In many cases, clients are able to refinance onto more competitive rates once their credit profile improves.
Speak to a Specialist Bad Credit Mortgage Advisor
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, the best first step is simply to have a conversation. We’ll review your situation confidentially and give you clear, honest advice about your options.
01268 387898
Bad Credit Mortgage FAQs
How Does a Bad Credit Mortgage Differ from Other Mortgages?
A bad credit mortgage is designed for applicants who may have experienced credit issues in the past, such as missed payments, defaults or County Court Judgments (CCJs). While the overall mortgage process is similar, lenders assess applications differently when adverse credit is involved.
Compared to standard mortgages, bad credit mortgages may:
- Have slightly higher interest rates
- Require a larger deposit in some cases
- Involve more detailed affordability checks
- Be offered by specialist lenders rather than high-street banks
Each lender has its own criteria, and the impact of bad credit depends on factors such as how recent the issue was, whether it has been satisfied, and your current financial stability.
Working with a specialist bad credit mortgage advisor can help ensure you approach lenders who are more likely to consider your circumstances.
How can I improve my credit rating?
If you are trying to secure a mortgage, improving your credit score is a great idea. Paying your bills on time and staying out of your overdraft is a must, along with managing your available credit carefully. Close any inactive accounts and try to avoid applying for credit shortly before submitting your mortgage application. You should also be sure to remove any links to ex-partners or housemates/properties with poor credit scores.
We also recommend checking your credit report regularly to ensure that everything is up to date and accurate, working quickly to ensure that any errors are addressed.
How does a bad credit mortgage differ from other mortgages?
When someone with bad credit applies for a mortgage, lenders assess the application more carefully than they would for a standard mortgage. This is because past credit issues can increase perceived risk.
In many cases, bad credit mortgages may involve:
- Higher interest rates compared to standard products
- A larger deposit requirement
- More detailed affordability checks
- Assessment by specialist lenders rather than high-street banks
However, every lender has different criteria. The impact of bad credit depends on factors such as how recent the issue was, whether it has been satisfied, and your current financial stability.
For some applicants, securing a mortgage now can help rebuild their credit profile. By making consistent payments, it may be possible to remortgage onto more competitive rates in the future.
What types of bad credit are there?
Bad credit is a broad term and can mean a variety of different things. If any of the following apply to you, then you may think that a mortgage is out of reach:
- County Court Judgements (CCJs)
- Defaults
- Missed/Late Payments
- Debt Management Plan (DMP)
- Too many hard searches
- Excessive borrowing/large amount of debt
- An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
- Debt Relief Order (DRO)
- Bankruptcy
It can also go against you if you have never borrowed. We know this sounds counterintuitive, but lenders are looking for proof that you can pay back what you owe on time. Whatever your situation, we’re here to advise.
I’ve been turned down for a mortgage because of my credit – can you help?
Yes, in many cases we can help.
Being declined by one lender does not necessarily mean you cannot secure a mortgage. Many high-street lenders apply strict, automated criteria, particularly where adverse or complex credit history is involved.
There are specialist lenders who take a more flexible approach, assessing applications on a case-by-case basis rather than relying solely on credit scoring systems.
We review the reason for the decline, assess your current financial position and identify lenders who are more likely to consider your circumstances. This helps reduce the risk of repeated applications and unnecessary further impact on your credit file.
Before proceeding, we will explain clearly what your realistic options are and what to expect moving forward.
Can you get a first-time buyer mortgage with bad credit history?
Yes, in many cases it is possible to secure a first-time buyer mortgage even if you have experienced credit issues in the past.
While some high-street lenders apply strict credit scoring criteria, there are specialist lenders who consider applications from first-time buyers with adverse or historic credit. The outcome often depends on factors such as how recent the issue was, whether it has been satisfied, your current income and the size of your deposit.
Applying for your first mortgage can feel overwhelming, particularly if you are concerned about your credit history. By understanding lender criteria and approaching providers who are more likely to consider your circumstances, it may still be possible to move forward.
Before making any application, it’s important to review your credit position carefully and understand what realistic options are available.
Bad Credit Mortgage Guides & Advice
If you have missed payments, defaults, CCJs or historic bankruptcy, our expert guides explain your options and how lenders assess bad credit mortgage applications. Explore the articles below for practical advice and next steps.
Learn More About First-Time Buyer Mortgages
You can also explore short video explainers covering:
• The pros & cons of Bad Credit Mortgages
• Bad Credit Advice for first time buyers
• Why it’s so hard to get a mortgage with bad credit