| By Chandraketu Tripathi | Updated April 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Having bad credit does not automatically mean you cannot get a mortgage in the UK — but it does mean fewer lenders, higher rates and almost certainly a larger deposit requirement. Specialist lenders exist specifically for borrowers with adverse credit history. Here is how bad credit mortgages work in 2026 and how to maximise your chances. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Verdict 2026 Mortgages available with: CCJs, defaults, missed payments, IVAs, bankruptcy (after discharge) | Minimum deposit typically: 15–25% vs 5–10% for clean credit | Rate premium: 1–3% above standard rates | Specialist lenders: Pepper Money, Kensington, Precise, Together | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
What Credit Issues Affect Mortgage Applications? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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How Much Deposit Do You Need with Bad Credit? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Specialist Bad Credit Mortgage Lenders UK 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Mortgage with Bad Credit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Use a broker: Applying directly to multiple lenders leaves multiple hard searches on your credit file, making your score worse. A specialist broker uses soft searches to find the right lender before a full application. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Verdict 2026 Bad credit mortgages are available from specialist lenders like Pepper Money, Kensington and Precise Mortgages. You will need a larger deposit (15–25% typically) and pay higher rates (1–3% above standard). Satisfied defaults and CCJs are viewed more favourably than unsatisfied ones. Always use a specialist mortgage broker — they know which lenders will consider your profile without damaging your credit score further. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I get a mortgage with bad credit UK? Yes. Specialist lenders including Pepper Money, Kensington and Precise Mortgages offer mortgages to borrowers with CCJs, defaults, IVAs and even bankruptcy (after discharge). You will need a larger deposit and pay higher rates than borrowers with clean credit. How much deposit do I need for a mortgage with bad credit? Typically 15–25% depending on the severity and age of the credit issue. Minor historical issues (missed payments over 2 years ago) may only require 10%. Recent defaults or unsatisfied CCJs require 25%+. Should I use a mortgage broker for bad credit? Yes — a specialist broker is strongly recommended. They know which lenders accept your specific credit profile and can approach them using soft searches before making a full application, avoiding the credit score damage of multiple hard searches. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Sources: Pepper Money, Kensington, Precise Mortgages, Together Money, UK Finance, Experian credit guide 2026. April 2026. |
Bad Credit Mortgages UK 2026: Can You Get a Mortgage with Poor Credit?
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Editorial Disclaimer The content on Kaeltripton.com is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, legal or regulatory advice. Kaeltripton.com is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is not a financial adviser, mortgage broker, insurance intermediary or investment firm. Nothing on this site should be construed as a personal recommendation. Rates, figures and product details are indicative only, subject to change without notice, and should always be verified directly with the relevant provider, HMRC, the FCA register, the Bank of England, Ofgem or other appropriate authority before any financial decision is made. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. If you require regulated financial advice, please consult a qualified adviser authorised by the FCA. |
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