Bad credit mortgage adviser in Scotland
A default, a CCJ or some missed payments doesn't automatically rule you out of getting a mortgage. What matters is what happened, when, how much it was and whether it's been dealt with. I look at your full credit history before any application, so we go to the right lender first time.
Credit problems lenders can consider
- Missed or late payments, including on phone contracts and credit cards
- Defaults, whether satisfied or not
- County Court Judgments (CCJs) and Scottish court decrees
- Debt management plans (DMPs) and Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) plans
- Trust deeds and sequestration, the Scottish equivalents of IVAs and bankruptcy
- Payday loans
- A low credit score or a thin credit file, with little borrowing history
What lenders look at
- How recent it is. Older problems matter less. Most entries drop off your credit file after six years.
- How big it was. A £200 phone default is viewed very differently from a large unsecured debt.
- Whether it's settled. Satisfied defaults and CCJs open up more lenders.
- How you've managed since. Lenders like to see recent accounts kept up to date.
- Your deposit. A bigger deposit usually means more lenders will consider you, and at better rates.
Why applying in the right order matters
Each full mortgage application leaves a hard search on your credit file. Applying to a lender that was never going to accept you can make the next application harder. I check lenders' criteria against your full credit report before anything is submitted. Some specialist lenders charge higher rates, so I'll also tell you honestly whether it's worth waiting a few months to qualify for a better deal.
Not ready yet? Get a plan
If now isn't the right time, I'll build you a mortgage readiness plan:
- What to pay off first
- How to fix errors on your credit file
- Getting on the electoral roll
- How much to save
- A realistic timeline to apply
Bad credit and the LIFT scheme
LIFT purchases need a mortgage from a lender that accepts the scheme, and those are mostly mainstream lenders. So your credit history matters. I'll tell you honestly whether LIFT is realistic now or what to fix first.
Bad credit mortgage FAQs
Often, yes. It depends on when the default was registered, how much it was and whether it's satisfied. Some mainstream lenders accept small or older defaults, and specialist lenders consider more recent ones.
Yes, it's possible. Lenders look at the date, the amount and whether it's been satisfied. A satisfied CCJ from several years ago is treated very differently from a recent unpaid one.
Some specialist lenders consider applicants on a DMP, especially with a good record of payments into the plan. Many people find more options once the plan is completed.
Yes, usually once you've been discharged, and options widen the longer ago it was. Specialist lenders may consider you sooner.
Six years from the date of the default, whether or not it's paid. After that it drops off your file.
No. Filling in my enquiry form or booking a call doesn't involve a credit search. A search only happens when we apply to a lender, and I'll always tell you before that happens.
Worried about your credit? See what might be possible
Tell me about your situation, including any credit problems. Nothing will surprise me. I'll come back to you within 24 hours, usually the same day, with an honest view of your options. It won't affect your credit score.
Are you buying on your own or with someone?
This page is general information, not personal advice. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.