Can I Get a Mortgage with a Bad Credit History in the UK? (2026 Guide)
Looking for a bad credit mortgage? You’re in the right place.
Even if you’ve faced CCJs, defaults, or have a low credit score, it’s still possible to get approved. At Verifi Mortgages, we help UK borrowers every day find specialist lenders who understand adverse credit situations.
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Reviewed by Jason Foord, Director at Verifi Mortgages | FCA No. 997175 | Last reviewed: April 2026
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What Is a Bad Credit Mortgage?
A bad credit mortgage is designed for people who’ve had issues on their credit file — such as County Court Judgments (CCJs), defaults, missed payments, IVAs, or Debt Management Plans (DMPs).
These products are offered by specialist lenders, not mainstream banks, and assess your overall financial picture, not just your credit score.
Specialist lenders like Precise Mortgages and Kensington are two of the most active in this space, each with different criteria for defaults, CCJs and missed payments.
Even if you’ve been declined before, lenders exist who may still consider your application — especially if your credit issues are older than 6–12 months, settled, or Unsatisfied.
“We’ve helped hundreds of clients with CCJs, defaults, or missed payments secure affordable mortgage deals.”
What Verified Mortgage Customers Say About Verifi Mortgages
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Was professional, clear, and supportive from start to finish. He explained everything thoroughly with no jargon or time-wasting. Highly recommended for anyone wanting straightforward, expert mortgage advice.
They did an excellent job managing the entire remortgage process. Proactive in resolving any issues that arise and works closely with both lenders and solicitors to keep everything running smoothly from start to finish.
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Used Verifi mortgages when was having trouble securing a mortgage. Kept me informed through out & secured my mortgage offer quite quickly. Would definitely recommend especially if you have some adverse credit history
Expert Insights from Jason Foord (FCA No. 997175)
“In my experience helping clients with bad credit, lenders often focus more on recent repayment behaviour than historic issues. If your defaults are over 6 months old and you’ve shown consistent on-time payments since, your options improve significantly.
Some high street lenders will even consider missed payments or CCJs if they’re under £250-£500 and satisfied — provided affordability is strong. The key is preparation: check your credit report, stabilise income, and work with a broker who knows each lender’s credit thresholds.”
Content reviewed by Jason Foord (FCA No. 997175)
CeMAP-qualified, FCA-regulated mortgage broker and founder of Verifi Mortgages. Updated April 2026.
Can I Get a Mortgage with a CCJ, Default, or IVA?
Yes — many specialist UK lenders approve applications from borrowers with historic or settled credit issues.
Example: If you had a CCJ over 6 months ago but it’s settled, you may still qualify with lenders like Precise, Pepper Money, or Kensington.
The key factors they consider:
Common Types of Bad Credit Issues (and What Lenders See)
| Credit Issues | How It Impacts You | Lender View |
| Missed Payments | Shows Instability | Minor if isolated and older |
| Defaults | Red flag | Manageable if over 6 months old |
| CCJs | Legal action for debt | Must be at least 6 months old |
| IVAs/DMPs | Structured repayment | Some lenders accept as long as its satisfied |
| Low Score | Results of multiple factors | Multiple lenders accept this but a full review of credit report required |
How Much Deposit Do You Need for a Bad Credit Mortgage?
Your deposit acts as your safety net.
Minor issues (e.g. 1 missed payment):
Minimum 3% deposit may be enough.
CCJs/Defaults:
Expect between 3-15%.
IVAs/DMPs
25%+ deposit recommended.
The bigger your deposit, the more flexible your lender options become.
Documents You’ll Need
To speed up your application, prepare:
Steps to Improve Your Approval Odds
Even before applying, you can strengthen your chances:
Remember: Every lender has its own criteria — that’s where our expertise makes the difference.
How Verifi Mortgages Helps
At Verifi Mortgages, we:
“When others say no, we find the way.”
Bad Credit Means Limited Options — Not No Options
If you’re not eligible today, we’ll still help you:
Example: Missed a payment three months ago? Some lenders require six months of clean history — we’ll help you get there.
Explore Other Bad Credit Mortgage Guides
CCJ Mortgages: Can You Get Approved After a Judgment?
IVA Mortgages: How Long Must You Wait?
Default Mortgages: Lender Criteria 2026
Low Credit Score Mortgages: Real Options
Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Credit Mortgages
Still have questions? We’ve answered the most common concerns from homebuyers with credit issues — and how we help you get approved even when others say no.
Final Thoughts on Getting a Bad Credit Mortgage
Struggling with bad credit doesn’t mean your homeownership goals are over.
With the right guidance, lenders, and preparation, you can still secure a mortgage — even after past credit issuesWhether you’ve had CCJs, defaults, IVAs, or simply a low score, what matters most is where you are now — not where you’ve been.
When others say no, we work to find the way.
This page provides general information about mortgage options. It does not constitute regulated financial advice. Verifi Mortgages Ltd is FCA-authorised (No. 997175). All mortgage decisions should be made following a personal assessment.