Illustration of a couple speaking with a mortgage adviser about low credit score mortgage options, with a credit score gauge in the background.

Low Credit Score Mortgage: Can You Still Get Approved in 2025?

If your credit score isn’t perfect — or even close — you might assume a mortgage is out of reach. But the good news is, you can still get a mortgage with a low credit score, and in some cases, without needing a specialist lender at all.
This guide covers what lenders look for, how to improve your chances, and the key steps to securing a low credit score mortgage in 2025.

See if your eligible with a low score

Family packing and preparing for a move into a new home, symbolising the first steps toward homeownership through a low credit score mortgage.

Start Your Mortgage Journey with Confidence

Struggling with a low credit score? You’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. We help people every day secure mortgages with less-than-perfect credit. Let’s explore what’s possible for you.

Check Your Eligibility

Why Is It Harder to Get a Mortgage with a Low Credit Score?

Lenders use your credit profile to assess how risky it is to lend to you. A low score can signal missed payments, high credit usage, or more serious issues like defaults or CCJs. But a credit score doesn’t tell the whole story.

Some lenders have automated systems that require a minimum credit score to be accepted. But the great news is there are also lenders — including high street lenders — who don’t rely solely on credit scores. Instead, they assess your full credit report, recent behaviour, and overall financial profile. This gives you more options before needing to turn to a specialist lender.

Want a breakdown of how credit scores work? 📘 Read Experian’s guide on what is a good credit score.

Your low credit score might be due to:

High credit card usage
Missed payments
Defaults or CCJs
Lack of credit history

Understanding the cause helps you take the right steps.

What Credit Bureaus Consider a Low Score

Each credit bureau defines a “low” score differently, but the good news is that lenders don’t follow these definitions exactly. Lenders have their own internal systems — some use automated credit scoring, while others assess your full report manually.

Here’s what the major credit bureaus class as a poor score:

Credit Agency	Poor Credit Score Range
Experian	Below 721
Equifax	Below 380
TransUnion	Below 566

But lenders have their own criteria. You either meet their internal pass mark or don’t — and many high street lenders care more about what’s on your report (like missed payments or defaults) than your actual score.

📎 Want to learn simple, practical ways to improve your credit score before applying? Check out MoneyHelper’s guide on improving your credit score — a trusted resource backed by the UK Government.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Mortgage

1. Check Your Credit Report (Not Just the Score)

Your score is just a snapshot, lenders look deeper. Check for:
– Mistakes or outdated info
– Unused accounts you can close
– Signs of fraud or identity issues

Reduce Credit Utilisation

Try to use less than 30% of your available credit limit. This is a key factor in boosting your score.

Avoid New Credit Applications

Every hard search lowers your score temporarily. Space out applications and only apply when necessary.

Register to Vote

Being on the electoral roll improves trust with lenders and adds credibility.

Pay Down Debt

Lowering your overall debt shows responsibility and improves affordability.

Use a Mortgage Broker

Brokers understand which lenders accept low credit scores and can match you to the right one — potentially saving you from unnecessary declines.

How Your Credit Score Affects a Mortgage in Principle

Even with a low credit score, you may still qualify for a decision in principle through the right lender. We help match you with options that work for your situation.

See MIP Options for All Credit Scores

Types of Mortgages for People with Low Credit Scores

🏡 Fixed Rate Mortgages – Locks in your rate for a set period — helps with budgeting.
💼 Variable Rate Mortgages
Rate changes with the lender’s base rate — more flexible, but riskier.
👥 Joint Mortgages
Applying with someone who has better credit can improve your chances.
🏢 Guarantor Mortgages
A family member backs your loan — ideal if your credit score is very low.

Frequently Asked Questions About Low Credit Score Mortgages

Most high street lenders prefer credit scores over 600, but this varies depending on the lender’s criteria. Some may still approve you with a lower score — especially if your recent financial behaviour has improved. Better still, some lenders don’t rely on credit scores at all, instead assessing your full credit report to make a decision. This opens up options even if your score is low, as long as your report and affordability checks are strong.

Yes. The higher your score, the better your mortgage options and rates will usually be.

Generally, you’ll need at least 5%–25% deposit if you have a low credit score. A larger deposit reduces lender risk and increases your chances of approval.

Yes — they often work with lenders who aren’t available to the public and understand the specific criteria you’ll need to meet.

Yes, but not all rely solely on them. Some lenders assess your full credit report and financial profile rather than focusing on the number itself — especially in low credit score mortgage cases.

Improving your score can take as little as 3–6 months depending on your starting point. Paying down debt, avoiding new credit, and correcting errors on your report can speed things up.

If you’re not in a rush, waiting can help. A stronger score may open up more lenders and better rates — but with the right broker, you may not need to wait at all.

No — especially not with specialist brokers. Many lenders will consider the full context of your report rather than relying on score alone.

Still Unsure What Your Options Are?

We’ll walk you through your eligibility, give expert guidance, and explain your next best steps.

Book a Free Callback

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Final Thoughts

A low credit score mortgage is absolutely possible in 2025. Lenders are becoming more flexible, especially if you show financial stability, avoid new issues, and provide a strong deposit.

You don’t have to face it alone — the right advice can save you time, money, and stress.

Need more help with adverse credit? Visit our Bad Credit Mortgage hub page for tailored solutions.