Low Credit Score Mortgage Information

A low credit score does not automatically prevent you from getting a mortgage. While it can reduce the number of lenders that may consider an application, many lenders take a wider view of your overall financial position. A credit score is only one part of the assessment. Income stability, deposit size, existing commitments, and recent account conduct are often just as important.

Mortgage Bridge provides clear information to help you understand how low credit scores are commonly viewed by lenders. Where appropriate, we can introduce you to an FCA-regulated mortgage adviser who can provide regulated advice.

Can you get a mortgage with a low credit score?

Yes, it is often possible to obtain a mortgage with a low credit score. Some lenders use internal scoring models rather than relying solely on agency scores and may consider:

• Why your score is low

• How recent any credit issues are

• Whether the rest of your financial profile is stable

• Your affordability

• Your deposit level

Even where a score is classed as “Poor” or “Very Poor” by Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion, this does not automatically rule out a mortgage application.

How lenders typically assess low credit scores

Although criteria vary, lenders usually look beyond the score itself and consider several key areas.

1. Recent account conduct

Recent behaviour is often one of the strongest indicators for lenders. They generally prefer to see:

• No missed payments in the last 6 to 12 months

• Past issues now settled or brought up to date

• Sensible use of available credit limits

• No arrears on active accounts

A clean recent history can sometimes outweigh an older low score.

2. Age of negative credit events

Many lenders are more flexible where:

• Issues occurred over 12 months ago

• Defaults are more than 2 years old

• CCJs are more than 3 years old

• Missed payments were isolated and not ongoing

Older credit issues typically carry less weight than recent ones.

3. Deposit expectations

Deposit requirements often increase where credit scores are lower. General guidance only:

• Around 5% may be possible where issues are older and limited

• Around 10% is more common where issues occurred within the last 12 months

• Around 15% or more may be required where scores are very low or issues are recent and multiple

A higher deposit can sometimes increase the range of lenders available.

4. Reasons behind the low score

A low credit score can result from a range of factors, including:

• A thin or limited credit history

• High credit card utilisation

• Multiple recent credit applications

• Historic missed payments

• Long-term overdraft use

• Unsettled defaults

Some of these are viewed more leniently than others. For example, a thin credit file is often easier to address than recent missed payments.

5. Overall affordability

Affordability often plays a significant role in lender decisions. Factors typically reviewed include:

• Stable and provable income

• Manageable existing commitments

• Consistent employment or self-employment history

• Clean recent bank statement conduct

In some cases, strong affordability can offset a weaker credit score.

Steps that may help improve your chances

Practical steps that may help strengthen a profile include:

• Reducing credit card balances

• Ensuring all accounts are paid on time

• Avoiding new credit applications

• Reducing reliance on overdrafts

• Registering on the electoral roll

• Checking credit files for errors or outdated information

• Keeping all active accounts in good order

Many lenders focus on these factors when reviewing applications.

How Mortgage Bridge supports you

Mortgage Bridge provides information to help you understand how low credit scores are commonly assessed by lenders and what factors may influence your options. 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 have a low credit score and want a clearer understanding of how it may affect a mortgage application, Mortgage Bridge can provide information and, where appropriate, introduce you to an FCA-regulated mortgage adviser.

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

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