Of course, everyone wants to make sure that they are getting the best available interest rate when they take out a mortgage.

However, if you have bad credit you will most likely find that you are not eligible for the most competitive rates on the market.

Interest rates offered to bad credit customers are usually considerably higher than those provided to customers with an unblemished credit history.

This is merely down to the risk factor you pose to the lender.

All is not lost though as there are more lenders out there who can still get you a good deal on mortgages with bad credit.

Our aim is to help you understand how your credit history can affect how your mortgage is affected in terms of eligibility and rates depending on your current circumstances.

Hopefully, you will find the answers to any questions you may have below.

How do lenders treat applications from bad credit customers?

Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of lenders entering the mortgage market with a lot more willing to take a more flexible approach to applications from those with bad credit.

More providers now than ever are approving mortgages for customers with a less than perfect credit history.

Obviously, those with minor credit flaws will be more likely to qualify for the better interest rates whereas those with more severe credit issues will face rates at the higher end of the scale.

The market sector has changed insignificantly in the last 10 years and has now become more competitive for bad credit customers.

You must ensure that you are using a specialist advisor in order to get the best deal. Contact one of our expert advisors who are on hand to help you today.

Do lenders have different criteria?

Most lenders don’t make their criteria public knowledge, so it often feels like stepping into the unknown when applying for a mortgage when there are so many providers in the mortgage market.

Still, there is a wide range of professional and specialist brokers available to help.

It is our job to make the process as simple as possible by pairing you with a specialist lender who will make you the best offer based on your circumstances.

Note: Are you looking for commercial property but have a bad credit history? Bad credit commercial mortgages may be an option for you.

How different credit issues impact the rates you may be offered

Whilst some credit issues weigh heavier on your credit report than others, it is worth mentioning here that the type of credit issue you have experienced may determine the interest rates that are available to you, if your application is even successful that is.

Bankruptcy, for example, has a bigger impact than say a missed or late payment but all these things are carefully considered by the lender when reviewing your mortgage application.

Credit issues can vary from arrears to CCJs and right up to the more serious factors such as bankruptcy and repossession.

Although you may still be able to get a mortgage with a CCJ or default.

Don’t be put off if you have one or more of these marks on your credit file as there are specialist providers out there that may still offer you a favourable rate.

Obviously, the more adverse issues that appear on your credit file, the less chance you have of securing a lower rate on your mortgage. Some lenders may look less favourably on your application if you have multiple adverse issues on file.

How does the upturn in the market affect bad credit mortgage rates?

If you look at the current mortgage rates online, it is clear to see that business is booming and lenders are feeling more confident.

This has had an influence on the bad credit mortgage sector but in a positive way.  If you look at the rates from 10 years ago on a bad credit mortgage, you will see that the market now is much more competitive.

This enables borrowers with a less than perfect credit history to still apply for and obtain a mortgage, whilst not paying unreasonably high rates.

If your credit issues were minor, then you may even be in a position to obtain a mortgage using similar providers and having access to similar mortgage products than those with a clean slate.

Does the LTV (loan to value) have an impact on mortgage rates if I have bad credit?

Loan to value ratio is basically the size of your mortgage balanced against the value of the property you want to purchase.

This term is often explained as a percentage. For example: If your mortgage was £100,00 against a £125,000 house or property then the LTV ratio is 80%. The remaining £25,000 is made up by the deposit.

Depending on your circumstances, the LTV is changeable. In order to offset some of the risk bad credit customers pose to the lender, they may ask for a larger deposit.

If your credit history has minor issues recorded then you may find that you won’t need a larger deposit whereas if your credit history shows more severe issues such as CCJs and Bankruptcy then the lender may require you to stump up a higher deposit.

A more favourable view is taken to those customers who save a higher deposit, and this is quite simply down to the fact that you pose less of a risk to the lender.

Essentially, the more deposit you have, the better your position in the mortgage market and you should find that you will likely have more favourable mortgage rates available to you as a bad credit customer.

Make an enquiry with one of our specialist advisors today to discuss the options available to you.

Speak to one of our mortgage experts about bad credit mortgages

Can I get a cheap mortgage with a poor credit history?

No two lenders are the same and each one has different criteria which must be met before they will consider or accept your mortgage application when you have a poor credit history.

If the lender deems that you have scored well on your affordability check then chances are you may be eligible for better rates.

Does the date the adverse credit was recorded affect the rates that are available to me?

Quite often, the mortgage rates available to you are calculated based on how long your credit issues were recorded.

It is important to note that you can obtain good rates on your mortgage if the credit issue no longer appears on your credit report (older than 6 years).

High street lenders may be quick to turn down your application from the outset if you have a poor credit history of a more serious nature e.g. Bankruptcy.

However, some will make exceptions depending on the length of time the adverse issue has been on your report.

It is difficult to determine at which point in your credit journey that you will qualify for the best interest rates.

Our specialist advisors are on hand to work with you and connect you to the best mortgage providers on the market, with your circumstance in mind.

My credit issues are still outstanding. Does this matter?

Yes. Most lenders only consider lower mortgage rates for borrowers whose adverse credit appears as settled on their credit file.

Some lenders may expect you to wait until your credit issues have been resolved before you can proceed with your mortgage application if you want to be considered for lower rates.

As well as impacting the rates available to you, unsettled credit issues can also affect the amount you can borrow for a mortgage.

Lenders will carry out affordability tests to ensure that you can afford the repayments on any mortgage that you are considered for.

The outcome of these measures will determine how much you can apply for.

In summary, the following will likely be considered when your mortgage rates are being decided upon:

  • Interest Rates available.
  • Amount of credit issues you have recorded on your file.
  • How long ago the credit issues were recorded.
  • If the credit issues have been settled.
  • The types of credit issues that were recorded on your file e.g. Bankruptcy, CCJ, defaults.
  • The number of lenders available based on your current circumstances.

The key to finding the best rates available to you based on your circumstances is talking to a specialist advisor.

If you have a bad credit history, you are best speaking to an advisor whose speciality is bad credit mortgages.

Many high street lenders will turn bad credit customers away from the onset or even offer them ridiculously high mortgage rates to offset the risk they pose to the lender.

Our advisors will not turn you away. Our aim is to connect you with the best mortgage providers in the market whilst getting you the best deal available.

We will work with you to ensure that your circumstances and specific needs are catered for in the application process.

We can also help advise you on buy to let mortgages if you have poor credit.

Contact us to begin your mortgage application

Whilst the thought of having a bad credit mortgage can be unnerving for many, it is important to consider the amount of deposit you will need before you apply, otherwise, your mortgage application may be declined.

If you have adverse credit, then be prepared to put down a more substantial deposit in order to secure your mortgage.

The positive factor to take away from this is that the more money you have to put down as a deposit, the better access you will have to things like mortgage rates.

Luckily, there are plenty of specialist lenders in the mortgage market that will lend to customers with a less than perfect credit history.

Can I get a bad credit mortgage with no deposit?

Obtaining a mortgage without a deposit can prove quite difficult in normal circumstances.

In recent years, mortgage lenders have revised their lending criteria by way of protecting themselves from high-risk borrowing.

Nowadays, lenders look at many factors when considering the amount of deposit, you will need to put down.

These factors include:

  • How long ago the debt was accrued.
  • How much debt was accumulated?
  • Whether the debt has been satisfied or settled?
  • Your current income/expenditure.

If you don’t have a deposit and have bad credit, then you will find very difficult to obtain a mortgage.

How will my credit score affect the amount of deposit I will need?

The first thing lenders usually look at in any mortgage application is the prospective borrowers credit history.

This is used to determine your ability to make your monthly repayments on time and in full.  Quite often, people with bad credit are considered a risk to lenders.

However, there are providers in the market who specialise in mortgages with bad credit.

It is worth noting that if you are rejected for a mortgage, this may have a detrimental affect on your credit score, so it is recommended that you get the best advice before you apply.

Speak to one of our mortgage experts about bad credit mortgages

What types of bad credit are considered when applying for a mortgage?

