How to Get Bad Credit Mortgages in the UK: A Guide

What is Bad Credit?

A simple way to understand bad credit is to view it as a low score on your financial report card. This score, or credit rating, gives a snapshot of your past behaviours with borrowed money. 

It’s determined by agencies known as Credit Reference Agencies (CRAs). In the UK, there are three primary CRAs – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. They look at factors like:

• Payment history: Have you paid past credit on time?
• Debt level: How much money do you currently owe?
• Credit length: How long have you been using credit?
• New credit applications: How often do you apply for new credit?

Each agency has its scoring system, so your credit score can vary between them. Your score can go from 0-999.

So you’ve got a better idea of how these scores work, here’s a table that shows the different ranges in the UK:

Credit Status	Experian	Equifax	TransUnion
Excellent	961-999	800 – 850	781 – 850
Good	881-960	670 – 799	721 – 850
Fair	721-880	580 – 669	661 – 770
Poor	300 – 720	300 – 579	300 – 660

A lower score means bad credit, making it harder to get approved for new credit, including mortgages.

Bad Credit Mortgages: An Overview

Bad credit mortgages, also known as subprime mortgages or adverse credit mortgages, are designed for those struggling with a poor credit history.

As a rule of thumb, these mortgages might come with higher interest rates or require a larger deposit. 

But remember, they allow getting onto the property ladder or securing a home loan when the mainstream lenders won’t budge.

Bad credit doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll face outright rejection. You can still get a mortgage from specialist lenders. 

They will consider each situation individually, looking at factors such as:

• The age, severity, and cause of the credit issue
• The likelihood of the issue happening again

It’s important to note that different lenders have different criteria, and some may offer a mortgage despite past financial difficulties such as:

• Missed payments
• Exceeding your agreed credit limit or overdraft
• Defaults
• County Court Judgments (CCJs)
• Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), or
• Sharing an account with someone who has debt problems
• Debt management plans 
• Bankruptcy

That said, it’s crucial to be realistic about the potential costs involved and ensure you can comfortably afford the mortgage repayments. Overextending your finances could lead to more severe issues down the line.

Should I get a Bad Credit Mortgage? The Pros and Cons

A bad credit mortgage could be an option for you, but it’s important to weigh its benefits and drawbacks.

Pros

• Homeownership. You can get on the property ladder sooner.
• Interest rates. Secure a mortgage before future rate increases.
• Current prices. Buy at today’s house prices before they potentially rise.
• Future deals. There’s a possibility to remortgage at better terms as your score improves.

Cons

• Larger deposit. You might need to save more for your deposit.
• High interest. You could face steeper interest rates, raising the overall cost.
• Limited options. Your choice of mortgages may be less diverse.
• Credit score risk. Being turned down may further lower your score. This is because some lenders may do a ‘hard search’ on your credit, which could hurt your credit score.

Every financial situation is unique, and it’s important to make an informed decision. Consider all these factors and, if needed, seek advice from a professional. After all, buying a house is a significant financial commitment.

Why is it Hard to Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?

It’s a simple matter of risk – if your credit report suggests that you’ve had difficulty repaying borrowed funds in the past, lenders might view you as a higher-risk prospect.

The fallout? A potential mortgage offer that comes with higher interest rates or requires a bigger deposit.

But, it’s important not to be disheartened. Some lending avenues and mortgage types cater specifically to those with poor credit scores. 

Plus, remember that bad credit isn’t a life sentence. There are effective ways to improve your credit score and boost your chances of securing a mortgage.

In the forthcoming sections, we will delve deeper into these opportunities and equip you with actionable tips to aid your quest for a mortgage, irrespective of your credit score.

How to Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?

Here are some key steps to help you on your journey:

STEP 1: Improve Your Financial Status

Pay off any outstanding debts where possible, keep your regular payments up-to-date and ensure you have a steady income.

STEP 2: Understand Your Credit Record

It’s important to get to know your credit report. You can get a free copy from various CRAs such as Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Use free online tools to keep tabs on your credit scores with all three agencies. This helps you spot any issues, like missed payments. 

If you see anything wrong, get in touch with the CRA to fix it. Also, check for any old financial links with people like ex-partners or old flatmates. If these accounts are closed, ask the CRA to remove the link.

STEP 3: Rebuild Your Credit Score

Small changes can help improve your credit score. This includes paying your bills on time, registering on the electoral roll, and not applying for new credit too often.

STEP 4: Save for a Bigger Deposit

The bigger your deposit, the less risk you present to lenders. Saving more could open up more mortgage options for you.

