How Long After Bad Credit Can You Get a Mortgage?

Written by Angela Little Founder, CeMAP qualified since 2014

Published 26 February 2026 - updated 29 October 2026, 10:05 - 2 min read

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How long after bad credit can you get a mortgage

If you’ve experienced credit issues in the past, one of the most common questions is how long you need to wait before applying for a mortgage. The answer depends on the type of issue and how your financial situation looks today.

Many lenders are willing to consider applications for bad credit mortgages, particularly if the issue occurred some time ago and your recent financial conduct has improved.

What lenders consider

When assessing a mortgage application after bad credit, lenders typically look at:

  • How long ago the issue occurred
  • Whether it has been satisfied or resolved
  • Your current income and employment stability
  • Your deposit size
  • Your recent credit behaviour

Older issues that are settled tend to carry less weight than recent or ongoing problems.

Does time really help?

In many cases, yes. As time passes and your financial record improves, more lenders may become available to you. However, every situation is different, and applying without understanding your options can lead to unnecessary declines.

Why advice matters

Working with a broker who understands how lenders assess credit issues can help you avoid wasted applications and identify realistic options from the outset.

Our five checks for choosing a broker will help you find the right one.

Ready for a straight answer?

Tell Angela where you're at - good credit, bad credit, or somewhere in between. You'll get honesty either way.

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