Mortgage After Repossession More Than Six Years Ago: Can You Get Approved?

If you previously experienced repossession, you may now be exploring whether a mortgage after repossession more than six years ago is achievable. Repossession is one of the most significant adverse credit events someone can face, but its impact does not last forever. Once the six-year reporting period has passed, many credit files no longer show the repossession entry—yet lenders may still ask questions to understand your financial stability.

This guide explains how repossession affects future mortgage applications, what lenders typically look for beyond the six-year mark, and what factors help shape eligibility. It provides general information only and does not offer regulated mortgage advice.

---

Does Repossession Stay on Your Credit File Forever?

No. A repossession normally disappears from your credit file six years after the original default or court judgment relating to it. Once removed, lenders checking your credit report may not see the repossession itself, although they may still look for:

• Gaps in address history
• Older closed accounts linked to repossession
• Wider financial behaviour since the event

Some lenders also ask whether you have ever had a property repossessed as part of their application process, even if the entry no longer appears on your report.

---

Can You Get a Mortgage After Repossession More Than Six Years Ago?

For many applicants, yes—it can be possible. Once the repossession has aged beyond six years, lenders often place greater importance on your financial conduct since the event rather than the repossession itself.

Different lenders take different approaches:

Mainstream lenders

Some may consider applicants after six years, especially if the repossession circumstances have improved and the applicant has demonstrated stable financial behaviour.

Specialist lenders

Specialist lenders may be more flexible with historic repossessions and may consider cases even before the six-year period ends. After six years, they may take a more favourable view if the applicant’s current profile is strong.

---

What Lenders Look At Beyond the Repossession

Even if the repossession is no longer visible on your credit file, lenders will still examine your overall financial stability. They may review:

1. Recent Credit Conduct

The last 12–24 months often matter the most, including:

• Payment history
• Credit utilisation
• Stability of existing commitments
• Any remaining adverse credit (defaults, missed payments, CCJs)

2. Affordability and Income Stability

Lenders assess:

• Employment history
• Income level and variability
• Existing financial commitments
• Household expenditure

A strong and consistent income may help give lenders confidence even where historic issues exist.

3. Deposit Size

While deposit requirements vary by lender, some may require higher deposits if past repossession was severe or circumstances are unclear. This is lender-specific and cannot be generalised into advice.

4. Bank Statements and Financial Behaviour

Lenders may examine:

• Regular income flow
• Controlled spending
• Absence of recent financial pressure
• Overdraft use or reliance on short-term borrowing

A clear, steady pattern can help offset concerns about past events.

---

Does the Cause of the Repossession Matter?

Yes—many lenders consider the context. You may be asked to explain why the repossession occurred, such as:

• Redundancy or income loss
• Illness or personal circumstances
• Relationship breakdown
• Changes in mortgage affordability

Any explanation may help lenders build a picture of risk. Documentation may sometimes be requested, depending on the lender’s underwriting process.

---

Will Repossession Still Affect Rates After Six Years?

It depends entirely on the lender’s criteria. Some lenders will view applicants with older repossessions similarly to standard applicants if everything else is strong.

However, lenders who ask for full disclosure may still factor the repossession into pricing or risk assessment. Only a regulated adviser can explain how specific products compare, so this guide does not comment on individual mortgage rates.

---

What If You Have Other Adverse Credit Since the Repossession?

A repossession that is more than six years old may be less of a concern than new issues. Lenders often weigh recent adverse credit more heavily than historic events. Issues that may influence decisions include:

• Recent defaults
• New missed payments
• Recent CCJs
• High credit utilisation
• Evidence of borrowing instability

The fresher the issue, the more weight it tends to carry.

---

How Long Should You Wait Before Applying?

Once six years have passed and your financial behaviour is stable, some lenders may consider an application. However, if you’ve had additional credit issues since the repossession, waiting until your file demonstrates a longer period of stability may broaden your options. This is general information only; personalised timing falls under regulated mortgage advice.

---

Preparing for a Mortgage Application After Repossession

Although this guide cannot offer tailored advice, borrowers often prepare by:

• Checking all three UK credit reports for accuracy
• Reviewing financial behaviour over the last 12 months
• Ensuring documentation is in order (income, ID, address history)
• Avoiding new credit applications shortly before applying
• Maintaining stable spending behaviour on bank statements

These steps can help present a clearer picture to lenders.

---

Summary

A mortgage after repossession more than six years ago is often achievable, depending on lender criteria, your financial conduct since the repossession, and the strength of your income and affordability profile. Once the repossession is no longer visible on your credit file, many lenders focus more heavily on recent credit behaviour and financial stability. This guide provides general information to help you understand how lenders typically approach these applications, while personalised recommendations require regulated mortgage advice.