STEP 5: Make Rent Count

If you’re renting, regular payments can show you’re good at keeping up with financial commitments. Some credit agencies now count rent payments when working out your credit score.  

STEP 6: Accepting Help from Family

A family member could provide a gifted deposit, act as a guarantor or even take out a joint mortgage with you.

STEP 7: Seek a Specialist Broker.

A good mortgage broker who specialises in bad credit mortgages can be a valuable partner in this process. 

They have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the application. Moreover, they can connect you with lenders more likely to approve your mortgage despite bad credit.

Where to Find Bad Credit Mortgage Lenders in the UK?

Finding the right lender when you have bad credit is a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. It’s not impossible, but it does require some patience and perseverance. 

Mainstream lenders may be wary of lending to individuals with lower credit scores, but that’s not the end of the road. 

In the UK, some of the lenders that offer bad credit mortgages are:

• Aldermore
• Barclays
• Bluestone
• Halifax
• Pepper Money
• Precise Mortgages
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• Santander
• Vida Homeloans

Note that these lenders will review your application individually. There’s no guarantee of securing a mortgage, even if you apply to these specific lenders.

Also, it’s worth pointing out that this isn’t a comprehensive list. With over 100 lenders in play, each with unique criteria relating to bad credit, there’s a lot more to consider. 

This list also falls short of including specialist lenders who cater specifically to bad credit mortgages.

To get a quick snapshot of available deals, you can use online comparison tools. But, bear in mind that these tools might not paint the complete picture. 

Teaming up with a good mortgage broker can be a game changer. They have access to a broader range of lenders and can give tailored advice based on your unique circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria for Bad Credit Mortgages

When assessing eligibility for bad credit mortgages, lenders consider various factors. Here’s what they look for:

• Type of credit issue – Different issues carry different weights. Late payments, for instance, are less severe than bankruptcy.
• Severity and date of the issue – More recent issues, or severe issues like bankruptcy or repossession, may require more explanation and could limit your options.
• Reason for poor credit – Lenders may consider the reason behind your poor credit. Circumstances like job loss due to illness are viewed differently than just poor money management.

In addition, lenders also look at:

• Income – A steady income can make you more attractive to lenders.
• Employment – Permanent employment is preferred by most lenders.
• Age – Lenders may have age limits for their mortgage products.
• Outgoings – All your regular expenses, such as loan repayments or bills, are considered.
• Property type – Some properties are considered riskier than others. A standard brick and tile house is often easier to mortgage.

What is the Impact of Bad Credit on Your Mortgage Costs?

When your credit isn’t in the best shape, it can have a profound effect on the cost of your mortgage. 

Typically, lenders perceive applicants with bad credit as higher risk, which leads to increased costs to offset this risk.

Interest Rates

The first impact is on your interest rates. The riskier a lender perceives you, the higher the interest rate you’re likely to be offered. 

This means that over the lifetime of your mortgage, you could end up paying significantly more compared to someone with a better credit score.

Fees

Additional costs often come in the form of higher upfront fees. Lenders may charge a higher product fee, or they might require you to pay for mortgage insurance, which safeguards the lender if you default on your loan.

Here’s a simplified table that gives an idea of the potential costs involved:

Credit Status	Approx. Initial Interest Rates	Typical Fees
Excellent	2-3%	Low
Good	3-4%	Medium
Poor	5-6%	High

Remember, these figures are just estimates. The actual rates and fees you’ll be offered will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your deposit and the specifics of your credit history. 

How Much Deposit Do I Need for Bad Credit Mortgages?

As mentioned earlier, those with poor credit history might be expected to provide a larger deposit for a mortgage. This is simply because lenders want to minimise their risk. 

The larger the deposit, the smaller the loan, and therefore, the less risk for the lender. 

Generally, a deposit of around 15% to 30% of the property value might be expected if you have a history of adverse credit. But, the exact amount varies widely between lenders and circumstances.

Documents Needed for a Mortgage Application

When applying for a mortgage, you need to have certain documents ready. Having these documents prepared can make the process smoother and faster. These typically include:

• Payslips, and P60 forms to prove your income
• Bank statements to prove your deposit
• ID documents such as a passport, driver’s licence, or other government-issued ID.
• Proof of address such as utility bills
• Details of any outstanding debts: This could be your credit card statements or loan agreements

If you’ve had credit issues, you may need to give further details, such as:

• Bankruptcy discharge details, if applicable
• Details of any County Court Judgements (CCJs)

Mortgage Opportunities for First-Time Buyers with Bad Credit

Taking that first step onto the property ladder can seem like a daunting task, especially for first-time buyers with bad credit. 

