Bad Credit Mortgages Specialist Support When You Need It Most
Past credit problems do not have to stop your homeownership plans. We work with lenders who understand the full story behind your credit file and help you secure realistic mortgage options when high street banks say no.
We do not promise miracles. We give you an honest route forward, protect your credit profile from unnecessary applications, and help you move toward better rates over time.
Credit issues we work with
CCJs and defaults
Satisfied or unsatisfied cases assessed in full context, not by a single automated rule.
DMPs and IVAs
Active or completed arrangements considered by specialist lenders where the case fits.
Bankruptcy and repossession
Post-discharge options available where timeline, deposit, and stability now support a case.
Missed payments and low scores
We focus on recent conduct, affordability, and deposit strength, not just the headline score.
The Honest Answer
Can You Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?
Yes. While a damaged credit history makes mortgage applications harder, it doesn't make them impossible. We specialise in bad credit and adverse credit mortgages, working with lenders who assess your current financial situation rather than just your past mistakes.
We work with over 90 lenders across the whole mortgage market, including specialist adverse credit lenders who aren't accessible directly to the public. Our 25+ years of experience means we know exactly which lenders to approach for your specific situation — and how to present your application in the strongest possible light.
- Specialist lender access — direct relationships with adverse credit lenders not available to the public
- Expert credit assessment — we review your file in detail and build the strongest possible application
- Honest, realistic advice — if it's too early to apply, we'll tell you and advise on improving your position first
- End-to-end support — from credit assessment through to completion, and planning your remortgage to better rates
The path forward
A bad credit mortgage isn't forever. It's the first step.
We plan this journey with you from day one — so you always know where you're headed.
We've Seen It All
Credit Issues We Help With
We've successfully helped clients secure mortgages with every type of credit problem. If it's on this list — and even if it isn't — talk to us first.
CCJs (County Court Judgements)
Satisfied or unsatisfied. Specialist lenders consider the value, how many, how recent, and whether they've been settled. Smaller, older, satisfied CCJs are much easier to work with.
Defaults
Defaulted credit cards, loans, or bills show on your file for 6 years. We work with lenders who'll consider recent defaults if you've demonstrated financial stability since.
Missed Mortgage Payments
Previous arrears are taken seriously, but specialist lenders assess how many, how recent, and your payment track record since. Context matters as much as the event.
Debt Management Plans & IVAs
Active or completed DMPs and Individual Voluntary Arrangements. Some specialist lenders will consider applications before full discharge, depending on your circumstances.
Bankruptcy
Post-bankruptcy mortgages typically require 3+ years after discharge. Some specialist lenders consider sooner with substantial deposits. Timing and deposit size are the key variables.
Repossession
Previous property repossession is serious but not permanent. We work with lenders who understand it often results from circumstances beyond your control — redundancy, illness, relationship breakdown.
Low Credit Score
Sometimes scores are low due to multiple small issues or lack of credit history — not one catastrophic event. Specialist lenders look at the full picture, not just a number.
Multiple Credit Issues
A combination of credit problems can complicate things, but rarely eliminates options entirely. We know which lenders are most flexible with complex adverse credit histories.
Very Recent Issues
Some specialist lenders will consider applications with very recent credit problems — especially with a substantial deposit of 25%+ and evidence the issues are now resolved.
Know Where You Stand Before You Apply
Before applying for any mortgage, it's essential to understand what's on your credit file. Many people are surprised by what they find — old addresses, forgotten accounts, or even errors that can be corrected and removed before you apply.
Deposits
How Much Deposit Do You Need?
Bad credit mortgages require larger deposits than standard mortgages to offset lender risk. The exact amount depends on the severity and type of your credit issues, how recently they occurred, and your current financial stability.
| Credit Issue Severity | Typical Deposit |
|---|---|
| Minor issues (old defaults, satisfied CCJs) | 15–20% |
| Moderate issues (recent defaults, active DMP) | 20–25% |
| Serious issues (bankruptcy, repossession) | 25–35%+ |
On a £250,000 property, a 25% deposit (£62,500) versus 15% (£37,500) could save you £150–200 per month in mortgage payments due to better rates — a significant difference worth planning for.
Interest Rates
What Rates Can You Expect?
Bad credit mortgages carry higher interest rates than standard mortgages — lenders charge more to offset the additional risk. Here's a realistic picture of what to expect.
| Credit Situation | Typical Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Standard mortgage (good credit) | 4–5.5% |
| Minor credit issues | 5–7% |
| Moderate credit issues | 6–9% |
| Serious credit issues | 8–12%+ |
These are initial rates, not permanent ones. With a clean payment record on your mortgage and improving credit, you can typically remortgage to mainstream rates within 2–3 years. We plan this with you from the start.
