How to Get a Mortgage with an IVA: Expert Guide to Your Options
If you’ve had an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) in the past, you may be wondering if getting a mortgage is still possible. The good news? It absolutely is — with the right preparation, advice, and lender.
At Mortgage Bridge, we regularly help clients who have been through an IVA take the next step toward homeownership. While high street banks may say no, specialist lenders often take a more flexible view, especially if you’ve rebuilt your finances since your IVA ended.
In this guide, we’ll explain how mortgages with an IVA work, what lenders look for, and what you can do to improve your chances.
What Is an IVA and How Does It Affect Getting a Mortgage?
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement is a formal agreement between you and your creditors to repay some or all of your debts over a set period (usually five to six years). It’s a legal form of debt management that helps people avoid bankruptcy while getting back on track.
When it comes to mortgages, lenders see an IVA as a serious credit event. It will appear on your credit file for six years from the start date and can make getting approved more difficult — especially with mainstream banks.
But once your IVA is completed (known as “satisfied” or “discharged”), doors start to reopen.
Can You Get a Mortgage While You’re Still in an IVA?
It’s very difficult, but not impossible.
Most lenders will not approve a new mortgage until your IVA is fully completed. However, there are limited exceptions:
- If your IVA supervisor agrees and your IVA terms allow for borrowing (for example, to buy out a co-owner or remortgage to raise funds)
- If you can provide a strong explanation and a larger deposit
Specialist lenders may consider this in rare cases, but generally, it’s better to wait until your IVA is discharged.
Can You Get a Mortgage After an IVA?
Yes — and this is where most success stories happen.
Once your IVA is complete, you can start rebuilding your credit and applying for a mortgage again. The key factors lenders consider are:
- How long it’s been since your IVA ended
- How well you’ve managed your finances since
- The size of your deposit
- Your current income and affordability
The more time that’s passed since your IVA, the better your chances — especially if you’ve kept your credit file clean.
How Long After an IVA Can You Get a Mortgage?
Here’s a general guide to what lenders look for:
| Time Since IVA Completion | Lender Willingness | Typical Deposit Required |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 year | Very limited options | 25%+ |
| 1–3 years | Some specialist lenders | 20–25% |
| 3–6 years | Wider lender choice | 15–20% |
| 6+ years | Most lenders will consider you | 10–15% |
Your IVA will drop off your credit file six years after it began. Once that happens — and assuming your credit has stayed clean — you’ll be treated much like any other applicant.
How Much Deposit Do You Need for a Mortgage After an IVA?
Expect to need a larger deposit than someone without credit issues.
As a guide:
- 15–25% is typical, depending on how recent the IVA was and your current credit standing.
- If your IVA is older or your credit has improved significantly, you may qualify for 10–15% deposits with some lenders.
The bigger your deposit, the less risk for the lender — and the better your chance of approval.
If saving a large deposit is challenging, we can explore family-assisted mortgage or shared ownership routes to help bridge the gap.
What Kind of Mortgage Rates Can You Expect After an IVA?
Rates after an IVA tend to start higher than standard products, reflecting the lender’s risk. However, they’re often far more affordable than many expect.
As your credit improves, you can remortgage later onto a better rate, often within two to three years of rebuilding your profile.
We’ll help you plan not just for your first mortgage, but also for your long-term route back to mainstream rates.
What Documents Do Lenders Ask for If You’ve Had an IVA?
Be prepared to provide:
✅ Proof of discharge or completion certificate for your IVA
✅ Bank statements (3–6 months)
✅ Proof of income (payslips, P60s, or tax returns if self-employed)
✅ Deposit evidence
✅ ID and proof of address
Some lenders may also ask for a short written explanation of what led to your IVA and how your circumstances have improved since.
We’ll help you prepare everything clearly to make your application as strong as possible.
Can You Remortgage If You Have an IVA?
Yes — and in many cases, remortgaging is part of an IVA’s completion strategy.
If your existing mortgage deal is ending or you want to raise funds, it’s possible to remortgage while in or after an IVA, depending on your equity and affordability.
We regularly help clients:
- Remortgage after IVA completion to access better rates
- Release equity once their credit has improved
- Rebuild financial independence with specialist lender options
If you’re unsure when to apply, we can assess your timing to avoid unnecessary declines.
How Can You Improve Your Chances of Getting a Mortgage After an IVA?
Here’s what we recommend to all our clients:
- Check your credit reports – Make sure your IVA is marked as satisfied and there are no errors.
- Stay on top of payments – Keep credit cards, bills, and direct debits up to date.
- Register to vote – Being on the electoral roll boosts credit visibility.
- Save consistently – A bigger deposit shows commitment and financial discipline.
- Avoid new debt – Lenders prefer stability, especially soon after an IVA.
- Work with a specialist broker – We know which lenders consider IVA cases and how to position your application for success.
Can You Get a Mortgage with a Current IVA on Your Credit File?
Yes — but only through a specialist lender, and approval is rare while the IVA is active.
If you need to apply during the IVA, you’ll need:
- Written consent from your IVA supervisor
- A strong reason for the application (e.g. remortgaging to prevent property sale)
- Significant deposit or equity
It’s almost always better to wait until after your IVA is complete if possible.
Final Thoughts
Getting a mortgage with an IVA isn’t out of reach — it just takes planning, patience, and the right advice.
At Mortgage Bridge, we specialise in helping people rebuild after financial challenges. Whether your IVA is recent or several years behind you, we’ll guide you toward lenders who understand your story and help you take confident steps forward.
If you’d like to find out what’s possible in your situation, we’re here to help — no judgment, just clear, expert guidance.