Can I Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?

Bad credit and mortgages - a tricky combo, right? But having a less-than-perfect credit score doesn’t mean your homeownership dreams are dead in the water. It just means you might need a different approach.

 

What Lenders See on Your Credit Report

When you apply for a mortgage, the lender doesn’t just look at your income. Lenders dig into your credit history to see how you’ve managed money in the past. They’re looking for:

• Defaults where you didn’t repay a debt and the account was closed

• County Court Judgments (CCJs)

• Bankruptcies or IVAs

• Payday loan use

• High credit card balances

• Frequent credit applications

• Buy Now Pay Later usage

Not all these factors carry the same weight, but they all impact how a lender views you.

 

Can You Still Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?

Yes, but it comes with a few catches:

• You may need to use a specialist lender

• You’ll likely face higher interest rates

• You might need a larger deposit

• The paperwork will likely be more detailed

• You’ll need to show that your financial habits have improved

If your credit issue was a one-off or it happened a while ago, some mainstream lenders might still consider you. But if your file is peppered with recent issues, you’ll need a broker who works with lenders that specialise in complex cases. These lenders can help, but they often charge more.

 

What Bad Credit Actually Costs You

Even if you get a mortgage, bad credit can hit your wallet hard. For example, a £200,000 mortgage with a good credit score might cost around £850 a month, while the same loan with bad credit could push you closer to £1,000. That’s thousands more over the life of the mortgage.

That’s why it pays to get your credit and banking behaviour in shape.

 

What You Can Do Right Now

The past is the past. But lenders care about the present too. A solid few months of good behaviour can go a long way. That means:

• Paying bills on time

• Avoiding missed payments

• Cutting back on borrowing

• Reducing existing debts

• Showing consistent saving habits

• Not applying for lots of new credit

This isn’t just about boosting your credit score. It’s about proving you’re mortgage-ready now.

 

How Klink Can Help

Not sure where you stand? Klink makes it clear.
It links to your bank accounts, flags risky spending habits, and shows you where you might be falling short in a lender’s eyes. No judgment - just guidance
The Home Goal helps you plan for a deposit, step by step.
The Mortgage Readiness Check reveals how a lender might assess your finances.
Budgeting Tools highlight where your money’s going and where you can cut back.
Klink can't erase your credit history. But it can help you write a better chapter from here on out.

 

The Bottom Line - You’re Still in the Game

Yes, you can get a mortgage with bad credit. It’s not always easy, but it’s not impossible.

With the right tools, a solid plan, and a bit of financial discipline, you can still get the keys to your own place. Download Klink now and get mortgage-ready.