​Mortgages for Those With a Poor Credit Rating
Struggling to Get Approved for a Mortgage?
If you’re finding it difficult to secure a mortgage, your credit score and borrowing history could be major factors. Most lenders assess your credit profile to determine risk—and if your score is low or your record includes issues like missed payments, CCJs, or defaults, it may reduce your chances of approval.
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But being declined doesn’t mean your dream of homeownership is over.
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Whether you’ve had a Debt Management Plan (DMP), bankruptcy, or simply a limited credit history, there are still options. At Mortgage Centre, we work with a panel of specialist bad credit mortgage lenders who take a more flexible approach than traditional banks.
Our team will help you:
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Understand how your credit file is impacting your mortgage options
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Identify lenders who are open to your financial background
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Take proactive steps to improve your credit standing
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Explore realistic, tailored mortgage solutions that align with your goals
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Steps to Improve Your Credit Score
Improving your credit score is one of the most effective ways to increase your chances of securing a mortgage—especially with a history of bad credit. Here are key steps to take:
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Pay Bills on Time
Missed or late payments are one of the biggest factors that negatively impact your credit score. Set up direct debits or reminders to ensure every payment is made on time.
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Reduce Outstanding Debt
Focus on paying down credit cards and loans, especially high-interest balances. Keep your credit utilisation below 30% of your limit to show lenders you're managing your credit responsibly.
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Check Your Credit Report Regularly
Mistakes happen. Check your report with UK credit agencies like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion and dispute any errors that may be dragging your score down.
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Limit New Credit Applications
Too many credit checks in a short time can hurt your score. Only apply for new credit when necessary, and avoid closing old accounts, as a longer credit history can work in your favour.
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Use Credit Wisely
Maintain a good mix of credit types (e.g. credit card, loan, mobile contract) and only borrow what you can repay comfortably. Responsible use shows lenders you’re a lower risk.
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Seek Professional Support if Needed
If you're struggling with debt or unsure how to rebuild your credit, consult a financial advisor or debt charity like StepChange. Getting advice early can help avoid long-term damage.
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Improving your credit score is a journey—and with the right support, it’s one you don’t have to face alone. Through patience, consistency, and informed decisions, you can strengthen your credit profile and significantly increase your chances of mortgage approval, even with previous setbacks.
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At Mortgage Centre, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re just beginning to rebuild your credit or you’re ready to explore your bad credit mortgage options, our expert advisers will help you find a solution tailored to your unique circumstances.
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Personalised advice
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Specialist lender access
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Support for CCJs, defaults, DMPs & more
Need a mortgage?
We Can Help - Even If You Have Bad Credit
Whether you have registered CCJs, Defaults, Missed Payments, a Debt Management Plan (DMP), IVA, or Bankruptcy, we're here to assist.
Don’t let bad credit stand in your way - get in touch today; we’d love to help you explore your options and find a solution that works for you.
Missed Payments? We’re Still Here to Help
Real Support for Borrowers with Late or Missed Payments
If you’ve missed payments—whether on a mortgage, credit card, loan, or another form of credit—you might feel like homeownership is out of reach. But the good news is: you still have options.
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At Mortgage Centre, we understand that financial setbacks happen. Life can be unpredictable, and a few missed payments shouldn’t define your future. While they can impact your credit score, they don’t automatically disqualify you from getting a mortgage.
We work with a network of specialist mortgage lenders in the UK who look beyond your credit history and take a more flexible, understanding approach. These lenders assess your current financial position and your ability to move forward—not just what’s in your past.
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Mortgages Are Possible — Even with a CCJ
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Specialist Mortgage Advice for Buyers with County Court Judgments
If you’ve had a County Court Judgment (CCJ)—whether registered or settled—you might be worried about your ability to secure a mortgage. But here’s the good news: having a CCJ doesn’t mean your homeownership journey has to end.
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At Mortgage Centre, we specialise in helping individuals with adverse credit histories, including CCJs, find suitable mortgage solutions. We work with a wide range of specialist mortgage lenders in the UK who understand that financial setbacks happen and take a more flexible approach than traditional high street banks.