"I had a CCJ from five years ago and two missed payments on a loan. Every bank I went to turned me down flat. Home Me reviewed my full credit file, explained exactly what specialist lenders would and wouldn't consider, and got us a mortgage. They were honest with us from the start — no false promises, just a plan that worked."
Michelle & Rob T. — First-time buyers, Reading
★★★★★
The Process
Your Bad Credit Mortgage Journey
From initial conversation to completion — and beyond. We stay with you through every stage, including planning the remortgage that brings you back to mainstream rates.
Free Initial Consultation
An honest conversation about your credit issues, current financial situation, and realistic mortgage options. We'll tell you whether now is the right time to apply — or whether waiting would get you significantly better rates.
Credit Assessment & Strategy
We review your credit report in detail, identify the most suitable lenders, calculate realistic borrowing amounts, and correct any errors on your file before applying.
Application & Lender Submission
We gather all documentation, present your application in the strongest possible light, provide lenders with context for your credit issues, and negotiate with underwriters on your behalf.
Offer & Completion
Once your offer is secured, we review all terms, coordinate with solicitors and surveyors, handle any additional lender queries, and support you through to completion.
Future Planning
Your bad credit mortgage is the beginning, not the end. We plan your remortgage strategy from day one — advising on building positive credit history and reviewing your mortgage before the deal ends to move you to mainstream rates as soon as possible.
Before You Apply
Improving Your Chances of Approval
While we can't erase past credit issues, we can help you present the strongest possible application. These steps make a measurable difference.
Build Your Deposit
The larger your deposit, the better your chances and rates. Even increasing from 15% to 20% opens up more lender options and meaningfully reduces your monthly payments.
Demonstrate Stability
Lenders want to see 3–6 months in your current job, consistent income, regular savings (even small amounts), and no recent credit applications.
Improve Your Credit Conduct
Keep on top of all current bills, register on the electoral roll, use credit responsibly, and don't max out existing credit limits. Every month of clean conduct helps.
Settle Outstanding Debts
If possible, satisfy any unsatisfied CCJs or defaults before applying. This significantly improves your options with both specialist and mainstream lenders.
Provide Context
Many credit issues have valid explanations — relationship breakdown, redundancy, illness. We'll help you document these for lenders in a way that adds context without overselling.
Be Patient When Necessary
Sometimes waiting 6–12 months can make a huge difference to available rates. We'll advise honestly on whether applying now or waiting serves you better — and back that view with numbers.
Why Home Me Mortgages
Why Choose Us for Your Bad Credit Mortgage?
25+ years of specialist experience
We've seen every type of credit situation and know exactly which lenders to approach for your specific circumstances — including post-bankruptcy, high-value CCJs, and complex combined cases.
Access to specialist lenders
Direct relationships with adverse credit lenders who aren't available to the public. These aren't lenders you can find on comparison sites — access through a specialist broker is the only route in.
Whole-of-market, independent
Not tied to any lender panel. We search the entire market to find the best bad credit mortgage rates for your situation — not the best product for our commission.
Honest, transparent advice
We won't waste your time or give false hope. If it's too early or your credit issues too recent, we'll tell you — and advise specifically on how to strengthen your position before you apply.
Local service, national reach
Based in Marlow, serving Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and throughout the UK. Face-to-face or fully remote — whatever suits you.
FCA regulated & trusted
Brokerco Limited T/A Home Me Mortgages is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Your interests come first in every recommendation we make.
25+
Years' experience
£220M+
In mortgages secured
2,800+
Clients helped
If you want a clearer picture of how we support clients based near our office, see our Marlow mortgage broker page for more on the local areas we cover and how we help buyers and remortgagers with more complex cases across SL7 and the surrounding towns.
Common Questions
Bad Credit Mortgage FAQs
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 2–3 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 2–3 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 6–12 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 30–40%. 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 2–5 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 4–4.5x 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 Explore Your Options?
Every bad credit situation is unique. The best way to understand your realistic options is to speak with a specialist adviser who can review your specific circumstances — honestly, without obligation.
Your free consultation includes
- Full review of your credit history and current financial situation
- Honest assessment of your mortgage options and expected rates
- Advice on improving your position if beneficial before applying
- Clear explanation of timelines and the application process
- Transparent fee breakdown — no hidden costs
- No obligation to proceed — no pressure, no upfront fees
Or call us on 01628 884 693