It can be possible. The answer depends on the nature of the credit issues, when they occurred, whether they are resolved, your deposit, affordability and the criteria of the lender considering the application.
Adverse credit and mortgages
How lenders look at bad credit
Bad credit is a broad term. A single missed payment is very different from recent defaults, county court judgments, an individual voluntary arrangement or bankruptcy. Mortgage lenders can therefore take very different views of applicants who all describe themselves as having bad credit.
Lenders may consider the type of credit problem, the amount involved, how long ago it happened, whether it has been settled and what has happened since. Your current income, deposit, debts and affordability still matter alongside the credit history.
The aim is not to hide previous problems or make repeated applications. It is to understand what is actually on your credit file and identify lenders whose criteria are compatible with your circumstances.
Details matter
The type, value, age and current status of a credit problem can matter more than the label “bad credit”.
Check before applying
Reviewing your credit reports before a mortgage application can help identify errors, forgotten accounts and issues that need explaining.
Lender criteria vary
Some lenders are more tolerant of particular adverse-credit histories than others, so lender selection can be especially important.
No single score determines every mortgage decision. Lenders use their own criteria and may consider the underlying credit history as well as affordability and the rest of the application.
Potentially. Lenders may look at the amount, age and status of the CCJ, together with any other adverse credit and the strength of the wider application.
It may be possible after bankruptcy, but lender choice and criteria can be more restrictive. The time since discharge, conduct since then, deposit and overall affordability can all matter.
Yes, although the impact can depend on what was missed, how recent it was and whether it was an isolated event or part of a wider pattern.
Yes. Credit card balances and monthly commitments can affect affordability, while payment history and utilisation may also form part of the lender’s credit assessment.
Repeated applications can create unnecessary credit searches and still fail to address the underlying criteria issue. It is usually better to understand your credit position first and target lenders more carefully.
A larger deposit can reduce loan-to-value and may improve the range of options available, but it does not erase adverse credit. The lender will still assess the credit history and affordability.
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Your next step
Understand which mortgage routes may still be available
A mortgage specialist can look at the detail of your credit history alongside your deposit, income and borrowing needs before discussing possible lender routes.