Can You Get a Mortgage with a Debt Arrangement Scheme?

If you’re currently in, or have completed, a Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS), you may be wondering whether it’s still possible to get a mortgage. The short answer is — yes, you can.

At Mortgage Bridge, we regularly help clients who’ve been through financial challenges, including DAS, find suitable mortgage options. While some lenders take a cautious approach, others are open to applicants who’ve demonstrated improved financial management and a commitment to rebuilding their credit.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting a mortgage with a Debt Arrangement Scheme, including how it affects your credit profile, what lenders look for, and how to strengthen your application.

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What Is a Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS)?

A Debt Arrangement Scheme is a formal debt management plan that allows individuals to repay debts over an extended period through an approved payment programme. It’s a Scottish government-backed initiative designed to help people repay what they owe without facing legal action from creditors.

Under a DAS:

• Interest and charges on your debts are frozen.
• You make one regular payment that’s distributed among your creditors.
• Creditors can’t take further enforcement action as long as payments continue.

💡 Unlike bankruptcy or a Debt Relief Order, a DAS focuses on repayment — not debt write-off — which can make lenders more willing to consider you in the future.

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Can You Get a Mortgage While in a Debt Arrangement Scheme?

It’s very unlikely that you’ll be approved for a standard mortgage while your DAS is still active. Most lenders will want to see that you’ve completed the programme and maintained stable finances before considering your application.

However, there are exceptions — for example:

• Some specialist lenders may consider your case if you’re close to completing the DAS and have made consistent payments.
• You may still be eligible for a secured loan (also known as a homeowner loan), though this should only be taken with advice as it increases your secured borrowing.

💡 In most cases, it’s best to wait until your DAS is fully discharged before applying for a mortgage — that’s when your options improve dramatically.

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How Soon After a Debt Arrangement Scheme Can You Get a Mortgage?

Once your DAS has been completed, you can start rebuilding your credit profile straight away.

Here’s what lenders typically look for after completion:

Time Since DAS Completion	Mortgage Possibilities
Less than 12 months	Very few lenders — focus on rebuilding credit first.
12–36 months	Some specialist lenders may consider you with a larger deposit (15–25%).
Over 3 years	Wider range of options, especially if your credit conduct is strong.
Over 6 years	The DAS will have dropped off your credit file — most lenders won’t take it into account.

💡 The more time that passes after completion, the stronger your mortgage application becomes.

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How Does a Debt Arrangement Scheme Affect Your Credit Score?

A DAS itself appears on your credit file for six years from the start date, along with the record of any missed payments leading up to it.

This means your score will likely drop initially — but the impact lessens over time, especially if you keep up with all your payments during and after the DAS.

You can check your progress using your Checkmyfile report, which shows data from all four major credit agencies (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, and Crediva).

💡 Lenders are more interested in how you’ve managed your finances since your DAS began than the fact it existed.

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How Much Deposit Will You Need for a Mortgage After a DAS?

Deposit size can vary depending on your credit history and how recently your DAS was completed.

Circumstance	Typical Deposit Required
DAS completed less than 2 years ago	25–30%
DAS completed 2–4 years ago	15–20%
DAS over 4 years ago	10–15%
DAS over 6 years ago (removed from file)	From 5%

💡 Some lenders now offer options from 2.5% deposit with clean recent conduct — and even 0% deposit through Shared Ownership (subject to housing association approval).

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What Do Lenders Look For After a DAS?

When reviewing your application, lenders will pay close attention to:

• How long ago your DAS ended
• Your payment conduct since (no missed or late payments)
• Your debt-to-income ratio
• Current borrowing and credit usage
• Bank statements (to check spending habits and account stability)
• Employment and income consistency

💡 Strong financial behaviour after your DAS goes a long way in building lender confidence.

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How to Improve Your Chances of Mortgage Approval After a DAS

You can take several proactive steps to strengthen your mortgage application:

1. Check and Clean Your Credit Report

Download your Checkmyfile report to ensure:

• All debts from your DAS show as “satisfied.”
• There are no outstanding defaults.
• Your electoral roll and address history are up to date.

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2. Build Positive Credit Conduct

Use credit carefully and responsibly:

• Pay all bills and credit cards on time.
• Avoid applying for unnecessary new credit.
• Keep your credit utilisation below 30%.

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3. Save a Larger Deposit

A bigger deposit improves your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, showing lenders that you’re committed and financially stable.

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4. Show Account Stability

Lenders often review the past 3–6 months of bank statements. Maintain a positive record by avoiding unarranged overdrafts or payday loans.

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5. Work with a Specialist Mortgage Broker

Most high-street lenders won’t accept applicants with a recent DAS. A specialist mortgage broker like Mortgage Bridge can identify which lenders are more flexible and help you prepare a well-presented application.

💡 We work with lenders who regularly consider post-DAS cases — even within two years of completion.

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Real Example: Mortgage After a DAS

A client came to us 18 months after completing their Debt Arrangement Scheme. They’d maintained good credit conduct, had a 20% deposit, and steady employment.

We matched them with a specialist lender who approved their mortgage — demonstrating that financial recovery and homeownership are absolutely achievable.

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How Mortgage Bridge Can Help

At Mortgage Bridge, we specialise in helping clients rebuild after financial challenges — including Debt Arrangement Schemes, IVAs, and defaults.

We can:

• Review your credit report and assess your options
• Identify lenders who accept post-DAS applicants
• Help you plan a realistic path to mortgage approval
• Support you through every stage of the process

If you’ve completed or are nearing the end of a Debt Arrangement Scheme, we’re here to help you take your next confident step forward.

Let’s explore your options together.