All names and personal details in this case study have been changed or omitted to protect client confidentiality. Any resemblance to specific individuals is coincidental.

The Challenge

Mark had been through a difficult period a few years earlier — a business that didn't work out, a period of financial strain, and the credit issues that came with it. His record showed two County Court Judgements (CCJs), a default on a credit card, and a handful of missed payments on a loan.

He had spent the last two years rebuilding. He was back in stable employment, had cleared most of the debt, and was now in a position to save for a deposit. But when he started looking into mortgages, the mainstream lenders weren't interested. He came to us feeling like homeownership simply wasn't an option for him.

Our Approach

We were straightforward with Mark from the very first call. We explained that adverse credit doesn't automatically disqualify someone from getting a mortgage — it depends on the type of issue, how recent it is, and the overall picture. In Mark's case, the CCJs were over two years old and had been satisfied, and his recent financial conduct was strong. That matters to the right lender.

We work with specialist lenders who are set up to consider exactly these situations. We built a full picture of Mark's finances, helped him understand what was realistic, and identified the most appropriate product for his circumstances. We prepared the application carefully, anticipating the questions the underwriter would ask, and submitted it with confidence.

The Outcome

Mark received a mortgage offer of £195,000. The rate was slightly higher than the mainstream market — as we'd explained it would be — but he was fully aware of that going in and had budgeted accordingly. He has since moved into his home and is already on track to remortgage to a better rate once his credit profile improves further. Our fixed fee for the brokerage service was £399.

If you have adverse credit in your history, please don't assume the answer is no. We specialise in exactly these kinds of situations — get in touch and let's look at what's possible for you.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I definitely be able to get a mortgage with bad credit?

We can't guarantee an outcome — no broker honestly can. What we can do is give you an honest assessment of your options and only proceed with an application where we're confident in the approach.

Should I try to improve my credit score before applying?

In some cases, yes — but it depends on the nature of the issue. Speak to us first. There may be options available now, and we can advise whether waiting would meaningfully improve your position.

Will applying affect my credit score?

A full mortgage application involves a hard credit search, which leaves a mark on your credit file. We assess your situation thoroughly before applying anywhere, to avoid unnecessary searches.

What if I have more than one credit issue?

Multiple issues are more complex, but not necessarily a barrier. Lender criteria differ considerably, and a specialist broker will know which lenders take a more flexible view.

Ready to talk? Book your free 15-minute Mortgage Myth Check call today — no obligation, no jargon, just straight answers.