Getting a mortgage after divorce is harder — but far from impossible. There are specialist lenders who look at your current situation rather than just your credit history. Here's everything you need to know.
- Compare total cost over the fixed period — rate plus fees, not headline rate alone
- Start remortgage shopping 6 months before your fix ends — you can lock now and switch if rates fall
- 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 before house-hunting — it costs nothing and reveals problems early
Read This Before You Apply
Watch the fee, not just the rate. A £999 arrangement fee on a lower rate beats a fee-free deal only on larger loans — roughly £130,000+ for typical gaps. Below that, fee-free wins despite the higher headline rate.
Nothing moves your rate more than loan-to-value. Lenders price in bands — 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75% — and even £1,000 more deposit can drop you into a cheaper band. Before applying, check whether a small top-up to your deposit crosses a threshold: on a £250,000 loan that's £2,000–£5,000 over a fix.
Timing your remortgage matters more than most borrowers realise. Most lenders let you secure a new rate up to 6 months before your current deal ends — if rates rise you're protected, and many lenders let you switch to a cheaper deal before it starts.
Can I Get a Mortgage After Divorce?
Yes. While high-street lenders may decline your application, specialist and adverse credit lenders consider applications from people who have experienced divorce. The key factors are: how long ago it happened, your current financial situation, and the size of your deposit.
How Long Do You Need to Wait?
The impact of divorce on your mortgage application typically diminishes over time. Most specialist lenders will consider applications from 1-3 years after the event. High-street rates become accessible after 6 years when the event drops off your credit file.
Best Specialist Lenders (June 2026)
| Lender | Min Deposit | Time Since Event | Rate From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kensington | 15% | 1 year | 5.91% |
| Precise Mortgages | 15% | 1 year | 5.95% |
| Pepper Money | 15% | 1 year | 6.21% |
| Together | 25% | Day 1 | 6.54% |
| Aldermore | 20% | 1 year | 5.82% |
How to Improve Your Chances
- Wait as long as possible after divorce — lenders view time as a sign of recovery
- Save the largest deposit you can — 15-25% will unlock more lenders
- Rebuild your credit score — register to vote, pay all bills on time
- Use a specialist bad credit mortgage broker — they know which lenders will accept you
- Avoid any further missed payments, defaults or County Court Judgements
FAQs
Will applying for a mortgage hurt my credit score?
A decision in principle usually uses a soft check, which doesn't affect your score. The full application is a hard check — which is why you should pick your lender before applying, not after.
How long does a mortgage offer last?
Most offers are valid for 3–6 months. New-build purchases often get extended validity because completion dates slip.
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?
Yes, though your options narrow. Specialist lenders accept defaults and CCJs older than 12 months, typically at higher rates. Rebuilding your score for 6–12 months first often saves thousands.
Do I need a mortgage broker?
It's optional, yet a whole-of-market broker sees deals that never appear on comparison sites, and knows which underwriters accept your income type. For non-standard income it usually pays for itself.
How much deposit do I need for Best Mortgage After Divorce?
The majority of lenders require at least 5–10% of the property price. Rates improve sharply once you pass 15–20% — the biggest pricing jumps happen at 90%, 85% and 75% loan-to-value.
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