Adverse Credit Mortgage
Adverse Credit Mortgage Specialists | Find a Mortgage Even With a Blip on Your Credit Report If you’ve experienced credit issues like missed payments, defaults, or County Court Judgments (CCJs), securing a mortgage may feel out of reach. But with the right guidance and lender, a mortgage with bad credit is still possible. At Connect Mortgages, we help individuals and families find tailored mortgage solutions even after financial setbacks.
Adverse Credit Mortgage
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What Is an Adverse Credit Mortgage?
An adverse credit mortgage is designed for individuals who have experienced credit challenges in the past. Instead of relying solely on credit scores, these lenders take a more holistic view of your financial profile, including your current income, employment stability, deposit size, and recent credit conduct.
Our advisers understand that life events such as redundancy, illness, or separation can cause short-term setbacks. We help you present your application in the best light to lenders who specialise in complex cases.
What Is Considered Adverse Credit?
“Adverse credit” is a broad term that can include:
Missed or late payments on credit cards, loans, or mobile contracts
Exceeding agreed overdrafts or credit card limits
Arrears on previous or current mortgage payments
Repossessions of previous properties
County Court Judgments (CCJs)
Bankruptcy, Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), or debt management plans
Joint credit accounts with a partner who has poor credit
👉 For more on joint applications, visit our guide to first-time buyer mortgages with a partner.
How Do I Know If I Have Adverse Credit?
Understanding whether you have adverse credit is the first step toward finding the right mortgage solution. While lenders use various credit scoring tools, you can check your own credit health using trusted services such as Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion (formerly Callcredit).
These services allow you to view your credit report and identify any red flags, such as missed payments or defaults, that could impact your mortgage eligibility. Running a personal credit check with these agencies is considered a soft inquiry. It creates a visible “footprint” on your file but does not affect your credit score or mortgage prospects.
Common Signs of Adverse Credit
You may have adverse credit even if you haven’t checked your report recently. Look out for these indicators, which could affect how mortgage lenders assess your application:
Missed or late payments on credit cards, personal loans, or utility bills
Defaults or County Court Judgments (CCJs) registered against your name
High credit utilisation, such as consistently using the full limit on your credit card
Bankruptcy or Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), current or historic
Rejected applications for loans, credit cards, or car finance
If you’ve experienced any of these, you’re not alone. Many people still qualify for competitive mortgage rates through specialist lenders who assess your affordability and current financial stability, not just your credit history.
Your Satisfaction, Backed by Our Service Guarantee
At Connect Mortgages, your credit history doesn’t define your future. We understand that life happens and we're here to help. Our commitment is to provide clear, transparent, and FCA-regulated mortgage advice you can trust, especially when your credit record isn’t perfect. With us, you’ll receive honest guidance and tailored support, every step of the way.
Specialist Lending Solutions for Complex Situations
No two mortgage journeys are the same. That’s why we offer tailored solutions for clients with unique financial situations—such as self-employed applicants, contractors, or those with adverse credit. Our experienced advisers work with specialist lenders who understand real-life affordability, not just credit scores.
Access to the Whole Mortgage Market
As a trusted whole-of-market mortgage brokers we give you access to products from across the UK mortgage market including exclusive rates not available by going directly to high-street lenders. Our independent status means we can recommend the right mortgage for your unique circumstances, not just a limited panel.
A Friendly, Personal Approach to Mortgage Advice
At Connect Mortgages, we understand that past credit issues don’t define your future. That’s why we take the time to get to know you not just your credit score. Our specialist advisers offer clear, jargon-free advice and tailor mortgage solutions based on your individual circumstances. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to recover from financial setbacks, you’ll receive personal, FCA-regulated guidance from start to finish.
Mortgage Advice..
Thinking of getting a mortgage? Our experienced team of skilled mortgage advisers are here to offer the essential guidance you require. Relying on our comprehensive understanding of the mortgage market, we’ll ensure you secure the perfect mortgage to suit your specific situation.
A Realistic Mortgage Journey: From Adverse Credit to Homeownership
Step 1: Realising the Need for Change
Sarah, a marketing executive in her mid-30s, had always dreamt of owning a home. A few years ago, she fell behind on credit card payments and had two defaults registered. One was due to redundancy; the other, a budgeting error during a difficult period.
As her financial situation improved, Sarah paid off her debts and began rebuilding her credit profile. But when she approached her bank for a mortgage, she was declined despite a stable income and a deposit saved.
Frustrated but determined, she searched for options tailored to her situation and found specialist bad-credit mortgage lenders.
