
Bad Credit
Bad credit mortgages. Specialist support when you need it
Past credit problems don't have to stop your plans. Our advisers work with lenders who understand that life happens, and we'll be straight with you about what's possible.
- Specialist adverse credit lenders
- 90+ lenders searched
- Honest, realistic advice
- No upfront fees
Deposit guide
How much deposit might you need?
Bad credit mortgages need larger deposits, depending on what happened and how recently. Choose the closest match and a property price. It's a guide, and your adviser will look at the real detail.
Old defaults or satisfied CCJs
Typical deposit: 15% to 20%
£37,500 to £50,000
A guide, not a promise. It depends on what happened, how recently and your finances today.
The detail
Credit issues we help with
CCJs
Satisfied or unsatisfied. Lenders consider the value, how many, how recent and whether they've been settled.
Defaults
These show on your file for 6 years. Some lenders will consider recent defaults if you've shown stability since.
Missed mortgage payments
Specialist lenders assess how many, how recent and your track record since.
Debt management plans and IVAs
Active or completed. Some lenders will consider applications before full discharge.
Bankruptcy
Typically 3+ years after discharge. Some lenders consider sooner with substantial deposits.
Repossession
Serious but not permanent. Some lenders understand it often comes from redundancy, illness or relationship breakdown.
Low score or several issues
Specialist lenders look at the full picture, not just a number.
Know where you stand before you apply
Before applying for any mortgage, understand what's on your credit file. Many people find old addresses, forgotten accounts or errors that can be corrected. Check My File shows all 4 credit agencies in one report, with a 7-day free trial and no impact on your credit score.
Improving your chances
- Build your deposit. Even going from 15% to 20% opens up more lenders.
- Show stability. Lenders want 3 to 6 months in your current job, consistent income and no recent credit applications.
- Keep your conduct clean. Stay on top of bills, register on the electoral roll and don't max out credit limits.
- Settle what you can. Satisfying outstanding CCJs or defaults improves your options.
- Provide context. Redundancy, illness or a relationship breakdown can be documented for lenders.
- Be patient when it pays. Sometimes waiting 6 to 12 months makes a real difference. We'll tell you honestly.
Rates on bad credit mortgages are higher than standard deals, because lenders charge more for the extra risk. Your adviser will show you what's available today.
Why Home Me
How we help
Specialist lender access
Direct relationships with adverse credit lenders who aren't available to the public.
Honest, realistic advice
If it's too early to apply, we'll tell you and advise on improving your position first.
A longer-term plan
Start with a 2 to 3 year fix, build a track record, then look at remortgaging to mainstream rates. We plan it with you.
Your mortgage journey
From first call to completion.
Whether you're buying your first home, remortgaging or navigating a complex income, we find the right deal from 90+ lenders.
We manage lenders, solicitors and estate agents on your behalf so nothing falls through the cracks. You'll always speak to a named adviser, never a call centre.
Book a free consultation
- 1
Free consultation
We go through your income, deposit, credit history and what you're looking for, then tell you exactly where you stand.
- 2
We search the market
We compare deals from 90+ lenders, including exclusive rates, and recommend the mortgage that genuinely fits your situation.
- 3
We handle everything
We manage the application, chase solicitors and keep everything on track through to exchange and completion.
- 4
You complete with confidence
Your mortgage completes, you get your keys, and we stay in touch for when your deal is up for renewal.
FAQs
Bad Credit questions
Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ?
Yes. Many specialist lenders accept applications with CCJs, whether satisfied or unsatisfied. Key factors are the CCJ value, when it was registered, and whether it's been settled. Smaller, older, satisfied CCJs are much easier to work with, but we've helped clients with recent, large, unsatisfied CCJs too.
Will I be able to remortgage to better rates later?
Yes, and this is the standard strategy we plan with every bad credit client from day one. Most clients start with a 2 to 3 year fixed rate, build a clean mortgage payment history, then remortgage to a mainstream lender at significantly better rates once their credit has improved.
How long do credit problems stay on my file?
Most credit issues remain on your credit file for 6 years from the date they were registered. However, their impact reduces over time, especially if you demonstrate good financial conduct in the meantime. Lenders typically weigh recent issues far more heavily than older ones.
Can I get a bad credit mortgage if I'm self-employed?
Yes, though you're dealing with two layers of specialist criteria. We work with lenders who understand both self-employed income structures and adverse credit situations. You'll typically need 2 to 3 years' accounts and a larger deposit than someone who is employed.
What if my credit issues are very recent?
Some specialist lenders will consider applications with very recent credit issues, especially if you have a substantial deposit (25%+) and can demonstrate the issues are now resolved. We'll assess your specific timeline honestly, sometimes waiting 6 to 12 months makes a significant difference to available rates.
Will applying hurt my credit score?
Multiple mortgage applications can damage your credit score, which is exactly why using a broker is so valuable. We assess your situation thoroughly and approach only the most suitable lenders, minimising unnecessary credit searches and protecting your score during the process.
Can I get a buy-to-let mortgage with bad credit?
Yes, bad credit buy-to-let mortgages are available, though criteria are stricter and deposits higher, typically 30 to 40%. Lenders focus heavily on rental income coverage and your landlord experience alongside the credit history. We have access to specialist lenders who work in this space.
Do bad credit mortgages have early repayment charges?
Yes, typically. Most bad credit mortgages have ERCs during the initial fixed period (usually 2 to 5 years). However, these are standard across the mortgage market, not unique to bad credit products. We'll explain exactly what ERCs apply to any product we recommend before you commit.
How much can I borrow with bad credit?
This depends on your income, deposit size, and the nature of your credit issues. Specialist lenders typically offer 4 to 4.5x your income, sometimes more with a large deposit. We'll give you a realistic borrowing estimate at your free consultation based on your actual circumstances.
What's the difference between adverse credit and bad credit mortgages?
Nothing, they're the same thing. "Adverse credit mortgage" and "bad credit mortgage" are interchangeable terms for mortgages designed for applicants with credit history problems. You may also see them referred to as "sub-prime mortgages" or "specialist mortgages."

Ready to find your perfect mortgage?
Ready to start, or just weighing it up? A named adviser will talk it through. No pressure, no jargon, no obligation.
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