How to Get a Mortgage with a Poor Credit History

Tim Spencer - Managing Director of Optimus Mortgages Ltd
Apr 26
3 min read

Picture of a young man looking confused, surrounded by paperwork. — Picture of a young man looking confused, surrounded by paperwork

Buying your first home is one of the biggest milestones in life, but if you have a poor credit history, it can feel like an impossible dream. The truth is, even with previous financial bumps in the road, getting a mortgage is still possible. It just takes the right advice, preparation, and support.

As an experienced mortgage adviser, I specialise in helping first-time buyers navigate this journey, even when the path seems difficult.

Understanding Credit and Mortgages

When you apply for a mortgage, lenders need to assess whether you can repay the loan reliably. One of the key tools they use is your credit history. Missed payments, defaults, CCJs (County Court Judgments), and other adverse markers can all have an impact.

But don't worry—having poor credit doesn't mean you're automatically declined. It just means you might need a specialist lender and a bit of extra planning.

The Importance of Seeing Your Full Credit Report

One of the first things I ask of all my clients is to see their full credit file. There’s no single, universal credit report or score—lenders typically use one of three main UK credit reference agencies: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. Each agency can hold different information about you, and your credit score may vary between them.

That’s why I recommend using Checkmyfile to all my clients, which pulls together information from all three agencies into one clear, easy-to-read report.

Using Checkmyfile helps:

Spot any errors or outdated information
Understand what lenders are actually seeing
Correct mistakes that could harm your application
Create a clear action plan to strengthen your mortgage chances

✅ Try Checkmyfile free for 30 days

All new customers can try Checkmyfile free for 30 days, then it’s £14.99 a month. You can cancel anytime, and you can come back anytime too.

👉 Click here to sign up

(You must sign up within seven days of clicking the link.)

Can You Get a Mortgage with a Poor Credit Score?

Absolutely, yes. However, you might not qualify for mainstream mortgages offered by high street banks. Instead, you may need to work with specialist lenders who understand adverse credit and assess applications more flexibly.

Here’s how you can boost your chances:

✅ How to Prepare:

Review your full credit report using Checkmyfile
Fix any errors (such as incorrect addresses or outdated debts)
Register on the electoral roll
Pay bills and credit repayments on time
Avoid new credit applications in the six months before applying
Save a bigger deposit (even an extra 5% can help!)

Case Study: Success After Adverse Credit

James and Lucy, first-time buyers from Newcastle, came to me after being turned down by their bank due to a missed credit card payment two years earlier. By reviewing their Checkmyfile report, correcting a few inaccuracies, and saving an extra 5% deposit, I secured them a mortgage offer within two weeks, making their home-ownership dream a reality.

What Types of Credit Issues Do Lenders Accept?

Depending on the lender, you may still be eligible if you have:

Late payments
Defaults
CCJs (especially if satisfied)
Debt management plans
Low credit scores due to lack of credit history

The right adviser knows which lenders will consider your situation—and how to present your case properly.

Your Step-by-Step Mortgage Checklist

👉 Download your FREE First-Time Buyer Mortgage Checklist to stay organised and mortgage-ready! (It’s packed with tips and simple steps you can start today.)

FAQs for First-Time Buyers with Poor Credit

❓ How long does bad credit stay on your record? Generally, six years from the date of the issue.

❓ What credit score do I need for a mortgage? There’s no minimum score. Lenders assess the full picture: income, deposit, credit history, and affordability.

❓ Can I get a mortgage after a CCJ? Yes, depending on how old the CCJ is, whether it’s satisfied, and the size of your deposit.

Why Choose Optimus Mortgages?

At Optimus Mortgages, I take the time to understand your personal situation, recommend the most suitable lenders, and support you at every step. I am an independent, whole of market adviser, and I am fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).