Lenders will look at your credit file and consider the following as bad credit:

Realistically, lenders aim to offset the risk to themselves when considering applicants for a bad credit mortgage.

A large deposit is seen as a positive in the application process and may open more options to you than if you had a low or zero deposit.

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There are lenders in the market however that do specialise in bad credit mortgages with lower deposits, but you can expect to pay much higher interest rates for that type of mortgage.

I have a substantial deposit already. Can I still get a mortgage with bad credit?

Put quite simply, the more deposit you have, the less mortgage you will need.

Prospective customers who approach the lender with a large deposit to put down on a bad credit mortgage are seen as less risk.

This is due to the fact that you will require a smaller mortgage.

Good news for the borrower is that if you pay a larger deposit, then you will have a higher equity in your property and your mortgage will likely be more affordable.

If you have a large deposit and bad credit, make an enquiry to one of our expert advisors who can help you locate a specialist lender.

Note: Are you looking for commercial property but have a bad credit history? Bad credit commercial mortgages may be an option for you.

My partner has bad credit but mine is good. Does this affect the application?

Whether you apply for a mortgage as an individual or as part of a couple, the lender will look at the credit history/scores of all persons named on the mortgage application.

On one hand the benefits of two applicants is that two incomes will be considered, meaning that you may be eligible for a bigger mortgage but in contrast one applicants bad credit score can have a negative impact and lower the chances of your application being successful.

If your partner has bad credit you may opt to apply solely in your name if the lender allows.

That way your partner and their financial records will not be taken into consideration during the application process.

If you are applying solely it is worth noting that depending on your income, you may not be eligible for a mortgage on your own.

Start your mortgage application today

How can I save for a deposit for a bad credit mortgage?

First things first, it is never too early to start saving for your deposit. In fact, the sooner the better.

We have compiled a list of helpful tips that can increase your chances of obtaining a bad credit mortgage by saving for a deposit.

  1. Get an idea of the amount of deposit you will need. This will give you the goal to work towards first and foremost.
  1. Organise your finances. A great starting point when trying to save some money is taking a look at your overall current financial position in the form of a personal budget. Make note of all your monthly outgoings and set that against your income. From here you can see where you need to make cutbacks, whether it be from unnecessary spending or just simply switching utility providers to make an extra saving. You will quickly learn just how much you can afford to save towards your deposit each month.
  1. Be realistic. Make sure that you allow enough money to cover the basic cost of living e.g. food, water, heating etc before you start to make cutbacks. The length of time it takes you to save will be dependent on how much you can afford to set aside. Be realistic about this figure and don’t be tempted to cut corners on the basics.
  1. Open a savings account. Once you start saving money, you will need somewhere to store it safely. A savings account is the best option. Money can easily be transferred between current accounts and savings accounts in the form of standing orders. Depending on the type of savings account you go for, you can gain interest on the money deposited into your account. Shop around for the best interest deal so you can capitalise on your savings. There are many saving accounts available on the market, but you want to ensure you get the most out of your money so shop around using price comparison sites before settling on one.
  1. Consider a help to buy ISA. The UK government will help you by topping up your savings to put towards a deposit on a house. It can certainly give you a push up the ladder, but you need to be absolutely clear on the terms and conditions of the account before you apply.

Our experts are on hand to help you with any questions you might have surrounding deposits and bad credit mortgages. Contact one of our expert advisors today to learn more.

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You will be pleased to hear that there are a growing number of mortgage lenders offering Buy to Let mortgages for customers with bad credit.

However, various credit issues can affect your chances of obtaining a Buy to Let mortgage at the application stage.

We will delve into these factors below in more detail so that you are better informed as to what might hinder (or help) your chances of getting the mortgage you want.

What is a buy to let mortgage with bad credit?

A buy to let mortgage with bad credit is a mortgage provided to individuals with bad credit, enabling them to purchase property to rent.

Typically, a normal buy to let mortgage is not appropriate for individuals with bad credit.

For this reason, there are buy to let mortgage providers who cater specifically to those with poor credit.

You can potentially secure a buy to let mortgage with any of the following poor credit scenarios:

  • Late payments.
  • Defaults.
  • Mortgage arrears.
  • CCJs.
  • Debt Management Plan (DMP).
  • IVA.
  • Bankruptcy.
  • Repossession.
  • Use of payday loans.
  • Low credit score.

Buy to let mortgage lenders for bad credit

Not all lenders process mortgage applications in the same way and their requirements can differ.

If you have bad credit, then it’s true that many lenders will likely not accept your application, but there are potentially many that will.

Typically you can place lenders into two main categories, these are:

  • Mainstream (high street) lenders.
  • Specialist lenders (like those that specialise in individuals with poor credit).

The reality is that poor credit can result from a variety of different things and so there is no blanket approach.

Lenders will look at a range of factors including how long ago the adverse credit occurred and how severe it was.

If it was a considerable time ago, then it’s possible that the lender will not take it into account.

Speak to one of our buy to let mortgage experts

High Street vs. Specialist Lenders

High street lenders market their products to people with no credit issues and their advisers are typically only trained and knowledge when discussing their own specific deals.

Therefore, not only are you potentially missing out on thousands of other deals offered from other providers, but they are unlikely to be able to deal with applicants with bad credit.

Not only that but if you approach a traditional high street lender and you have poor credit, you risk being declined, which could have a negative impact on your credit score.

This has the potential to make future applications more difficult.

Why choose a specialist lender?

Lenders that specialise in bad credit are a much more likely source to secure a buy to let mortgage if you have adverse credit.

Typically, specialist lenders will charge higher interest rates and require a larger deposit, but it ultimately all depends on the type of adverse credit issues you have accrued.

Many specialist lenders require you to apply through a mortgage adviser, which can be beneficial since they can often present you with a range of different deals, allowing you to choose the best offer.

Discovering a lender right for your situation will be determined by your financial history and current circumstances.

If you still have further questions or would like assistance, contact or of mortgage brokers today.

How does bad credit impact a buy to let mortgage?

Firstly, it is important to note that your credit score is different from your credit history.

Credit history as the name suggests is a record of your past financial conduct and is usually tracked over six years.

Whereas, a credit score is used by credit reference agencies and is based on specific criteria.

If a lender uses your credit score to assess your application, they will take into consideration factors such as income, age, location and credit behaviours.

Therefore, depending on the criteria the lender is looking for, you may well end up with a good lender score, despite having a poor credit score.

If your credit score is low, you will likely find it more difficult to obtain competitive rates but don’t let that put you off applying.

There are still many options available for Buy to Let mortgages for borrowers with a bad credit score.

Need more information? Read our related quick help guides: 

Another impacting factor is the number of credit applications or ‘hits’ there are on your financial record.

Having a substantial number of credit applications against your name can be damaging to your credit score.

Lenders may question why you have so many credit applications on your record and this may raise a concern.

The information that a lender sees when you make a credit application, can be viewed using one of the credit reference agencies available online e.g. Equifax and Experian.

This information can be helpful to you in understanding your credit score.

It may be worth signing up to both agencies as they may not always hold the same information about you.

Remember, that accessing your credit file will not impact your score in any way and can be viewed as many times as you want.

Our expert mortgage specialists are available to help you with any questions you may have about your application.

Contact us to find out how to maximise your chances of obtaining a Buy to Let mortgage even with a low credit score.

Speak to one of our buy to let mortgage experts

Mortgage Arrears

When a missed mortgage payment is not paid and a month or more has passed, it is considered as being in arrears.

Just like missed payments on any secured loan, mortgage arrears are taken very seriously by lenders when making their decision on a mortgage application. Mortgage arrears on Buy to Let properties are viewed in the same way.

If the arrears have lasted over a month, it raises a red flag that perhaps there is an issue with repaying loans. This, in turn, has an adverse effect on an applicant’s reliability at the time the mortgage application is made.

In today’s market, it is very common to encounter landlords who have various mortgages for more than one property and for several reasons, they fall into arrears on of the mortgages.

