Indicative Rates
BoE Base3.75%
Nationwide2yr Fix3.59% 0.04£999 fee
NatWest2yr Fix3.70%£1,495 fee
Barclays2yr Fix3.70% 0.05£899 fee
HSBC2yr Fix3.76%£999 fee
HSBC5yr Fix3.88%£999 fee
NatWest5yr Fix3.85%£1,495 fee
Barclays5yr Fix4.00% 0.10£899 fee
Nationwide5yr Fix4.04% 0.03£999 fee
Nationwide2yr Fix3.59% 0.04£999 fee
NatWest2yr Fix3.70%£1,495 fee
Barclays2yr Fix3.70% 0.05£899 fee
HSBC2yr Fix3.76%£999 fee
HSBC5yr Fix3.88%£999 fee
NatWest5yr Fix3.85%£1,495 fee
Barclays5yr Fix4.00% 0.10£899 fee
Nationwide5yr Fix4.04% 0.03£999 fee
Nationwide2yr Fix3.59% 0.04£999 fee
NatWest2yr Fix3.70%£1,495 fee
Barclays2yr Fix3.70% 0.05£899 fee
HSBC2yr Fix3.76%£999 fee
HSBC5yr Fix3.88%£999 fee
NatWest5yr Fix3.85%£1,495 fee
Barclays5yr Fix4.00% 0.10£899 fee
Nationwide5yr Fix4.04% 0.03£999 fee
AVG 2YR4.53%
AVG 5YR4.94%
--:--:--60% LTV · Feb 2026

Adverse Credit Mortgages

Bad credit doesn't mean no mortgage.

We work with specialist lenders who look beyond your credit score. CCJs, defaults, IVAs, bankruptcy, repossessions — we've helped clients with all of it. Free initial advice. No judgement.

Bad credit doesn't mean no mortgage. We've helped hundreds of clients in your situation — speak to us today.

Mortgages for adverse credit

Life doesn't always go to plan. Whether you've experienced financial difficulties due to job loss, illness, divorce, or other circumstances, we understand that a poor credit history doesn't define your future. See what our clients say in our client reviews.

We know which lenders are most sympathetic to your situation — and how to present your application to give it the best possible chance. That knowledge comes from years of placing complex cases that other brokers couldn't. If you're self-employed with credit issues, we have particular expertise in that area too.

Types of adverse credit we help with

  • CCJs (County Court Judgements) — satisfied and unsatisfied
  • Defaults — missed payment markers on your credit file
  • Late payments — even minor arrears on credit agreements
  • IVAs — Individual Voluntary Arrangements, current or completed
  • Debt management plans — current or historical
  • Bankruptcy — discharged bankruptcy
  • Repossessions — previous property repossession
  • Low credit score — thin credit file or no credit history

Free Initial Advice

Don't Let Bad Credit Stop You

We work with specialist lenders who look beyond your credit score. Get a free, confidential initial conversation — no paperwork, no credit checks, just honest advice about your options.

Free initial advice Whole of market FCA regulated

How we help

As a whole-of-market broker, we have access to specialist lenders you won't find on the high street — lenders who make decisions based on your full circumstances, not just a credit score. We'll review your file, understand what happened, and match you with the right lender. And as your credit improves over time, we'll help you remortgage to better and better deals. Use our affordability calculator to get an initial idea of your borrowing power.

What happens when you contact us

1

Free initial call — we review your credit situation honestly and without judgement. No paperwork at this stage, no credit checks.

2

We identify the specialist lenders most likely to say yes for your specific circumstances and credit history.

3

We prepare and submit your application in the strongest possible way — presenting your case to maximise your chances of approval.

Client Case Study

Adverse credit mortgage — approved

A first-time buyer came to us with a satisfied CCJ from 3 years ago. Most high street lenders said no. We identified a specialist lender willing to consider the full picture — employment history, income stability, and the fact the CCJ was settled.

£285,000

Mortgage approved

90% LTV

10% deposit

CCJ

Satisfied, 3 years

CCJ history. 10% deposit. Mortgage approved. Keys handed over.

"I'd been turned down twice and assumed a mortgage just wasn't possible with a CCJ on my file. Option Finance treated me with no judgement at all, explained exactly which lenders would consider me, and got my application approved. I'm in my own home now — something I genuinely thought would never happen."

— Former client, adverse credit

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ?
Yes, there are specialist lenders who will consider mortgage applications from borrowers with CCJs. The age, amount, and whether the CCJ is satisfied will affect which lenders are available and the rates offered.
Can I get a mortgage after bankruptcy?
It is possible to get a mortgage after bankruptcy, typically once you've been discharged for at least 1-3 years. Some specialist lenders may consider applications sooner depending on the circumstances.
Will bad credit mean higher interest rates?
Generally, adverse credit does result in higher interest rates compared to prime lending. However, rates vary significantly between specialist lenders, which is why using a whole-of-market broker is so important.
How long does bad credit affect my mortgage options?
Most adverse credit issues affect your mortgage options for 3-6 years, depending on the type and severity. As time passes and you rebuild your credit, more competitive deals become available.
What counts as adverse credit?
Adverse credit includes CCJs, defaults, late payments, IVAs, debt management plans, bankruptcy, and repossessions. Even missed mobile phone or utility payments can appear on your credit file.
Will applying affect my credit score?
A soft search — used for initial advice and a Decision in Principle — does not affect your credit score. A hard search only happens when a full mortgage application is submitted, and we'll always discuss this with you before it happens.
How much deposit do I need with bad credit?
It depends on the severity of your credit issues. Some specialist lenders accept 5-10% deposits, while others may require 15-25% for more serious credit history. The more deposit you have, the more options we can access. We'll give you a clear picture based on your specific situation.
MW

Expert reviewed by

Megan Woolley

Mortgage & Protection Adviser · CeMAP, Cert CII

This page was reviewed by Megan, a CeMAP-qualified mortgage adviser at Option Finance. All content is checked for accuracy and kept up to date.

We Can Help

Don't let bad credit hold you back

Speak to a specialist adviser today. Confidential, no-judgement, no-obligation.

Don't delay — mortgage rates change daily

5.0 Google Rating · FCA Regulated · Free Initial Advice