Mortgage Bridge FAQ – Your Most Common Mortgage Questions Answered

At Mortgage Bridge, we understand that applying for a mortgage can raise lots of questions — especially if your situation isn’t straightforward.

Whether you’ve had credit challenges, complex income, or you’re buying your first home, we’re here to make things simple, clear, and personal.

Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we receive from clients every day.

---

Who Are Mortgage Bridge?

We’re an independent mortgage brokerage that specialises in helping people secure mortgages in both straightforward and complex situations.

We work with clients who:

• Have adverse credit (such as defaults, CCJs, or past arrears)
• Are self-employed or contractors
• Have unusual or multiple income sources
• Have been declined by a bank
• Simply want clear, expert guidance on the best mortgage options

Our goal is simple — to make your mortgage experience smooth, transparent, and achievable, whatever your circumstances.

---

Can I Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?

Yes — many of our clients have been approved after facing credit issues in the past.

Lenders look at several factors, including:

• How long ago your credit issues occurred
• Whether the debts are settled
• The size of your deposit or equity
• Your income stability and affordability

At Mortgage Bridge, we work with both mainstream and specialist lenders who take a flexible view of bad credit.

💡 We’ve helped clients with defaults, late payments, IVAs, and even past bankruptcies secure mortgage approval.

---

Can I Get a Mortgage If I’m Self-Employed?

Absolutely.

Self-employed clients — whether sole traders, limited company directors, or contractors — can qualify for competitive mortgages with the right documentation.

Lenders typically ask for:

• 1–2 years of accounts or SA302s and tax year overviews
• Recent bank statements
• Proof of ongoing contracts or regular income

If you only have one year of accounts, there are lenders who will still consider your application.

💡 We cover this in more detail in our guide “How to Get a Mortgage When You’re Self-Employed.”

---

Can I Get a Mortgage After a Debt Management Plan or IVA?

Yes — once your Debt Management Plan (DMP) or IVA is complete (and ideally settled more than 12 months ago), specialist lenders may be willing to consider you.

Even if it’s ongoing, some lenders can still help, depending on how much progress you’ve made and how well you’ve managed your payments.

💡 We’ve arranged mortgages for clients with active or recently completed DMPs — it’s all about finding the right lender match.

---

How Much Deposit Do I Need for a Mortgage?

The amount you’ll need depends on your credit profile and the type of property you’re buying:

Situation	Typical Deposit
Clean credit	From 5% (sometimes £5,000)
Mild bad credit	From 7–10%
Moderate to severe credit issues	From 15%
Shared Ownership	From 0% (with housing association approval)
With rental payment history	Possible no-deposit options

💡 Some lenders now offer 2–2.5% deposit products, and certain Shared Ownership schemes allow 0% deposit where the discount or rent history applies.

---

What Documents Will I Need for a Mortgage Application?

While requirements vary between lenders, you’ll usually need:

• Proof of ID and address
• 3–6 months of payslips or self-employed income evidence
• Recent bank statements
• Credit report (from a service like Checkmyfile)
• Deposit evidence or gifted deposit letter

We’ll always let you know exactly what’s required for your circumstances — and help you prepare your documents before submitting an application.

---

How Does Mortgage Bridge Help If I’ve Been Declined Elsewhere?

If your bank or another lender has declined you, that doesn’t mean your options are gone.

High-street lenders often use automated systems that can’t account for complex income or past financial issues.

At Mortgage Bridge, we:

• Manually review your situation and credit file
• Match you with flexible lenders who assess cases individually
• Present your case clearly to maximise approval chances

💡 We’ve successfully placed many cases other brokers or banks have turned away.

---

Can I Get a Mortgage If I Have Missed Payments?

Yes — depending on how recent and how many missed payments you’ve had.

Lenders will look at:

• How old the missed payments are
• Whether they were one-off or part of a pattern
• Whether you’ve maintained good conduct since

💡 Even if your missed payments were recent, some specialist lenders will still consider you, especially if your income and affordability are strong.

---

Do You Charge Broker Fees?

We believe in complete transparency.

Our initial consultation is always free, and we’ll clearly outline any fees before you proceed.

In some cases, we may receive commission directly from the lender — meaning there’s no cost to you for our advice and support.

---

How Long Does the Mortgage Process Take?

Timelines vary depending on your situation and the lender’s processing speed, but typically:

• Mortgage in Principle: within 24 hours
• Full application to offer: 2–4 weeks
• Completion: usually 6–8 weeks (including legal work)

We keep you updated every step of the way so you always know what’s happening.

---

What Makes Mortgage Bridge Different?

We combine expert knowledge with personal support — specialising in helping clients who might not fit standard criteria.

Our approach:

• No judgment, just solutions
• Full access to high-street and specialist lenders
• Clear communication at every stage
• Guidance that continues beyond approval

Whether your case is simple or complex, we’ll help you find a lender that sees your potential — not just your credit score.

---

How Can I Start My Mortgage Application?

Getting started is easy:

1. Contact us for a free consultation.
2. We’ll review your credit file and financial details.
3. We’ll explain your best options and prepare your application.
4. Once approved, we’ll manage the full process until completion.

💡 You can start by requesting your credit report from Checkmyfile — we’ll use it to assess your full financial profile accurately.

Let’s explore your options together.