The most common reason for this is down to the property not being let for a significant amount of time.

Therefore, for customers searching for a Buy to Let mortgage with arrears, there are a number of options available to you.

The timing of any such arrears is important. If arrears have been very recent, this is more likely to work against you than if you had arrears a few years ago.

In an application, it is always essential to clarify any mitigating circumstances to give the lender a complete image of why you fell into arrears.

If you paid off the arrears rapidly, it is worth disclosing these documents to demonstrate that you have been able to resolve the case and have done so in a timely manner.

Late Payments

It is not uncommon for people to have missed a payment during their lifetime.

Some lenders operate a zero-tolerance policy too late payments and will decline the mortgage applications based on this whereas others may take a more sympathetic view if the late payments were isolated and occurred a long time ago.

However, one thing that you can be sure of is that a lender will always look at how many late payment records exist on your credit file and how long ago they occurred. This information is imperative to the lender’s decision when considering your Buy to Let mortgage application.

Typically, the fewer late payments recorded on your file, the more access you will have to lenders and better, more competitive rates.

At this point, it is worth mentioning that late payments and arrears are two separate entities. Missed payments are often recorded at the end of a month.

This can help buy some time to settle the payment before it is considered as late.

For example, if your payment was due at the beginning of the month and you paid it in the second or third week, the payment may not be reported to the credit agencies as being late.

Missed or late payments on secured credit such as mortgages are more of an issue to those made on unsecured credit such as phone bills or credit cards.

Speak to one of our buy to let mortgage experts

Defaults

Defaults in the loan file of a borrower are one of Buy to Let’s most popular reasons for bad credit history mortgages, particularly as they remain on your record for six years.

A default notice is a formal letter sent when a certain number of payments on a loan contract have been missed.

At this point, default is generally recorded when a borrower has missed more than three payments.

The good news is that there are more Buy to Let bad credit mortgages for defaulting borrowers than in the past, so it’s possible to find a suitable Buy to Let mortgage with default.

If you have defaulted on payments against a secured loan in the past and are searching for a Buy to Let mortgage, the number of choices available to you will depend on a number of factors, such as how many defaults you have, how late they were recorded and how much they were for.

Lenders will also examine whether the defaults have been paid off, which in financial terms is known as satisfied. Other factors such as the amount of deposit you have available will also be taken into consideration.

Note: Are you looking for commercial property but have a bad credit history? Bad credit commercial mortgages may be an option for you.

CCJs

Just like defaults, there is an increasing number of lenders that will consider providing a Buy to Let mortgage to someone with CCJs registered against their name.

Each lender has its own criteria, but the principal considerations that the lenders will scrutinise are, the value of CCJs, how many you have when they were recorded and if the debt has been satisfied.

In particular, the County Court Judgment date plays a significant role in determining an application’s result.

For instance, if the judgment was registered over two years ago, you are likely to have more options than if the judgment has been registered within the past year.

With that being said, some lenders will consider prospective customers who have had a CCJ registered in their name as recent as within the last few months. Read our full guide on mortgages with a CCJ for more information.

Can I get a Buy to Let mortgage if I’m in a debt management plan?

If you are presently performing debt management or have been in a debt management plan recently, it may be possible for you to get a Buy to Let mortgage.

Contact our specialist mortgage advisors, who are on hand to advise you accordingly if you have any queries about obtaining a Buy to Let mortgage if you are in or have been in a Debt Management Plan.

Can I get a Buy to Let mortgage with IVA? 

If you have a current IVA, then you are likely to find it difficult to secure a buy to let mortgage.

But there are still potential ways to secure a mortgage, our mortgage brokers will be able to assist you further.

Lenders will likely want to assess your financial history and ensure that you have been making repayments on time.

Even though an IVA is considered a severe form of bad credit, it shows that you have been willing to take the steps necessary to repair your credit. Specialist lenders will assess your overall financial situation.

How does a low credit score impact a buy to let mortgage?

A credit score isn’t the same as poor credit. So if you have a poor credit score, this should not impact your ability to secure a buy to let mortgage too much.

Your credit file is composed of your credit history and shows your financial activity of the previous six years.

Although, some mortgage lenders may request that you disclose any credit issues that occurred before this period.

Your credit score is determined from a variety of factors, such as your address and age.

If you have moved to multiple addresses or have submitted numerous credit applications over a short period of time, it may have a negative impact on your credit score.

You can potentially have a low credit score without having any credit issues in the past.

Regardless, mortgage providers may consider applicants with a low score to be high risk.

The importance of affordability when applying for a Buy to Let mortgage

When applying for a Buy to Let mortgage with bad credit history, affordability will always be the most important factor taken into consideration by the lender.

Just like any other application for a mortgage, you will have to prove that you can afford the repayments. Buy to Let affordability is based on a combination of the property’s rental revenue and your financial circumstances.

If you have many Buy to Let mortgages, the lender may examine your entire portfolio to ensure that when it comes to borrowing, you are not overstretched.

Where the lease revenue is not enough, the maximum available loan will be reduced to suit the calculation.

Some lenders, however, enable you to supplement the achievable rental revenue with your own personal income.

How much deposit will I need for a Byt to Let Mortgage with bad credit?

Like any other mortgage, the more deposit you have available to put down, the more options you will have.

Typically, most lenders will consider up to 85% LTV for buy to let mortgages.

Start your application for a Buy to Let mortgage today

If you’re thinking of becoming a landlord or want to switch to a better deal with your current Buy to Let mortgage, contact our expert mortgage advisors today to discuss your options and begin your application.

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Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or contact us. One of our advisors can talk through all of your options with you.

Even if your property has been repossessed, you can still get a poor credit mortgage.

It’s all down to knowing where to look and making sure you meet the conditions.

People often make the mistake of thinking that obtaining a mortgage after repossession is impossible.

Whilst it is true that some high street lenders will frequently decline mortgage applications that show evidence of adverse credit, it is important to note that not all lenders are the same.

The key is knowing which lenders to apply to, meet those lender’s criteria, and maintain good credit conduct after the repossession.

In short, if you have had a home repossessed in the past that doesn’t mean you cannot obtain a mortgage in the future.

You simply need to look at speciality lenders based on your circumstances and show that you can meet the criteria in terms of deposit and affordability – that’s what our expert mortgage advisors are for.

Can I get a mortgage after a repossession?

Most lenders consider the following when reviewing your mortgage application:

Date of Repossession

Probably the first and most important factor that lenders consider before your application is the date of your repossession.

The more time that has passed since your repossession, the more likely lenders are to consider offering you a mortgage. I

f your property has been repossessed within the last 3 years for example, then you will find it very difficult to get a mortgage without making a substantial deposit.

If the repossession was over 3 years ago, you may be able to apply for a mortgage up to 85%  loan-to-value (LTV) whereas if your repossession was over 6 years ago, you may be able to apply for a mortgage up to 95% LTV.

It’s pretty simple: the more recent the repossession, the more deposit you will need.

What interest rates will I be eligible for after a repossession?

The time elapsed since the repossession also has a significant impact on the rate at which you can acquire a mortgage.

If the repossession occurred in the last 3 years, the rate will be higher.

There is more chance of being offered a competitive rate if the repossession occurred over 3 years ago.

However, for repossessions that occurred over 4 years ago, better rates may be available offered.

These rates will often be comparable to those of the market leaders.

It is worth noting that the amount of deposit you have available will impact rates, as will other credit behaviours.

Repossessing mortgage lender

 It is quite common for your mortgage application to be affected by the lender who repossessed the property.

If your property was repossessed by a lender belonging to a financial group or institution, then it is more likely that your mortgage will be rejected if you apply to one of the companies within that financial group.

It is important that you do your homework before seeking out a lender. It is vital that you choose a lender that is most appropriate for your mortgage needs.

For example, if you have a poor credit profile, then it may be best to seek out a lender that specialises in obtaining mortgages for those with an unbalanced credit history.

Our expert mortgage advisors are on hand to do the hard work for you and find you the best deal available on the market.

