Yes, in many cases you can. Having adverse credit doesn’t automatically rule you out of getting a mortgage, but it does change which lenders are likely to accept you and what terms they’ll offer. The details matter: what type of credit issue you have, how long ago it happened, and how much you’ve borrowed since all play a part.
What counts as adverse credit
Lenders use the term “adverse credit” to cover a range of things. The most common include missed payments on credit cards or loans, defaults, county court judgments (CCJs), individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs), debt management plans, and bankruptcy.
Not all of these carry the same weight. A single missed payment from four years ago is very different from a recent CCJ or an active IVA. Lenders look at the severity of the issue, how much was involved, and crucially, how long ago it happened.
Time is one of the most important factors. Most credit issues become less significant the further in the past they are. Some lenders will overlook a default that’s more than three years old, while others need six years of clear history. The thresholds vary considerably.
How lenders assess credit differently
This is where it gets interesting. High street lenders tend to have rigid criteria. If you don’t fit their model, you’re declined. But the lending market is much broader than the high street.
Specialist lenders exist specifically for people with credit difficulties. They assess applications on a case-by-case basis rather than running them through automated scoring systems. They’ll look at the full picture: what happened, why, and what your finances look like now.
Some of these lenders only work through brokers, so you wouldn’t find them by searching online or walking into a branch. A broker who handles mortgage applications for people with credit difficulties regularly will know which lenders are most likely to consider your circumstances.
Be honest about it
It’s tempting to minimise credit problems or hope they won’t show up. They will. Every lender runs a credit check, and trying to hide something only creates problems further down the line, often at the worst possible moment.
Being upfront with your broker means they can match you with the right lender from the start, rather than wasting time on applications that are likely to be declined. A good broker has seen it all and won’t judge your situation. They’re there to find a way forward, not to assess your past decisions.
Steps you can take now
If you’re not in a rush to buy, there are practical things you can do to strengthen your position.
Check your credit file with all three main agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Errors are more common than you’d think, and correcting a mistake could improve your standing immediately. Make sure you’re on the electoral roll, as this is one of the simplest ways to boost your credit score.
Keep up with all current payments. Lenders want to see that your recent history is clean, even if the past wasn’t. Avoid taking on new credit in the months before you apply, and try to reduce any outstanding balances where you can.
If you have a CCJ, paying it off and getting a “satisfied” marker added to your record makes a difference to how lenders view it.
The honest reality
Some situations do require waiting. If you’ve been through bankruptcy or an IVA that’s still active, the options available right now may be very limited or come with significantly higher rates. That doesn’t mean a mortgage is permanently off the table. It means the timing needs to be right.
A broker can give you a realistic picture of where you stand today and what would need to change for your options to improve. Sometimes that conversation is the most valuable thing, even if the answer is “not quite yet.”
It’s also worth knowing that mortgages offered to people with adverse credit may come with higher interest rates than standard products. This reflects the lender’s assessment of risk. Your advisor can explain what this means in practice for your monthly payments and whether remortgaging to a better rate later might be an option once your credit position improves.
Speak to someone who understands
Credit situations are personal and rarely straightforward. The best way to understand your options is to talk to someone who can look at your specific circumstances rather than guess based on general information.
Our advisors deal with adverse credit applications regularly and can give you an honest assessment of where you stand. There’s no cost and no obligation. Schedule a call when you’re ready.