Traditional high street lenders might turn a blind eye due to the perceived risks associated with lending to someone with a shaky credit history.

But that’s not the end of the journey. A range of specialist lenders are willing to consider a broader picture. 

They understand that everyone’s situation is unique and that adverse events, such as missed payments, late payments, CCJs, IVAs, debt relief orders, bankruptcy, or simply having a low credit score, shouldn’t shut the door on homeownership.

Mortgage Options for Over 50s with Bad Credit

Borrowers over 50 might be met with resistance from some lenders, particularly if they also have bad credit. 

This is largely due to the lenders’ perception of risk, especially when considering the borrower’s retirement age and expected decrease in income.

But, there are alternatives. Some lenders take a more holistic view. 

They may consider stable incomes from investments, pensions, self-employment, and even part-time or full-time employment. They look at overall affordability, not just age and credit history.

Self-Employed Mortgages with Bad Credit

Being self-employed with a bad credit score might feel like a double setback when applying for a mortgage. 

Despite some lenders viewing you as a higher risk, there are lenders who are more understanding.

If you face severe credit issues such as recent CCJs, IVAs, or bankruptcy, it could be beneficial to ask for professional advice from a good mortgage broker. 

Your self-assessment tax return can also prove your income when applying for a mortgage. You can print off your SA302 directly from HMRC and use it as proof of income to your lenders.

Key Worker Mortgages with Bad Credit

As a key worker with a low credit score, you have access to specific mortgage options. These options recognise the essential nature of your role and strive to make homeownership more achievable.

One such option is the First Homes Programme, which offers houses at a minimum of 30% to 50% below market value. 

This scheme allows eligible first-time buyers and key workers to purchase a home at an accessible price. 

But, the first sale cannot exceed £250,000 (£420,000 in Greater London), and the discounted rate carries forward to any future sales.

Another beneficial scheme is the Right to Buy. This programme enables qualifying council tenants to buy their council houses at a discounted rate. 

While these are excellent options, adverse credit situations like recent council debt, a CCJ, or bankruptcy may still pose challenges. 

Specialist mortgage brokers can help by connecting you with lenders that might accommodate your circumstances.

Remortgaging with Bad Credit

Remortgaging with bad credit is not impossible, but it does come with its unique set of challenges.

Perhaps you’re after a better interest rate, you want to unlock some of your home’s equity, or you’re eyeing debt consolidation. Depending on your reasons, the route to your goal may differ.

Keep in mind, your current mortgage lender might offer a product switch or transfer deal that does not require a full credit check.

Furthermore, the amount of equity you have in your home will play a significant role. 

More equity can make you a less risky prospect for lenders, potentially offsetting some of the effects of your bad credit.

Consolidating Debt with a Bad Credit Remortgage

Remortgaging to consolidate debt can be a practical solution for homeowners with bad credit. 

This process allows you to replace your current mortgage with a new one, and then utilise any surplus to pay off existing debts.

The big win is having one monthly repayment, instead of several to different lenders. You’ll be dealing with one creditor – your mortgage lender – which can simplify your financial situation. 

Sometimes, the remortgage interest rate might even be lower than other debts, cutting your monthly costs. 

But, consider the long-term implications. Even with poor credit, don’t rush into settling for less.

By consolidating debts into your mortgage, you’re spreading them over a more extended period. 

This could result in a lower monthly payment but potentially a higher total amount repaid over time due to the longevity of the debt.

Key Takeaways

Some key takeaways from this guide:

• Bad credit isn’t a mortgage roadblock, but a hurdle to leap over.

• Bad credit mortgages may cost more, but becoming a homeowner could outweigh the expenses.

• Understand your credit file to clean up inaccuracies and improve your score.

• Remortgaging with bad credit is feasible, especially with a good broker’s help.

• Consolidating debt through remortgaging can simplify finances, but consider long-term implications.

The Bottom Line: Your Guiding Hand

When bad credit threatens your dream of owning a home, a good mortgage broker steps in. These experts have their finger on the pulse of the lending market, aware of lenders who are more lenient with credit hiccups.

They guide you, advise you, and ultimately, help secure that much-coveted mortgage. But, it’s not just about getting the mortgage; it’s about getting one you can afford.

To take advantage of this, reach out to us today. We will match you with a seasoned mortgage broker to help you in your mortgage journey.