 Reason for Repossession

The reason for repossession ranks high on the checklist of many lenders as they will take into consideration the reason for your repossession. This is all part of the application process.

If you have a genuine reason for repossession, i.e. if you were the victim of fraudulent activity or other factors beyond your control, then many lenders will relinquish these factors in order to offer you the best deal available.

It is important to investigate this before applying and attempt to gain some understanding of which lenders operate this policy.

Size and Cost of Repossession

Lenders will explore the amount of capital involved in the repossession. If this figure is high, then it can have an adverse impact on your mortgage application.

For example, if the repossession runs into the millions, or if the repossession was taken against multiple mortgages, it could be harder and more costly for you to obtain a mortgage.

In a nutshell, the lower the amount of money involved in the repossession, the more likely lenders are to readily accept your application and offer you a more competitive rate.

Please note that this is based solely on our vast experience working with all types of lenders and that every application is different. The success of your application coupled with the mortgage rates offered will highly depend on the quality of your application.

Want a mortgage for a rental property? They work slightly differently to regular residential mortgages, learn all about them in our buy to let mortgages with bad credit.

So, in summary, lenders will usually assess your eligibility for a mortgage after repossession based on:

  • Your current financial position.
  • The time elapsed since the repossession.
  • Your credit profile since the repossession.

Speak to one of our mortgage experts

What if I have a poor credit history?

Don’t be put off applying for a mortgage if you have a less than colourful credit history. There are plenty of lenders out there who can help.

We specialise in poor credit applications but please be aware that if you’ve had past or present blemishes on your credit file after your repossession, then you may find it difficult to secure a good rate.

The more cracks you have on your credit file, the higher rates you’ll be offered.

If there are other credit issues on your credit file such as arrears, defaults, late payments, bankruptcy or CCJ it can often make a lender question your creditworthiness, especially if these have occurred since the repossession.

This quite often indicates that you have not fully recovered financially from the repossession and can have a detrimental impact on the number of lenders likely accept your application.

Note: Are you looking for commercial property but have a bad credit history? Bad credit commercial mortgages may be an option for you.

Credit behaviour since the repossession

Lenders want to lend their money to customers who have proved that they can recover from an unstable financial past and has repaired their bad credit.

Those who can show that they are less likely to default on another mortgage are more attractive to lenders.

Make sure you keep up to date with payments for unsecured debts (such as credit cards, loans etc.) so that lenders can see that you’re able to keep up with credit commitments.

 Affordability assessment

In order to obtain another mortgage after repossession, you will be subject to the same eligibility criteria as any other mortgage application.

You will need to supply significant evidence of affordability to the lender. As a customer with a past repossession, you are more likely to be under heavier scrutiny though.

The key is to provide enough evidence to prove to the lender that you are low risk of defaulting on future mortgage payments or running into similar trouble as in the past.

Looking for a commercial mortgage with bad credit? You may be interested in the possibility of shared ownership.

 Legacy Payments

 In cases where the money is still owed to a lender after a repossession, you will often find that the list of lenders available to you will be significantly lower than if you had no outstanding financial obligations to the previous lender.

This can also have an adverse effect on the amount of money you will need for a deposit. In brief, the more money owed after repossession will have a greater impact on the success of your application

Key points to remember:

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Contrary to belief, it is possible to get a mortgage even if you have been declared bankrupt and had your house repossessed in the past.

Although many mortgage lenders will decline applications from bankruptcy clients, there are lenders in the market that are more understanding and will happily consider you for a mortgage.

However, do expect to front a larger deposit to qualify. Lenders will look at your personal circumstances including your credit history when making their assessment.

A record of bankruptcy shows that you present a higher risk to the lender and as a result, some may decline the application at this point.

You can also expect to be offered mortgage deals with higher interest rates.

How long after bankruptcy can I get a mortgage?

During a period of bankruptcy, it isn’t unusual to have restrictions imposed on your borrowing.

Bankruptcy terms dictate that you cannot apply for a mortgage until you have been officially discharged. This usually takes up to 12 months depending on the court’s decision.

The more time that has elapsed, the more chance you have of a lender approving you for a mortgage.

Post-bankruptcy, the point at which you will become eligible to apply for a mortgage differs lender to lender.

If you apply for a mortgage immediately after the point of discharge then you will need to meet very strict criteria, have a substantial deposit, and find yourself subject to higher fees and rates.

As more time passes, the bankruptcy becomes less relevant from the perspective of a lender.

After 4 or 5 years, a lender will most likely see you in the same light as everyone else but more so if your credit history has been clear of any issues since discharge.

You will also find that more lenders in the market will consider an application at higher loan to value rates, the longer you have been discharged.

For example, if you have been discharged over 4-5 years and have kept a good credit record, you may be able to borrow up to as much as 90-95% LTV. If eligible, these lenders may be able to offer you more competitive rates too.

If you have been recently discharged, then you will find it significantly harder but can still obtain a mortgage though at least 25% deposit will be required in a lot of cases.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please get in contact with one of our specialist advisors to discuss your situation.

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Tips for applying for a mortgage after bankruptcies

If you are in a position whereby you want to apply for a mortgage post-bankruptcy, then there are a few things you can do to help get approved:

  1. Check your Credit Reports

First and foremost, we recommend checking your credit score. It is important to regularly check your credit file.

This is where all your financial irregularities are recorded, and it will give you an overall picture of your financial profile as seen by lenders.

Some credit files contain discrepancies which can be detrimental to your mortgage application.

It is important to check that dates etc are accurate on your credit file, especially where bankruptcy is listed.

Irregularities like this can be a result of basic admin error but could make your mortgage approval very difficult.

Fundamentally, it can be the difference in being accepted or declined for a mortgage after bankruptcy.

 

  1. Check your Eligibility

Once you have checked and corrected any discrepancies on your credit file, it’s time to check if you are eligible to apply for a mortgage.

Some lenders can decline applications even after they have passed a credit check, based on the bankruptcy.

This is where specialist lenders come into the equation. Contact us to speak to an expert bankruptcy mortgage adviser today.

 

  1. Rebuild your Credit Profile

One of our financial advisors can guide you to take the steps you need to repair your credit file, as offer you advice on mortgages with bad credit.

 

National Hunters Report

If 6 years have passed since your discharge, then relatively speaking there should be no trace of bad credit on your file.

Most assume that it is therefore easy to apply to any lender and get accepted for a mortgage, but this is not the case. This due to the National Hunters Report.

The National Hunters Report is a register that contains the names of anyone ever made bankrupt in the UK, even if you were discharged over 6 years ago.

So, although you may get through a bank credit check at the initial application stage, you can be declined at a later stage when the Hunters Report brings your bankruptcy to light so ensure that you declare this.

Although this can be very disappointing and frustrating for many applicants, fear not, there are still several lenders that may consider your application at this point.

Note: Are you looking for commercial property but have a bad credit history? Bad credit commercial mortgages may be an option for you.

Credit behaviour since the bankruptcy

If there are other credit issues on your credit file before the bankruptcy such as arrears, defaults, late payments, CCJs or a debt management plan, then the bankruptcy itself should effectively wipe them off and they should appear on your credit report as settled.

The credit file is reset and after a year passes, discharged customers can attempt to rebuild their credit profile from scratch.

However, if you have experienced credit issues after the bankruptcy, lenders will consider you a high risk.

Lenders will want to see that you have successfully learned to manage your finances in a responsible manner since the bankruptcy.

It is important that your bankruptcy default is marked up to date on your credit file before making your application.

Which lender can I apply to with bankruptcy on my file?

There are a few discharged bankrupt mortgage lenders in the market.

Whilst some are mainstream lenders offering high rates and overlooking discharged bankruptcies of over 4 years, there are other specialist lenders who can take on applications for bankruptcies discharged less than 3 years ago but these do tend to have higher rates and fees attached to them.

Get in touch with one of our experts and we will help establish the best lender for you.

Can I get a buy to let mortgage after bankruptcy?