What You Need to Know About CCJs and Mortgages:
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A CCJ stays on your credit report for six years
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The more recent the CCJ, the more impact it may have—but it’s not always a deal-breaker
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Some lenders will consider your application even with unsatisfied CCJs
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The size, number, and age of your CCJs are all taken into account
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A larger deposit and stable income can strengthen your application
Defaults on Your Credit Report? You Still Have Mortgage Options
Expert Mortgage Advice for Credit Defaults and Missed Payments
If you’ve had missed payments or defaulted on a loan, it’s likely that a default marker now appears on your credit file. This can make getting a mortgage from a high street lender more difficult—but it doesn’t mean your journey to homeownership has to end.
At Mortgage Centre, we understand that financial setbacks happen—and we’re here to help you move forward.
What is a Default?
A default is recorded on your credit report when a debt hasn’t been paid as agreed, typically after several missed payments. It’s seen as a sign of risk by many traditional lenders, which is why mortgage applications with defaults are often declined.
But Here’s the Good News:
There are specialist lenders in the UK who take a more flexible approach. They’ll consider your full financial situation—not just the default itself. Key factors like how long ago the default occurred, whether it’s settled, and how your finances look now can all work in your favour.
How Mortgage Centre Can Help:
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Access to a wide panel of bad credit and default-friendly mortgage lenders
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Support with understanding your credit file and explaining defaults to lenders
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Honest, no-judgment advice tailored to your situation
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A focus on finding a mortgage that works for you—not against you
Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) - Mortgages Are Still Possible
Expert Mortgage Advice for Applicants with Individual Voluntary Arrangements
Having an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) doesn’t mean homeownership is out of reach. While many traditional lenders are cautious when it comes to offering mortgages to people with active or recent IVAs, there are specialist lenders who take a more flexible and understanding approach.
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At Mortgage Centre, we work closely with a panel of IVA-friendly mortgage lenders across the UK who assess your current financial stability, not just your credit history.
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What You Need to Know About Mortgages and IVAs:
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An IVA typically stays on your credit report for six years
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Your mortgage options improve once the IVA is completed or settled
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Some lenders will consider applications during or shortly after an IVA—especially with a larger deposit and stable income
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We can help you prepare the strongest possible application, even with complex financial histories
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How Mortgage Centre Supports You:
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Access to lenders who regularly work with IVA clients
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Personalised mortgage advice tailored to your financial recovery
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No-judgment, transparent guidance from start to finish
Debt Management Plan (DMP) — It’s Not the End of the Road
Flexible Mortgage Solutions for Clients with a Debt Management Plan
If you’re currently in a Debt Management Plan (DMP) or have been in one previously, you might worry about your chances of securing a mortgage. A DMP is a formal agreement to repay debts in manageable monthly installments, and while it helps control debt, many traditional lenders remain cautious.
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Why Do Traditional Lenders Hesitate?
High street lenders often apply strict lending criteria and may be reluctant to approve mortgage applications from those with a DMP on their credit record. This can feel discouraging, but it’s important to know that a DMP does not mean your mortgage journey is over.
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How Mortgage Centre Can Help You
At Mortgage Centre, we specialise in supporting clients with a DMP by working with specialist mortgage lenders who take a more flexible, comprehensive view of your finances. These lenders look beyond your credit history to understand your current financial health and future potential.
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Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, move house, or remortgage, we’ll guide you through every step, helping you explore mortgage options that suit your unique situation.
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Discharged Bankrupts: A Path to a Fresh Start
You Can Own a Home Even After Bankruptcy
Being discharged from bankruptcy can feel like a huge hurdle on your path to homeownership. While your bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for six years, it doesn’t mean your dream of owning a home is out of reach.
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At Mortgage Centre, we specialise in helping clients rebuild their financial futures. We work with a panel of specialist mortgage lenders who understand that life happens and are willing to consider applications from individuals who have been discharged from bankruptcy.
What You Should Know:
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Bankruptcy stays on your credit file for six years from the date of discharge
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Specialist lenders may accept applications sooner with evidence of financial stability
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A larger deposit or proof of steady income can improve your chances
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Over time, as your credit profile rebuilds, you can explore remortgaging on better terms
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Need a mortgage?
We Can Help - Even If You Have Bad Credit
Whether you have registered CCJs, Defaults, Missed Payments, a Debt Management Plan (DMP), IVA, or Bankruptcy, we're here to assist.
Don’t let bad credit stand in your way - get in touch today; we’d love to help you explore your options and find a solution that works for you.
As a mortgage is secured against your home or property, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments.