Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?
Last reviewed 14 July 2026 · Smarter Mortgage Quotes editorial team
This guide is written for borrowers who want to understand the numbers before speaking with an adviser. It is general information, not a regulated mortgage recommendation.
Bad credit doesn’t close the door on a mortgage — but it usually means a specialist lender and a slightly higher rate. The shape of the bad credit matters more than the score itself.
What lenders actually care about
- How old the credit event is.
- How big the default or CCJ was.
- Whether it’s satisfied (settled).
- The pattern — one-off vs repeated.
- Recent conduct — last 12 months of bank statements.
Specialist vs high-street
High-street lenders score automatically; one CCJ in the last 2 years often triggers a decline. Specialist “adverse credit” lenders manually underwrite — they’ll look at context and accept far more.
What you can do
- Get all three credit reports and fix any errors.
- Make sure settled defaults are marked “satisfied”.
- Avoid new credit applications for 6+ months before applying.
- Stop using payday loans — many lenders decline on these alone.
- Aim for a 15–25% deposit to widen lender choice.
A specialist broker is essential here — placing the case at the right lender is what separates an offer from a decline.
If you have bad credit and want to explore your mortgage options, speak to a specialist adviser. You can also check your potential borrowing with our affordability calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit? +
It may be possible, depending on the type, amount, age, and pattern of the credit issue, plus your deposit and affordability. There is no guarantee of approval.
Will a bigger deposit help with bad credit? +
A larger deposit can improve lender choice in some cases, but lenders will still assess your credit history, income, outgoings, and recent account conduct.