Depending on your circumstances, it may be possible for you to obtain a buy to let mortgage if you have been declared bankrupt in the past.

However, you will often need to meet the criteria outlined below:

  • have saved a deposit of over 15% (amount varies).
  • have a personal income.
  • have been discharged from bankruptcy for at least 3 years.
  • have a clean credit file since bankruptcy.
  • own at least one other property.

Even if you don’t meet the criteria above, we may still be able to help.

A mortgage after bankruptcy requires specialist knowledge.

Remember, you can contact our expert advisors for advice.

I had an IVA. Can I still apply for a mortgage?

Just like bankruptcy debt, IVAs can come as a deterrent to many lenders but there are specialist providers who focus on applications containing credit issues.

These providers tend to take a more formative view of your mortgage application.

Just like other issues, IVAs stay on your credit file for 6 years, however, if the debt has been listed as settled for more than 3 years, there are a small number of lenders who will accept an application from someone with a current IVA.

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More and more people are deciding to build their own homes, both to save money and to create a unique living space that is perfectly tailored to them.

Before you get swept up in the planning of your perfect kitchen or dream bathroom, you need to know how your self-build will be financed.

Whether you will be doing most of the work yourself or will be putting the project in the hands of a surveyor and architect, etc., you need to be aware that you won’t be able to get a standard residential mortgage.

What are Self-build Mortgages?

To finance the build of your own property you may need a specialist loan, known as a self-build mortgage.

This niche loan is designed to help those building their own homes, by releasing funds in stages, as opposed to one lump sum once the property is completed.

This article will take you through everything you need to know about the self-build mortgage, so you can be fully aware of any issues that may affect you.

Need more help? Check our quick help guides: 

What are the Funding Stages of a Self-Build Mortgage?

Whilst it may vary between project and from lender to lender, there are usually five stages during the entire process where funding will be released. They are as follows:

  1. The purchase of a suitable plot of land.
  2. The completion of the foundations and footings.
  3. Completion of the walls up to roof level (eaves height).
  4. Weatherproof and watertight roof completed.
  5. The completion of the interior to habitable condition and the final fixes.

By releasing funding for the self-build in stages, planning for the costs of each stage can be done in the knowledge of knowing how much money will come through, and when. The money can then be paid to the necessary contractors, architects, etc. in a timely manner as the work is ongoing.

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Types of Self-build Mortgages

There are two types of self-build mortgages, which primarily differ on when the money is released at each stage in the building process:

Arrears Self-build Mortgage

With an arrears self-build mortgage, the funds are released when each stage of the process is completed and a valuer has assessed the construction. This type of mortgage is suited to those who have a lump sum of their own money to invest into the build.

To be eligible for this type of self-build mortgage, loan providers will usually expect you to be able to pay for the first 20% of the project yourself.

Advance Self-build Mortgage

With an advance self-build mortgage, the funds are released at the beginning of each stage of construction. This option is better for those who don’t have a significant amount of their own cash to get the building project off the ground. The money will be in your bank in advance and therefore available to pay for labour and materials when it is needed.

Related guides: 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Self-build Mortgages

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to a self-build mortgage, which should be carefully considered before deciding whether to go ahead with your application.

Some of the advantages that come with a self-build mortgage include:

  • You get to create your dream home, from the foundations to the finishing touches. Everything can be tailored to your own specifications and decorated to your own personal taste.
  • Usually, it works out significantly cheaper to build your own home than it is to buy the equivalent property that has already been built.
  • You can save thousands of pounds in Stamp Duty as you only pay if the price of your plot of land exceeds the threshold for stamp duty (not including building costs).
  • You could make a large profit if you sell your self-build and they tend to be worth significantly more than they cost to construct.

As with any type of mortgage, self-build mortgages come with a number of disadvantages that should be weighed up with the potential advantages. They include:

  • The interest rates tend to be higher than those for standard residential mortgages and you are likely to need a larger deposit too.
  • There is a lot more paperwork that needs to be handled than with standard mortgage – not only will you need all the usual paperwork, but you will need the likes of building plans, cost projections, etc.
  • There is a lot of planning involved and you will need to keep close track of your finances throughout the process otherwise you spending may exceed the funding from your self-build mortgage.
  • The potential cost of alternative accommodation, whilst your new property is being constructed.
  • There is always the possibility of unforeseen extra costs and there could be time delays.

How Much Can I Borrow?

The amount of money you are eligible to borrow will inevitably vary from lender to lender, being based on their own affordability and eligibility criteria and your personal & financial information.

The majority of mortgage providers will loan you up to 4x your annual income, some will go up to 5x income, and even a few may go up to 6x your income in certain circumstances. Some lenders will also take into account the likes of bonuses, overtime, and commission, etc.

A self-build mortgage provider will complete an affordability assessment by looking at your income and current financial commitments and determining the amount of free income you have for mortgage repayments.

Find a self-build mortgage

How Much Deposit Do I Need?

As self-build mortgages fall under the category of a niche loan, lenders may require a large deposit to offset the risk that comes with borrowing for a property that is not completed.

Whilst the amount of deposit will vary from lender to lender, generally speaking, the amount you will be eligible to borrow is between 60% to 80%  Loan to Value (LTV).

If you have no deposit at all, you would find it difficult to even be approved for a standard residential mortgage, never mind a self-build mortgage. However, there may be a lender out there that will offer a 100% LTV self-build mortgage, but they are highly likely to require some other form of security to act as a deposit.

This other form of security can be the land you are planning to build on if you already own it. There are some lenders that will allow you to use a percentage of the land’s value as a deposit, but the percentage required as collateral will vary from lender to lender.

Whatever deposit you have, get in touch with a mortgage advisor that has access to the whole market to discuss your situation further and find the best self-build mortgage deals for you.

Self Build Mortgage

What Documentation do I Need for a Self-build Mortgage

For a self-build mortgage, you will need all the usual documentation that you need for a standard residential mortgage, such as identification, proof of income, bank statements, etc. Additional documents you may require include:

  • A copy of planning permission.
  • Copy of the estimate of the total cost of the project.
  • Copy of the building regulations approval.
  • Construction drawings and specifications.
  • Site insurance and structural warranty.
  • If required, your architect’s professional indemnity cover.

Self –Build Mortgage Interest Rates

The rates of interest for a self-build mortgages, tend to be higher than the standard residential mortgage. The amount of time you are locked into a deal will also vary between providers.

Once your new build has been certified as habitable by an RICS qualified surveyor and has been issued a Building Control Completion Certificate.

Related reading: 

Can I get a Self-build Mortgage with Bad Credit?

Bad credit or no credit history can certainly be an issue with some providers of self-build mortgages. The amount a mortgage provider will be willing to loan you will very much depend on the type of bad credit, whether it has been resolved, and how long ago it was registered on your file.

The less severe the credit issue and the longer ago it was registered the better. Furthermore, if a lender does accept you for a mortgage with bad credit or no credit history, you are likely to require a larger deposit and may have to pay a higher interest rate.

There are lenders that specialise in mortgages for individuals and businesses with bad credit. A mortgage advisor with access to the whole market will be able to determine which lenders will consider your eligibility and hopefully find you a good deal.

Contact us today to see how we can help you secure a self-build mortgage. Alternatively, you can call on 03330 90 60 30 to speak to an advisor.

If you’re a temporary worker or on a fixed-term contract, you may assume that you aren’t eligible for a mortgage. 

In actual fact, even if your income varies due to a temporary contract you can still be accepted for a mortgage.

There are a number of specialists – and in some cases even mainstream lenders that offer mortgages to people on temporary contracts.

If you have been employed in your current line of work for over a year, and haven’t had prolonged periods of unemployment, you have a good chance of having your mortgage application approved.

In this guide, we will discuss potential routes to securing a mortgage on a fixed-term contract, which may be applicable to the following scenarios:

  • Getting a mortgage on a temporary contract.
  • Mortgages for temporary workers.
  • Mortgages for fixed-term contracts.
  • Mortgages for zero-hour contracts.

