Bad Credit Doesn't Mean No Mortgage.
A missed payment two years ago shouldn't cost you the home you want today. The specialist lender market exists precisely for situations like yours.
What lenders actually look at
Adverse credit comes in many forms — and lenders treat them very differently. A single missed payment three years ago is not the same as a CCJ registered last month. A satisfied default is not the same as an unsatisfied one.
Time matters. Amount matters. The type of credit issue matters. Whether it was satisfied matters.
High street lenders use automated scoring that often doesn't distinguish between these cases. Specialist adverse credit lenders have underwriters who actually read files. That's a meaningful difference.
We'll look at your credit history honestly, tell you what's likely to be an issue and what isn't, and match you to lenders whose criteria fits your actual situation — not an idealised version of it.
You're not as limited as you think
The further in the past and the lower the amount, the more options there typically are. We'll give you an honest picture before you apply anywhere.
Find out your optionsPresenting your case correctly
Most adverse credit mortgage refusals happen for one of two reasons: the wrong lender, or a poorly prepared application. We fix both.
We check your credit file before we do anything else — so we know exactly what's on it, not just what you think is on it. We then identify which lenders have criteria that fits your specific profile, and we prepare the application carefully so the underwriter has everything they need to say yes.
We don't fire off applications speculatively. Every hard search on your file should count. We make sure it does.
Real case — anonymised
A couple came to us having been declined by their bank. They had a satisfied default from four years ago and a missed payment from two years ago. The bank's automated system had flagged both. We found a specialist lender whose criteria excluded defaults over three years old and missed payments over 18 months. Approved within a fortnight.
— Adverse credit case, West Yorkshire
Adverse credit mortgage FAQs
Most adverse credit markers remain on your file for six years from the date of registration. After that, they disappear automatically. Even before six years, older issues are typically treated less severely — a missed payment from five years ago carries much less weight than one from last year.
Often yes — particularly if it's satisfied, over 12 months old, or below a certain amount. Criteria varies significantly by lender. Some will consider CCJs up to a certain total value; others won't lend within a specific timeframe of registration. We know which lenders currently suit which CCJ profiles.
Checking your own report (a "soft search") does not affect your score. Only hard searches by lenders when you formally apply leave a mark. We recommend checking your report before we start — services like CheckMyFile, Experian, or Equifax let you see your full history.
It depends on the default — amount, whether it's satisfied, and what else is on your file. Some specialist lenders will consider defaults registered within the past 12 months in certain circumstances. Others have a minimum seasoning period. We'll tell you honestly whether now is the right time to apply or whether waiting will significantly improve your options.
A hard search from a declined application does appear on your file, but a single decline isn't a significant problem. Multiple applications in a short period is more of a concern. This is why we assess your situation carefully before submitting anything — so the first application we make has a strong chance of approval.
Tell us your situation
We'll give you an honest assessment of what's available — before you apply anywhere.
Thanks — we'll be in touch shortly.
We aim to respond within 1 working day.
Important: Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it. There may be a fee for mortgage advice ranging from £100 to £750.