Imperfect credit doesn't always mean no
CCJs, defaults, missed payments, debt management plans, specialist lenders look at these very differently to high-street banks. Debbie knows which lenders consider what, and how to present your case properly.
What lenders actually look at
It's rarely the label that matters, it's how recent, how large, and whether it's settled.
CCJs
Many specialist lenders consider CCJs, especially if registered over 12 months ago or satisfied. Size and recency matter more than the CCJ itself.
Missed payments
The odd late payment rarely sinks an application. Patterns of recent missed payments on secured debt are taken more seriously than old unsecured blips.
Defaults
Lenders register defaults differently to CCJs and many ignore defaults over two years old, some even ignore recent small ones on telecoms accounts.
Debt management plans
Active and completed DMPs can both be workable. Lenders typically want to see the plan conducted well for 12+ months.
IVAs & bankruptcy
Usually possible from three years after discharge, sometimes earlier with a larger deposit. The market here changes often, ask before assuming.
Low credit score
There's no single pass mark, every lender scores differently. Being declined by one bank says little about the other 100+ lenders.
The right lender first time
Multiple declined applications leave footprints on your credit file and make things worse. The whole point of specialist advice is to go to the right lender once.
"The biggest mistake I see is people assuming they won't qualify and not asking, or applying with their own bank, getting declined, and hurting their file. Tell me what happened and when. There's usually a route."
Questions Debbie has answered
Bad-credit mortgages may involve higher rates or larger deposits than standard deals. Whether a mortgage is available and affordable depends on your individual circumstances. This page is general information, not advice.
See your credit file the way lenders see it
Check My File shows your data from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion in one report, the same picture a lender builds when they assess you. Spotting an error or an old default before an application is worth a lot more than discovering it during one. Free for the first 7 days. Cancel within the 7 days to avoid the £14.99 a month subscription fee.
Check your credit file →This is an affiliate link, DS Financial may receive a small commission if you use this service, at no extra cost to you.
What our clients say
Real, verified reviews from Google and Facebook, from people Debbie has helped across the UK.
Got a question? Ask Debbie
No jargon, no obligation, no pressure. Send your question and Debbie will come back to you personally, usually the same working day.
Booked your call? Save time by registering on our secure client portal and completing the mini fact find first, so Debbie has your background before you speak.