How Can you Get a Mortgage on a Fixed Term Contract?

It is certainly true that if you are a temporary worker it can be more complicated to get a mortgage than those in permanent positions.

Before any provider will consider you for a mortgage, they will need to see comprehensive evidence that you can make monthly repayments for the duration of your loan.

Therefore, you will need to prove that you will have a regular income, which can be difficult on a temporary or fixed-term contract, as your earnings can fluctuate or even stop between jobs.

This makes you a higher risk lender than those that have a guaranteed regular income. However, here are some temporary contracts that lenders view more positively than others.

Need more help? Check our quick help guides: 

For example, those with in-demand professions, such as doctors and substitute teachers, on ‘zero hours’ contracts working when needed, are usually offered mortgages, particularly if they can prove they have been in their profession long-term.

On the other hand, if you are a seasonal worker, you are much less likely to be considered for a mortgage as your contact is short term.

It is always worth speaking to an experienced mortgage advisor about your situation as lenders treat all mortgages individually and will take a number of factors into account before making a decision.

A mortgage advisor has access to the whole market and will be able to find you a selection of lenders that consider or specialise in temporary contract mortgages and help you secure a mortgage on a fixed-term contract.

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Getting a Mortgage As A Temporary Worker

Whether you are in a probationary period or on a temporary contract, there are a number of lenders out there that will consider you for a mortgage.

Even as a temporary worker, you can still fit the affordability criteria for a mortgage, as long as you have been in your role for a significant amount of time.

Even if your circumstances are different, such as your contract has just started, you still may be eligible, depending on how closely you fit a mortgage provider’s lending criteria.

Eligibility Criteria For Fixed Term Contract Mortgages

As a temporary contract does not provide the guaranteed income that lenders prefer, the eligibility criteria for a mortgage may be stricter to offset the extra risk. Here is an overview of the criteria a lender will consider for a temporary contract mortgage:

Time in Your Current Role or Agency

Although the criteria will vary between providers, lenders will have a minimum requirement for the length of time you have been in your current role. Whilst many lenders will require a minimum of 12 months, others may require less, or even have no minimum at all as long as you have been working for the same company in other positions.

For agency workers applying for a mortgage, lenders will usually require you to be employed with the same agency for at least 12 months. However, there may be some specialist lenders that will consider your application if you have been working in the same role with a different agency for 12 months.

Related guides: 

Length of Current Contract

Those with short-term contracts may find it difficult to secure a mortgage from mainstream lenders, as there is a larger risk attached to loans for those without guaranteed long-term employment.

Lenders will want to know the time left required on your current contract before they consider you for a mortgage. This will vary between lenders between 3 and 12 months.

Regular renewals of your contract will encourage lenders, making them more likely to consider you if you have only a few months left on your current contract.

Additionally, written confirmation of a renewal of your contract would encourage lenders to consider you even if there are zero months left in your current position.

Breaks in Employment

Breaks in employment can cause a problem for lenders as they will want to know that you have a reliable and consistent income to cover the monthly mortgage payments.

You may be ineligible with some loan providers if you have had an employment gap in the last 12 months. However, other lenders may have less strict restrictions, as long as you have a sustainable income.

Furthermore, the definition of what constitutes a gap in employment may vary between lenders. Some may consider just a single week to be a break in employment that can affect your mortgage options. Other lenders may accept a gap of 4 weeks between contracts, as long as there is an acceptable explanation.

Whilst a long run of regular employment is more desirable to mortgage providers, it is not impossible to get a mortgage with breaks in your employment history.

Get in touch with a mortgage advisor that has access to the whole market. They will be able to match your circumstances to the eligibility requirements of mortgage providers.

Find a mortgage for a temporary contract

Quick help mortgage guides: 

How Much can Temporary Workers Borrow?

If you have a good employment history, with no gaps and a contract that still has a long term to go, there is a very good chance that you can secure a 95% mortgage and up to 5x your income. However, if there are gaps between your contracts, you may need a larger deposit.

Related reading: 

Improving your Chances of Securing a Mortgage as an Agency or Temporary Worker Mortgage

If you are a temporary worker, there are a number of things you can do to improve your chances of getting a mortgage offer. They include:

  • Prove Your Income – Provide payslips for the past year, as well as two previous P60 forms or tax returns.
  • Show Stability – Showing a lender that you have been in the same line of temporary work for over 12 months will greatly boost your chances of being accepted.
  • Provide Bank Statements – This will show lenders your earnings and outgoings, which can be used to determine if you have the necessary disposable income for mortgage payments.
  • Improve your Credit Score – You can do this in a number of different ways, such as paying down the balance of any credit cards, make bill payments on time, and don’t apply for multiple mortgages without talking to an advisor to avoid multiple enquiries.
  • Collect as Much a Deposit as Possible – A bigger deposit can really help improve your chances of getting a mortgage as a lender considers this as a lower risk. Generally speaking, the bigger the deposit, the lower the risk.

Mortgage on a Fixed-Term Contract Main Takeaways:

  • Fixed contract and agency workers can secure a mortgage.
  • Lenders will look more favourably on temporary workers with no gaps in their employment history and guaranteed work in the future.
  • Mortgage providers will have tighter eligibility criteria for those in temporary employment.
  • Speak to a mortgage advisor before going applying for a mortgage to learn more about your options.

Call us today on 03330 90 60 30 or contact us. One of our advisors can talk through all of your options with you.

Further reading: 

When more than one (usually up to four) join together to purchase a property they will apply for a joint mortgage.

Each person named on the mortgage are jointly responsible for making the monthly repayments, but not each person has to have the same about of equity.

Furthermore, each person named on the joint mortgage, must sign all the relevant documents, provide information on their income, etc and meet with solicitors.

Who can get a Joint Mortgage?

Many lenders will allow up to four people to buy a property together, and you may hold more than one joint mortgage at any one time.

Take a look at some of the other common situations for a joint mortgage:

  • Common in the likes of London where property prices are higher, groups of friends band together to buy a property to avoid excesses rental costs.
  • A family member or friend joins forces with you, as an investment, or to help you get on the property ladder. This is often known as a guarantor mortgage.
  • Buying a property with a business partner with the goal of putting the property up for rent or to living in it.

How does a Joint Mortgage Work?

As previously mentioned, all those named on a joint mortgage will share responsibility for making the loan repayments.

This means that if one person named on the mortgage stops making the payments, the mortgage company may pursue you to make up the shortfall.

Furthermore, if you want to make changes to your deal, such as borrowing more money or changing the type of mortgage deal, it will have to be agreed on by all parties.

There are two types of joint mortgage:

Tenants in Common

This allows all those named on the mortgage can own legally different shares of the property – equity does not have to be shared equally.

For example, you could have 70% equity in the property and your co-owner could have 30%. Additionally, can leave their share to someone other than their co-owner in their will.

Tenants in common are usually used when family members, friends or business partners join together to purchase a property. A solicitor can draw up a legal document, known as a ‘Deed of Trust’ that details the percentage of the property that each person on the mortgage owns.

Need more help? Check our quick help guides: 

Joint Tenants

Usually used by long-term couples, in a joint tenancy each person on the mortgage jointly owns the entire property, therefore having equal rights in the property.

Therefore, if one borrower dies, the other(s) would inherit their share in the property, even if it has been left to someone else in their will.

If the property is sold, each owner would get an equal share of the proceeds and any profits. Furthermore, if joint tenants are looking to remortgage, they will need to do so together – they cannot get a mortgage separately.

Quick help mortgage guides: 

Can I get a Joint Mortgage with my Parents?

If you have been having difficulties in securing a mortgage on your own, you may be considering asking for your parent’s help.

Having a joint mortgage with parents often increases your chances of being accepted, as the risk has been significantly reduced. Only parents that are financially stable and can afford the repayments should the earnings of their child be interrupted should take on this extra financial responsibility.

Furthermore, parents considering applying for a joint mortgage with their child should be aware that if they already own a property they may have to pay an additional 3% Stamp Duty charge when purchasing the new property.

