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Yes, you can get a mortgage with bad credit. A CCJ, default, debt management plan, IVA or even a past bankruptcy does not automatically stop you buying a home or remortgaging. What changes is which lenders will consider you, how big a deposit you need and the rate you pay. With more than 16 million UK adults having experienced adverse credit at some point, a whole specialist lending market now exists precisely for this situation, and most of it is only available through a broker.
16 million+ UK adults have experienced adverse credit, so specialist lenders exist for it
Lenders weight the last 24 to 36 months far more heavily than older issues
Satisfied CCJs and defaults over two years old open up far more options
Deposits range from around 5% for light issues to 25% for recent heavy adverse
Soft searches let us check your options with no impact on your credit score
How HTG Mortgages Can Help
We are a whole-of-market broker, so we know which specialist lenders will look past your credit history and which will not, before anything touches your credit file. We use soft searches only, present your case to a human underwriter with the full story behind it, and plan your route back to mainstream rates, usually after around two years of clean conduct. Start on our bad credit mortgages page or get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat. We reply within 2 hours, Monday to Friday.
What Counts as Bad Credit?
Lenders look at your credit history over the last six years, but they weight the last 24 to 36 months most heavily. Registry Trust figures show over one million consumer CCJs were registered in 2025 alone, the highest level since 2019, so you are far from alone. The issues lenders care about include:
- CCJs: a recent or unsatisfied CCJ usually means specialist lenders only, with a 15 to 25 per cent deposit. Satisfied and two or more years old, options widen considerably; after three years some mainstream lenders will consider you.
- Defaults: small, settled defaults over two years old are often acceptable to mainstream lenders. Larger or recent defaults point to near-prime or specialist lenders until they age.
- Debt management plans: an active DMP typically means a 20 per cent or larger deposit with a specialist. Completing the plan first improves your position significantly.
- IVAs: very few lenders will consider you during an IVA, but specialists can help soon after completion. Mainstream lenders generally want three clear years.
- Bankruptcy: options improve in stages after discharge. Early on you are looking at specialist lenders and bigger deposits; after six years, when it drops off your file, mainstream lending at up to 90 to 95 per cent loan to value becomes realistic again.
High Street vs Specialist Lenders
High street banks rely on automated credit scoring, which tends to decline recent adverse credit outright. Specialist lenders such as Kensington, Pepper Money, Bluestone and Precise use human underwriters who look at the story behind your credit file. And most of these lenders do not deal with the public directly: they are only available through a broker. A bad credit mortgage is also rarely forever. Many clients remortgage back to a mainstream rate once their file has healed.
Speak to an expert
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving house or remortgaging, HTG Mortgages is here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. I’ll compare mortgages from over 120 lenders, guide you every step of the way and help you find the right mortgage for your circumstances.
What Deposit and Rate Should I Expect?
As a rough 2026 guide, light historic issues may still be possible with a 5 to 10 per cent deposit, moderate adverse credit typically needs 10 to 15 per cent, and heavier or more recent issues 15 to 25 per cent. Rates carry a premium over standard deals which shrinks as your credit issues age. Criteria vary widely by lender and change often, so treat these as indicative only.
Seven Ways to Improve Your Chances
- Register on the electoral roll at your current address.
- Check all three credit reports and dispute any errors.
- Settle outstanding defaults and CCJs where you can.
- Pay every bill on time by Direct Debit.
- Avoid new credit applications in the months before applying.
- Break financial links with ex-partners (notice of disassociation).
- Save the biggest deposit you reasonably can.
Small changes compound quickly, and waiting a few months past a 12, 24 or 36 month threshold can transform the deals available. You may also find our self-employed and remortgage services useful.
Figures and criteria correct as of August 2026 and subject to change. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Need Personal Mortgage Advice?
Every buyer’s situation is different. While this guide explains the general rules, the right mortgage for you depends on your income, deposit, credit history and future plans. If you’d like tailored advice, I’m here to help, with whole-of-market coverage.
