A bad credit history does not automatically prevent you from buying your first home. CCJs, defaults and missed payments are assessed individually by specialist lenders. We provide whole-of-market advice in confidence, without judgement.
High street lenders use automated credit checks that reject many applications with adverse credit. Specialist lenders assess each case individually, looking at the full picture rather than applying a simple pass or fail rule.
Most first time buyers with a bad credit history assume a mortgage is out of reach. That assumption is often wrong. The mortgage market includes a significant number of specialist and building society lenders who consider applications that fall outside high street criteria. These lenders assess the type of adverse credit on your file, how long ago it occurred, whether it has been resolved and the size of the deposit available.
A CCJ that was satisfied three years ago is treated very differently from an unsatisfied CCJ registered last month. As a whole-of-market mortgage broker, we identify which lenders will consider your specific circumstances before any application is submitted, avoiding unnecessary hard searches on your credit file.
Each declined mortgage application leaves a hard search on your credit file, visible to other lenders. Multiple declined applications in a short period can make approval progressively harder. A broker assesses your credit profile first, identifies the most appropriate specialist lender and submits to the right lender first time, protecting your credit score in the process.
Different types of adverse credit carry different weight with lenders. Understanding how each type is assessed helps set realistic expectations before you apply.
A CCJ is a court order registered when a debt has not been repaid. Lenders consider the value, how long ago it was registered and whether it has been satisfied. CCJs satisfied over three years ago are viewed more favourably.
A default is registered when a debt account falls significantly behind. Lenders assess the value, the type of debt, whether it is satisfied and its age. Mortgage defaults are treated more seriously than utility defaults.
Missed or late payments on loans, credit cards or utilities are visible on your credit file for up to six years. Lenders consider how recently they occurred, how many payments were missed and whether the account is now up to date.
A low credit score can result from adverse credit markers or simply from a thin credit file with limited history. Many first time buyers have limited credit history, which results in a low score even with no negative markers.
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement or Debt Management Plan indicates a formal agreement to repay debts over time. Active IVAs and DMPs make mortgage approval very difficult. Completed arrangements are assessed by specialist lenders based on time elapsed since completion.
Bankruptcy is the most serious form of adverse credit. Most lenders require bankruptcy to have been discharged for at least three years before considering an application, and many require six years. Specialist lenders exist who will consider applications sooner.
Specialist lenders do not rely solely on a credit score. They assess the full picture of your financial circumstances alongside the adverse credit on your file.
A CCJ is treated differently from a missed payment. A mortgage default is more serious than a utility default. Lenders weigh the specific type of issue against the rest of your application.
All adverse credit markers are removed from your file after six years. Issues two to three years old carry significantly less weight than those registered in the last twelve months.
A satisfied CCJ or default, where the debt has been repaid, is viewed more favourably than an unsatisfied one. Lenders want to see financial difficulties have been resolved, not ignored.
A larger deposit reduces the lender's risk and can unlock access to lenders who would otherwise decline. Many specialist lenders require a minimum of 15% to 25% deposit for applications with adverse credit.
A stable income with a strong affordability position demonstrates the ability to maintain repayments going forward, which lenders weigh alongside historic adverse credit.
Lenders look at what has happened since the adverse credit. A clean record in the period since a CCJ or default demonstrates that financial behaviour has improved and the risk has reduced.
We assess your full credit file, identify the specialist lenders most likely to approve your application and submit to the right lender first time. All discussions are completely confidential.
Initial discussion free. A broker fee of £299 is payable if you choose to proceed following a formal mortgage offer. This fee is non-refundable once charged.
Get Your Free Confidential AssessmentDeposit requirements vary significantly depending on the type and severity of your adverse credit. A larger deposit reduces the lender's risk and improves the range of lenders available to you.
| Credit Issue | Typical Minimum Deposit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor: old missed payments (3+ years) | 5% to 10% | Some high street lenders may consider, subject to full assessment |
| Satisfied defaults (2+ years old) | 10% to 15% | Specialist lenders. Higher deposit improves lender choice |
| Satisfied CCJ (2+ years old) | 15% | Specialist lenders. CCJ value and age are key factors |
| Recent defaults or CCJs (under 2 years) | 15% to 25% | Specialist lenders only. Limited product availability |
| IVA (satisfied, 1+ years) | 15% to 25% | Specialist lenders. Time since satisfaction is critical |
| Bankruptcy (discharged, 3+ years) | 25%+ | Very limited lender options. Specialist advice essential |
Lender criteria change regularly and individual circumstances vary significantly. Many cases are stronger than the table above suggests once the full picture is assessed. A whole-of-market broker can confirm current deposit requirements from available specialist lenders based on your specific credit history before any application is submitted. Some cases that appear difficult on paper are approved with the right lender.
Adverse credit mortgage applications require careful preparation and lender selection. Jamie Hollingsworth has helped first time buyers with CCJs, defaults and IVAs to buy their first home by taking a structured approach to each case.
We review your full credit report from all three major agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, to understand exactly what is on your file before any lender sees it. This identifies issues you may be unaware of and allows us to plan your application accordingly.
We identify which lenders from across the market are most likely to consider your specific combination of credit history, deposit and income. This avoids applications to lenders who will decline, which would leave hard searches on your credit file and make subsequent applications harder.
We assess whether your current deposit level gives access to appropriate lenders and, if not, advise on the deposit level that would open further options. We also confirm that the borrowing required is within lender affordability thresholds before any application is submitted.
In some cases, waiting before applying, for example until a CCJ reaches three years old or a default is satisfied, significantly improves the available lender options and the interest rates accessible. We advise on whether timing your application differently would be beneficial to your case.
Specialist lenders sometimes require an explanation letter setting out the circumstances that led to the adverse credit and what has changed since. We advise on what lenders expect and how to present your case effectively alongside the formal application.
If you have already been declined by a lender, we assess what went wrong and identify the most appropriate route forward, whether that is a different specialist lender, a revised deposit level or a change in application timing. A previous decline does not close all doors.
We review your credit file, identify which specialist lenders are most likely to consider your application and advise on the steps most likely to result in approval. All conversations are completely confidential, subject to individual lender criteria.
A broker fee of £299 is payable if you choose to proceed following a formal mortgage offer. This fee is non-refundable once charged. We may also receive commission from the lender. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Get Your Free Confidential AssessmentWoodhall Mortgages is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 762513). Woodhall Mortgages is a whole-of-market mortgage broker. We consider a comprehensive range of mortgages from across the market, but not all lenders or products may be included.
A broker fee of £299 is payable if you choose to proceed following a formal mortgage offer. This fee is non-refundable once charged. We may also receive commission from the lender. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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