There may also be a capital gains tax to pay when it comes to selling the property. There are other schemes available with some lenders.

Related guides: 

Can I get another Mortgage if I already have a Joint Mortgage?

Yes, you may be able to get an additional joint mortgage if you already have one with an ex-partner or business partner, etc. As with any other joint mortgage, it will be subject to you meeting a lender’s affordability and eligibility requirements. With an additional joint mortgage, you may be restricted to the amount you can borrow, as a lender will determine the monthly payment you will be able to make, based on your financial information and personal circumstances.

How Much can be Borrowed on a Joint Mortgage?

How much you can borrow on a joint mortgage will be calculated differently between lenders. Each will have an affordability calculator that will determine the amount you are eligible to borrow, based on the income and outgoings of all persons on the mortgage.

However, the amount you are eligible to borrow will be reduced if you are looking for a joint mortgage and only have one income as non-earners will be classed as dependents.

Find a joint mortgage

Additionally, different lenders may consider other sources of income very differently when calculating the amount you are eligible to borrow.

One hundred percent of the likes of bonuses, overtime, investment income may be considered by one lender, whilst only 50% may be taken into consideration by another. Some lenders may also take into considerations certain benefits, such as Child Tax Credits.

To know more about what lenders will take into account in their affordability calculators, get in touch with a mortgage broker that has access to the whole market. In a fraction of the time, it would take you on your own, a broker can find out what you will be eligible to borrow with dozens of lenders.

How do Joint Mortgages differ to Standard Mortgages?

Generally speaking, joint mortgages have the same rates and fees as a standard single person mortgage. However, with more than one person on a mortgage, savings can be combined to make a bigger deposit, which may give you access to better deals.

Typically, mortgages get cheaper the bigger the deposit. The best mortgage rates tend to be offered to those with a 40% or more deposit. Therefore, pooling savings to reduce your loan-to-value ratio by just 5% can result in savings of thousands of pounds over the term of your mortgage.

Related reading: 

Is a Joint Mortgage Right for Me?

Whether a joint mortgage is right for you is completely dependent on your circumstances, and there is a lot to consider, including the likes of:

  • Whether you are married or in a common-law relationship.
  • If you want to purchase a buy to let in just one name for tax purposes.
  • If one of the borrowers has a bad credit history or is not working
  • If you are looking to buy a better home and two incomes will help you achieve that or you want to borrow as much money as possible.
  • If you and a group of friends cannot afford to purchase a home on your own, but want to get on a property ladder.

There are so many variables to consider, when it comes to deciding between joint and individual mortgages, so get in touch with a mortgage broker or expert for some impartial advice.

Recommended reading for mortgage hunters: 

Getting out of a Joint Mortgage

You can get out of a joint mortgage, but it is not always straightforward. The main two options are selling the property and splitting the proceeds or buying out the other owner.

The Impact of a Joint Mortgage on your Credit

If you have a joint mortgage and are thinking about borrowing more money in the future, you will be subject to credit checks, and the following may show on your credit record:

  • A financial association with others on your joint mortgage. If they have bad credit it could make lenders question your ability to make loan repayments.
  • Any money you borrow will show up on your credit report and the amount of personal debt you have may influence what lenders believe you can afford to borrow.
  • Any missed or late payments on your mortgage, even if they are not your fault, will show up on your credit report, which may affect your ability to borrow in the future.

Contact us today to begin your joint mortgage application.

Further reading: 

Prior to the infamous credit crunch of 2007, the self-employed could apply for a ‘Self-Certification’ mortgage.

With these loans, the self-employed did not have to prove their income; they just informed the mortgage provider on what they earned, which inevitably led to problems.

The self-certification mortgage was eventually dubbed as the ‘liar loan’ as people abused the system by exaggerating their earnings to gain a bigger mortgage.

Unsurprisingly, this led to a ban on self-certification mortgages in 2014.

These days, if you’re self-employed you need to prove to a lender that you have a reliable income that can cover the monthly repayments of a mortgage, as well as meet a number of additional eligibility requirements.

What Counts as Self-Employed?

A mortgage lender will consider you to be self-employed if you own over 20% to 25% of a business that is your main source of income. You could be a company director, contractor, or sole trader of the business.

How to get a Self-Employed Bad Credit Mortgage

If you’re self-employed, you should still have access to the same mortgages as everyone else and meet the standard eligibility and affordability requirements of your lender. However, since you don’t have an employer that can confirm your earnings, you may be asked to provide considerably more evidence of your income than other borrowers would.

Who can get a Self-Employed Mortgage?

The majority of mortgage providers will consider self-employed people for mortgages if they have been trading for at least three years and have two years of self-assessment tax returns and/or accounts.

What Paperwork do I need for a Self-Employed Bad Credit Mortgage?

There are a number of things you will need to provide in order to sufficiently prove your income to a mortgage lender. They include, but may not be limited to:

  • At least two years of certified accounts for Ltd Companies, preferably prepared by a qualified chartered accountant to determine the average profit earned over the previous few years. It is always favourable if your profits increase year after year as opposed to declining.
  • Your tax year overview (SA302 forms) for at least two years.
  • Proof of future contracts, if you are a contractor or if you are a company director, evidence of retained profits or dividend payments.
  • Passport and/or driving licence.
  • Latest council tax bill and/or utility bills from the last 3 months.
  • Bank statements for the last 3 months. This will show lenders the extent of your outgoings, not just on bills, but on the likes of hobbies, socialising, holidays, travel, childcare, food, and other outstanding loan repayments, such as credit cards, car finance, and store cards. This is so a provider can be sure that you can afford your mortgage repayments each month.

If you’re self-employed and only have a year or less of accounts it will become more difficult to secure a mortgage, as your lender will find it difficult to determine if you can afford it. In this situation, you are likely to be asked to show evidence of regular work, future commissions, and contracts for impending work.  You should also be aware that you may have a limited choice of mortgages.

Improving Your Chances of Securing a Mortgage with Bad Credit

If you’re self-employed there are a number of ways that you can increase your chances of securing a mortgage, which include:

  • A Large Deposit – Put together as big a deposit as you can. The larger your deposit the better the chance of securing a mortgage.
  • Improve your Credit Rating – Check your credit report and do what you can to improve your credit rating, such as making other loan repayments on time, getting on the electoral roll, and keep balances on credit cards low.
  • Reduce Credit Checks – You may not know this, but multiple credit checks over a short space of time can reduce your credit score. Comparison sites can run multiple credit checks to steer clear of them if possible.
  • No Payday Loans – Mortgage providers don’t look too favourably on payday loans, and they often indicate to lenders that you are in financial difficulty. In fact, many lenders will refuse your application outright if they see you have a history of using payday loans.
  • Avoid Certain Properties – Lenders will be more reluctant to offer mortgages on old or unconventional properties, or flats above commercial properties.
  • Get an Agreement in Principle – It is hard to even view properties without an agreement in principle. So speak to a mortgage broker and work on getting one put in place, which will confirm the maximum mortgage amount you could be eligible for. This will help with a mortgage application in the future.
  • Speak to a Mortgage Expert – A mortgage expert or broker will have access to the whole market, so will be able to find you a lender that is best suited to your situation.

Getting the Best Bad Credit Mortgage Deal

Your best option is to approach a specialist broker. They will have the necessary knowledge and expertise in current mortgage providers to best place your mortgage depending upon your income types.

Find a mortgage

The mortgage rate you are offered is most likely to depend on the size of deposit you can put down. The bigger the deposit the better the rates. This is also true for your credit rating – a better credit rating tends to mean better interest rates. However, if you get turned down by the mainstream lenders, you may have to pay a higher interest rate with a specialist lender.

Are There Bad Credit Mortgages for the Self-Employed?

Yes, there are mortgages that are catered towards those who have bad credit and are self-employed.

