Mortgage Information When You Have Multiple Credit Issues

Having more than one credit issue, such as CCJs, defaults, missed payments, or a low credit score, can feel overwhelming when considering a mortgage. Many people assume that one issue may be manageable but several together will lead to an automatic decline. In practice, some specialist lenders regularly assess applicants with multiple credit issues and focus on the overall pattern and timing rather than the number of problems alone.

Mortgage Bridge provides clear information to help you understand how lenders typically view complex credit files. Where appropriate, we can introduce you to an FCA-regulated mortgage adviser who can provide regulated advice.

What is meant by multiple credit issues?

You may be considered to have multiple credit issues if your credit file includes a combination of:

• Defaults and CCJs

• Missed or late payments across several accounts

• High credit utilisation

• A low credit score

• Recent arrears

• Repeated late payments

• A debt solution such as an IVA or DMP alongside other issues

• A mix of older and more recent adverse credit

Some applicants may have several entries on their credit file and still be considered, depending on the wider circumstances.

Can you get a mortgage with multiple credit issues?

Yes, it can be possible, depending on factors such as:

• How old the credit issues are

• Whether they are settled or outstanding

• Your recent financial conduct

• Income stability

• Deposit level

In many cases, the timing of the issues is more important than the number. Older issues are usually treated more leniently than recent ones.

How lenders typically assess multiple credit issues

1. Timing of the credit problems

Lenders often look at when each issue occurred:

• Under 12 months old: More restrictive criteria

• 12 to 24 months old: Improving options

• Over 3 years old: Greater flexibility with some lenders

Several historic issues may carry less weight than a single recent problem.

2. Severity of the issues

Lenders usually look at the detail behind each item. For example:

• A small telecom default is often viewed differently to a high-value loan default

• A single CCJ may be treated differently to multiple unpaid CCJs

• Missed payments on unsecured credit are often viewed less severely than mortgage arrears

The context of each issue matters.

3. Recent financial conduct

Recent behaviour is often one of the most important factors. Lenders commonly prefer to see:

• No missed payments in the last 6 to 12 months

• Stable and well-managed bank statements

• Lower credit utilisation

• No recent new borrowing

A strong recent pattern can sometimes outweigh several older issues.

4. Deposit expectations

Where there are multiple credit issues, deposit requirements may increase. General guidance only:

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

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

• Around 15% or more may be required for recent or more serious adverse credit

Some schemes or lower purchase prices may also affect eligibility.

5. Income stability

Stable and provable income can help offset a complex credit profile. This may include income from:

• Employment

• Self-employment

• CIS or contract work

Lenders typically want to see consistency and clear evidence of income.

Steps that may help before applying

Steps that may help strengthen a profile include:

• Obtaining a full multi-agency credit report

• Settling smaller credit issues where affordable

• Keeping credit card balances below around 50% of limits

• Ensuring all accounts are up to date

• Avoiding new borrowing

• Keeping recent bank statements clean for at least 3 months

Understanding which issues carry the most weight can be important.

How Mortgage Bridge supports you

Mortgage Bridge provides information to help you understand how lenders commonly assess applications with multiple credit issues. 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 more than one credit issue and want a clearer understanding of how this 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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