Discover a mortgage deal that works for your unique circumstances and credit.
If you’ve had tough times due to credit in the past, getting a mortgage can feel daunting. We help you understand your options, explain what lenders really look at, and guide you towards a mortgage that’s achievable for you.
At The Mortgage Heroes, we review each case individually. We’ll explain what’s realistic now, which lenders may be suitable, and whether applying straight away makes sense.
A bad credit mortgage is for people whose credit history includes missed payments, defaults, CCJs, IVAs, or past financial hardships. These aren’t separate mortgage products, but standard mortgages offered by lenders whose criteria may suit your situation.
Many people assume bad credit means an automatic decline. In reality, lenders assess the full picture. That includes what happened, how recent it was, whether balances are satisfied or unsatisfied, the amounts involved, and how your finances look today. In some cases, high street lenders will offer mortgages even with previous credit mishaps – and we’ll always work to get you the best deal.
Some lenders may consider recent defaults or CCJs, even if they remain unsatisfied. Others may disregard smaller historic debts once settled. Criteria varies significantly between lenders.
We focus on clarity, preparation, and the right timing.
We talk through your credit history and current circumstances.
We assess what lenders will see and how it affects options.
We identify lenders whose criteria suit your situation.
We explain likely outcomes honestly, with no pressure.
We manage the application and guide you through to completion.
When credit has been stretched in the past, long-term affordability matters. Reviewing protection alongside your mortgage can help safeguard payments if your income changes.
Bad credit can include missed or late payments, defaults, CCJs, IVAs, or bankruptcy. Lenders don’t all treat these the same way. The type of issue, how recent it was, and how things have been managed since all influence whether a mortgage is possible.
There’s no fixed timeframe. Lending decisions are lender-specific and depend on the type of issue, how it has been managed, and your current circumstances. Some lenders may consider recent issues, while others require more time to have passed. We assess this case by case.
No. Lenders do not base decisions solely on your credit score. They assess the actual information on your credit file, including payment history, balances, and patterns. A low score doesn’t automatically mean a decline if the overall application is strong.
Sometimes, particularly where issues are recent or more severe. However, high street lenders may still be available depending on the circumstances. We always assess mainstream options first where appropriate before considering more specialist lenders.
It may be possible, but options can be more limited. Deposit size, credit history, and affordability all interact. We’ll explain what’s realistic and whether waiting or improving your position could widen your options.
That depends on your goals and how lenders are likely to view your application today. We’ll give you an honest assessment and, if needed, help you plan steps that could improve outcomes before applying.
Lenders rarely make decisions based on a single issue. They look at patterns, recovery, and stability. A one-off missed payment years ago is treated very differently to ongoing arrears or unresolved debts.
Understanding this context is key. We’ll help present your application clearly and avoid unnecessary declines by choosing the right lender at the right time.
Explore our guides covering credit reports, improving eligibility, and what to expect when applying with past credit issues.
Start your journey online with The Mortgage Heroes. Our experts are here to help, offering clear, practical advice and support for your mortgage journey – without the pressure.