A mortgage expert will be able to find you a mortgage provider that specialises in these mortgages for the self-employed. These lenders are used to dealing with clients that are higher risk and as a result, will consider borrowers with one or more of the following credit issues on your file:

  • No credit history or a low credit score
  • Late payments, defaults, or missed mortgage payments.
  • Payday Loans
  • County Court Judgments (CCJs)
  • Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
  • Debt Management Schemes
  • Repossessions
  • Bankruptcy

Specialist lenders will look at the age and the severity of the credit issue on file. Put simply, the older and less severe the credit issue, the better. They will also take into account how closely you meet other affordability and eligibility requirements. You may also need a larger deposit.

Self-Employed Mortgages Dos and Don’ts

To summarise these are the dos and don’ts of self-employment mortgages. Follow these little tips and you will find the whole process a lot easier.

Do keep up-to-date records of your accounts, including incoming earnings and expenses.

Don’t underestimate your earnings when completing your self-assessment tax return to lower the amount of tax you have to pay. The less it appears you earn, the less you will be eligible to borrow.

Do hire a chartered or certified accountant to prepare your tax returns so a lender can trust the assessment of your earnings.

Don’t just assume you won’t be able to get a mortgage if you’re self-employed as there are many lenders out there that specialise in lending to the self-employed.

Do speak to a mortgage broker to discuss your options – contact us today to start your application for a self employed mortgage.

Contact us today to begin your application for a self-employed mortgage.

There are many different types of loan out there, which may be useful in a variety of different circumstances.

However, arguably the most controversial type of loan is the payday loan.

This is intended to be a short term loan for those in incredibly difficult financial situations.

Their intention is simply to give you enough to get by until payday comes about. However, they can have insanely high-interest rates of higher than 1000%.

Here at Mortgageable, we’ve looked at the challenges that payday loans present when you’re applying for a mortgage, and how, if it’s possible to overcome them, to secure a bad credit mortgage.

What is a payday loan?

Payday loans is often a method of short-term borrowing for those looking for fast finance.

As a result, lenders that offer payday loans often charge interest rates that are incredibly high.

The loan is then repaid within a month, typically on ‘payday’, which is why they are referred to a ‘payday loans’.

Payday loans have a reputation for offering extreme interest rates, yet when people desperately need finance, they can be helpful.

Typically, payday loans are used in an emergency, i.e. when something happens out of the blue and the finances aren’t available until payday.

The interest rates on payday loans can exceed 1000%. It wouldn’t be financially wise to use them often, yet reported figures indicate that individuals tend that take out payday loans often do it multiple times.

So how do payday loans impact your ability to get a mortgage?

Can I get a mortgage if I’ve had payday loans in the past?

Whilst it’s impossible to argue that having one in your history is not going to be a good thing, it may be still possible to get a mortgage despite having a history of payday loans.

Make no mistake, it will make things harder for you as you won’t have as many options in terms of the type of mortgage you can go for, and you will probably have to go for a specialist lender instead of a high street one, who is likely to reject your mortgage application.

The best thing you can do is speak to a mortgage advisor who specialises in helping those in your situation.

At Mortgageable, we can look at your particular record and situation and give you the best advice for where to go for a mortgage and the steps you need to take to improve your credit report in order to increase your chances of being accepted for a mortgage.

We can also make you aware of the extra barriers that you will have to overcome.

You will almost certainly have to put down a higher deposit and if you have bad credit, you can expect to pay a higher interest rate on your mortgage.

It’s also unlikely that you will be given 100% of the money that you need for the house, instead, it can vary from 75% to 95% depending on the lender and the rest of your credit report.

Also, you may have less choice in terms of the lenders you will be able to pick from, and the type of mortgage plan you will be eligible to select.

How Long do Payday Loans Stay on your credit report?

Any type of late or defaulted loan payment will remain on your credit file for 6 years and that includes Payday loans.

Just like any type of borrowing the credit reference agencies treat them equally.

For a mortgage application, this may make it more difficult to be approved by a lender, but there may still be options available.

There will likely be less choice, but it all depends on your particular circumstances.

Why don’t lenders like payday loans?

The main reason why most mortgage lenders don’t like payday loans is that generally, they suggest that you’re irresponsible with your money, and you’re unable to live within your means, and manage your budget efficiently.

Many people who take out payday loans do so simply because they can’t wait to save up for something frivolous that they wish to have.

Of course, this isn’t always the case as you might have been put into that situation because you have fallen ill, or a horrible accident has happened in your home.

Unfortunately, a lot of lenders may not take this into account and just look at the fact you’ve taken out a payday loan.

Historically, some sites have stated that payday loans can actually be good for a mortgage application, claiming that if you can be shown to take out a payday loan and pay it back on time, it will show the lender that you’re good at managing your debt.

However, this information is false and can lead to your mortgage application being instantly rejected.

Even if you manage to pay it back on time, with as little interest as possible, any payday loan will have an effect on your mortgage application.

Mortgage lenders want to know that the mortgage will be repaid, and unfortunately, if you have a history of payday loans, you will be seen as a bigger risk.

This is because it will be assumed that you’re bad at managing your money, and therefore will be less likely to be able to pay them the amount that you have agreed.

For this reason, most high street lenders will just turn you away straight away if you have payday loans on your credit report.

Enquire about a mortgage

What will be taken into consideration with my application?

Credit repayment history

Like any type of credit, taking out a payday loan will leave a mark on your credit report, where lenders will be able to see that you’ve had payday loans in the past.

Someone who once took out a payday loan will face much fewer obstacles than someone who has taken out several payday loans, been late on most of the payments, gone into default, declared bankruptcy, and gone onto a debt management plan.

You need to do what you can to ensure that the rest of your credit report is looking good, that way, it will be easier for lenders to overlook the fact it has payday loan on it.

But, it is important to remember that a payday loan will stay on your credit report for six years.

Note: Are you looking for commercial property but have a bad credit history? Bad credit commercial mortgages may be an option for you.

LTV

The LTV on the mortgage application is also considered – LTV refers to how your required loan is compared to how much deposit you have put down.

For example, if you have paid a 5% deposit, you will need a 95% LTV. For those with a good credit report, this is usually fairly straightforward to get.

However, for those who have taken out a payday loan, the LTVs available will be much lower, meaning you may have to get a bigger deposit. This will likely be something which you will need to discuss with your mortgage advisor.

How do I find out what previous loans I have had? 

If you are unsure whether you have had a Payday loan in the past, or in fact any other type of loan, you can find out by checking your credit report.

The report will detail all of the data help about your history stored by the Call Credit reference agency.

Your report will a history of your borrowing in the last six years, including any Payday loans.

What if I’ve been declined for a mortgage already?

If you’ve already been declined for a mortgage, get in touch with us today.

We may be able to explain to you why it was that you were denied a mortgage the first time around, and what the best option will be for next time.

Perhaps the issue was with the particular lender that you went to, and you would have better luck if you had gone to another lender instead.

Or perhaps you need to work on improving the rest of your credit report in order to minimise the impact that a payday loan is going to have on it.

Another option would be to wait at least 12 months, as some lenders want to see at least 12 months without a payday loan being taken out before they’ll consider an application.

A sensible aim to have is to improve the rest of your credit score. This can be done in a variety of ways:

  • Avoid any more credit applications – especially any more payday loans.
  • Ensure you’re on the electoral roll at gov.uk
  • Make sure all bills are paid on time – this shows lenders that you can be trusted to manage your finances. One late payment may not have a huge impact on your credit report, but several missed payments may rule you out from certain lenders.
  • Check your credit report for any errors or inaccuracies
  • Check if you’re financially connected to an ex-partner or housemate
  • Don’t apply for several credit products in a short space of time – this can come in the form of phone contracts, utility bills and credit cards. If all done in a short space of time, it could suggest to a mortgage lender that you’re struggling with your finances.

Contact us today to see if you can get a mortgage with a history of payday loans

Sometimes, if you’ve taken out a payday loan, you might feel that getting a mortgage is out of reach.

We’ve arranged mortgages for customers with a history of payday loans, so give us a call on 03330 90 60 30 contact us today to discuss your circumstances and start your new mortgage application.