Joint Mortgage Information When One Applicant Has Bad Credit

Applying for a joint mortgage is common for couples, friends, and family members buying together. Where one applicant has bad credit, this does not automatically prevent a mortgage application, but it can affect which lenders may consider the case and how affordability is viewed.

Outcomes usually depend on the type and age of the credit issues, the overall strength of the other applicant’s financial profile, and the stability of the combined income.

Mortgage Bridge provides clear information to help you understand how joint applications with mixed credit profiles are commonly assessed. Where appropriate, we can introduce you to an FCA-regulated mortgage adviser who can provide regulated advice.

Can you get a joint mortgage if one applicant has bad credit?

Yes, it is often possible. When reviewing joint applications, lenders commonly look at:

• The age and severity of the adverse credit

• Whether the issue was isolated or part of a wider pattern

• The strength of the other applicant’s income and credit conduct

• The deposit amount

• Joint affordability

• The overall stability of both applicants

Some lenders are more flexible than others, particularly where one applicant has a strong, clean credit profile and stable income.

How lenders typically assess joint applications with bad credit

While criteria vary, lenders often focus on the following areas.

1. Severity and timing of the credit issues

Lenders usually consider:

• How long ago the issue occurred

• Whether it has been settled

• Whether there are multiple issues

• Whether the applicant’s conduct has been stable since

Older and settled issues are generally treated more leniently than recent or repeated problems.

2. Strength of the other applicant’s profile

A stronger profile from one applicant can help balance the overall application. Factors lenders often look for include:

• Stable and provable income

• Clean credit history

• Consistent bank statement conduct

• Low existing financial commitments

Lenders tend to assess the application as a whole rather than focusing on one factor in isolation.

3. Joint affordability

Affordability is usually based on:

• Combined income

• Monthly credit commitments

• Existing loans or finance

• Rent, childcare, or regular outgoings

• Credit card balances

Higher commitments linked to the applicant with adverse credit can sometimes reduce borrowing capacity.

4. Deposit expectations

Deposit requirements vary depending on the nature of the bad credit and the lender’s criteria. General guidance only:

• Around 5% may be possible where credit issues are older

• Around 10% or more is common for more recent issues

• Around 15% or more may be required where there are several recent issues or higher-value defaults

In some cases, the applicant with the stronger credit profile may provide the full deposit, subject to lender rules.

5. Whether both applicants need to be on the mortgage

Some lenders offer alternative structures, depending on circumstances, such as:

• Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor arrangements, where one applicant is not named on the property deeds

• Support-based arrangements similar to guarantor setups

Availability and suitability depend on individual lender criteria and require regulated advice.

Steps that may help before applying

Steps that may help improve how a joint application is viewed include:

• Obtaining full multi-agency credit reports for both applicants

• Ensuring recent bank statements show clean conduct

• Reducing credit card balances

• Avoiding new borrowing

• Settling smaller credit issues where possible

• Preparing documentation early

Clear and accurate financial information can help lenders better understand the overall position.

How Mortgage Bridge supports you

Mortgage Bridge provides information to help you understand how joint mortgage applications with mixed credit profiles are commonly assessed. We do not provide mortgage advice or recommend lenders.

Where appropriate, we can introduce you to an FCA-regulated mortgage adviser who can review your circumstances in detail and provide regulated mortgage advice.

Next steps

If you are considering a joint mortgage and one applicant has bad credit, Mortgage Bridge can provide clear information and, where appropriate, introduce you to an FCA-regulated mortgage adviser to discuss your options.

As a mortgage is secured against your home, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments.

Related Guides

Explore more advice that may help your situation.

Benefits & Complex Income Guides

Useful when one or both applicants have complex or benefit income.