⚡ Quick Answer
Yes, you can get a mortgage with bad credit. Specialist lenders including Kensington, Pepper Money, Together and Bluestone offer mortgages for those with CCJs, defaults, IVA, or missed payments. Expect higher rates (6–10%+) and to need a larger deposit (15–25%).
What Counts as Bad Credit?
- CCJ (County Court Judgment) — a court order requiring debt repayment
- Defaults — missed payments registered on your file
- IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) — formal debt repayment plan
- Bankruptcy — most lenders need 6 years clear; some after 3 years
- Missed mortgage/loan payments
- Low credit score (below 580 Experian / 550 TransUnion)
Expert Tip
Time heals credit issues. A CCJ from 4 years ago is much less damaging than one from 6 months ago. Most negative marks drop off your credit file after 6 years. Check your full credit report at annualcreditreport.co.uk ↗ — you're entitled to a free statutory report.
Specialist Bad Credit Mortgage Lenders (2025)
| Lender | Accepts CCJ? | Accepts IVA? | Min Deposit | Typical Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kensington | ✅ Yes (satisfied) | ✅ Yes (2yr+) | 15% | From 5.5% |
| Pepper Money | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 15% | From 6.0% |
| Together | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 25% | From 6.5% |
| Bluestone | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (3yr+) | 20% | From 5.9% |
| Precise | ✅ Yes (minor) | ❌ Limited | 15% | From 5.7% |
How to Improve Your Chances
- Check and dispute any errors on your credit file (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
- Save a larger deposit — 20–25% shows commitment and reduces lender risk
- Register on the electoral roll at your current address
- Pay all current bills on time for 6+ months
- Use a specialist bad credit mortgage broker — they know which lenders are most likely to approve
- Avoid multiple applications — each leaves a mark. Get a soft search Decision in Principle first
Frequently Asked Questions
- Benchmark total cost over the fixed period — rate plus fees, not headline rate alone
- Loan-to-value bands (95/90/85/80/75%) drive pricing — a small extra deposit can cross a cheaper band
- Get a soft-search decision in principle first — it costs nothing and reveals problems early
The Details That Decide Outcomes
Product fees deserve as much attention as rates. A £999 arrangement fee on a lower rate beats a fee-free deal only on larger loans — roughly £150,000+ for typical gaps. Run both totals over the fixed period before deciding.
Timing your remortgage matters more than most borrowers realise. Most lenders let you lock a deal half a year ahead — if rates rise you're protected, and if they fall you can usually re-lock lower before completion.
Post-2023 affordability testing is stricter than many buyers expect. Lenders now stress-test your payments at a rate above your actual deal, and your outgoings matter as much as income. Trimming commitments 3 months before applying genuinely increases what you can borrow.
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