Step 2: Finding a Broker Who Understands Adverse Credit
Sarah contacted Connect Mortgages after reading that they work with over 170 lenders, including those who consider applicants with CCJs, defaults, IVAs, or low credit scores.
During the first call, her adviser reassured her: “We look beyond the numbers. Let’s understand the story behind your credit file.”
Step 3: Reviewing Credit & Gathering Documents
Her broker helped Sarah:
Access her full credit report
Identify when the defaults occurred and whether they were “satisfied”
Review her income, outgoings, and deposit size
Explain the lender criteria for mortgages with adverse credit
They found that one of the defaults was over two years old and both had been settled. Some lenders would now consider her application with just a 15% deposit.
Step 4: Finding the Right Mortgage Lender
Connect Mortgages compared several lenders and found one offering:
A fixed-rate product
A 15% deposit requirement
Slightly higher interest than high-street banks but still affordable
No early repayment charge after two years
Sarah received a Decision in Principle, giving her confidence to make an offer on a home.
Step 5: Making the Offer & Legal Steps
With a mortgage offer in hand, Sarah worked with a solicitor to handle the legal side. Connect’s adviser stayed involved throughout the process, explaining each step clearly.
They also provided guidance on insurance cover and long-term budgeting so she could stay financially stable in her new home.
Step 6: Moving Into Her New Home
Sarah completed her purchase and moved into her new flat in Essex a space she never thought she could call her own.
“I thought my past credit would always hold me back. But working with the right adviser made all the difference.”
FAQs:Adverse Credit Mortgage
Most frequent questions and answers about Adverse Credit Mortgage
Yes, many UK lenders offer mortgages for applicants with adverse credit histories, especially through brokers like Connect Mortgages.
A bigger deposit can improve your options, but some lenders may accept as little as 10% depending on your situation.
No. Our soft credit checks will not affect your score. We’ll assess your eligibility before any lender performs a hard check.
Yes, there are specialist lenders who offer buy-to-let mortgages for landlords with adverse credit. Approval depends on factors like rental income, deposit size, and the type of credit issues involved. Visit our page on Buy-to-Let Mortgages for more details.
Yes. A second charge mortgage, also known as a secured loan, may be available even if your credit isn’t perfect. It uses your existing home equity and is often used for debt consolidation or large expenses. Learn more about Second Charge Mortgages.
Some lenders may consider applications as soon as 6–12 months after a CCJ or default, particularly if they’ve been satisfied or occurred a while ago. Each case is assessed individually.
Yes. Many clients with adverse credit remortgage to access better rates or consolidate debt. Our remortgage advisers can review your current mortgage and credit status.
This includes missed payments, defaults, CCJs, IVAs, bankruptcy, or debt management plans. Some also consider high credit usage, overdraft breaches, or payday loan activity.
Check your credit report, maintain regular payments, register to vote, reduce debts where possible, and seek advice from a broker with access to specialist bad credit lenders.
Yes. Each lender has different criteria. Being declined elsewhere doesn’t mean you won’t be accepted through a broker who understands the market and can match you to suitable lenders.
Yes, there are several lenders who offer adverse credit mortgage options, each with their own lending criteria. Some may accept recent defaults or missed payments, while others may require a longer period of financial stability.
Yes, it’s possible to consolidate debt a second time but lenders will likely take a closer look at your financial circumstances. If you’ve previously consolidated debts and are now considering it again, expect to explain the reasons behind this decision.
What next?
We will come back to you quickly to let you know how we can help. If you would like to speak to us immediately, call us on 01708 676 111.
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Liz Syms is the CEO and Founder of Connect Mortgages, a specialist in finance for property investment. With over 25 years of experience in mortgages and financial services, Liz has helped countless people get their dream homes and investment properties. She is passionate about giving her clients the best advice possible when it comes to financial decisions relating to mortgages and protection and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of service. With her wealth of knowledge in the industry, Liz is a respected leader in mortgages and financial services and has grown her team to over 300 advisers nationally. She strives to make Connect Mortgages one of the most successful companies in its field.
About the Author
Liz Syms is the CEO and Founder of Connect Mortgages, a specialist in finance for property investment. With over 25 years of experience in mortgages and financial services, Liz has helped countless people get their dream homes and investment properties. She is passionate about giving her clients the best advice possible when it comes to financial decisions relating to mortgages and protection and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of service. With her wealth of knowledge in the industry, Liz is a respected leader in mortgages and financial services and has grown her team to over 300 advisers nationally. She strives to make Connect Mortgages one of the most successful companies in its field.