Content reviewed: 13 January 2026
Can you get a mortgage after being declined?
Yes, being declined by one lender doesn't mean you can't get a mortgage. Different lenders have different criteria—specialist lenders often approve applications that high street banks reject. Understanding why you were declined and applying to the right lender for your circumstances significantly improves approval chances.
Specialist advice for previously declined applicants.
Can you get a mortgage after being declined?
Yes, being declined by one lender doesn't mean you can't get a mortgage. Different lenders have different criteria and risk appetites—specialist lenders often approve applications that high street banks reject. The key is understanding why you were declined, addressing any fixable issues, and applying to the right lender for your circumstances. A mortgage adviser with access to specialist lenders can significantly improve your chances of approval after a previous decline.
Why Do Mortgage Applications Get Declined?
Being declined for a mortgage can feel devastating, but it's far more common than you might think. Thousands of applications are declined every week, often for reasons that can be addressed or worked around with the right approach and lender.
Common decline reasons include credit history concerns, affordability calculations, employment type, insufficient deposit, too many recent credit searches, property type issues, or simply applying to the wrong lender for your circumstances. Each lender has different criteria and risk appetites—what one rejects, another may happily approve.
The key is understanding exactly why you were declined, addressing any genuine issues, and applying to a lender whose criteria match your situation. This is where mortgage specialists make the difference—we know which lenders accept what, and how to present your application for the best chance of success.
How We Help After a Mortgage Decline
Specialist support to turn your decline into an approval
Decline Analysis
We review why you were declined and identify the real issues holding you back
Right Lender Match
We know which lenders accept what mainstream banks reject
Expert Presentation
We present your application in the best possible light to maximise approval chances
Second Chances
One decline doesn't mean no—different lenders have different criteria
What to Do After Being Declined
Follow these steps to improve your chances
1. Stop Applying
Don't submit multiple applications. Each one impacts your credit file and reduces future chances.
2. Understand Why
Request the decline reason in writing. Understanding the issue is essential to finding a solution.
3. Check Your Credit
Review your credit reports from all three agencies. Correct any errors you find.
4. Address Issues
Take steps to fix identified problems—pay down debts, register to vote, avoid new credit.
5. Seek Expert Help
Speak to a specialist specialist who understands declined applications and lender criteria.
6. Apply Strategically
Apply to the right lender for your circumstances, not just any lender.
Declined Mortgage Insights: Expert Tips
Professional guidance to help you succeed after a decline
Understanding why applications get declined is the first step to success. Common reasons include: insufficient deposit, affordability concerns, credit history issues, employment type (self-employed, contractor, zero-hours), short time in current employment, property type concerns, or multiple credit searches. Each decline reason has specific solutions—it's rarely impossible, just a matter of finding the right lender.
The worst thing you can do after a decline is apply elsewhere immediately. Each application leaves a footprint on your credit file. Multiple recent applications signal desperation to lenders and reduce your chances further. Instead, understand why you were declined first, address the issues, and apply strategically to the right lender. We can help you avoid wasting applications.
Get your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—they may show different information. Check for errors (wrong addresses, accounts that aren't yours, incorrect payment histories). Correct any mistakes before reapplying. Understanding your credit file helps us identify which lenders will accept you. Many declines happen because of fixable credit file errors.
If declined for affordability, don't give up. Solutions include: reducing credit commitments before applying, adding a second applicant, increasing your deposit, choosing a longer mortgage term, considering guarantor options, or waiting for a pay rise. Some lenders calculate affordability more generously than others—we know which ones. Often it's not about earning more, but presenting your income effectively.
Self-employed, contractor, zero-hours, or recently started a new job? These aren't deal-breakers. Specialist lenders understand flexible working arrangements. Self-employed applicants may only need 1 year's accounts with the right lender. Contractors can use day rates annualised. Zero-hours workers can use average earnings. We know which lenders are flexible on employment criteria.
Declined because of the property type? Ex-council, flat above commercial, non-standard construction, or leasehold issues can concern mainstream lenders. Specialist lenders regularly accept these properties. Short leases can be extended. Non-standard construction has specialist lenders. Ex-local authority is fine with many lenders. The property rarely makes a mortgage impossible—just more specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about declined mortgages
Expert Guides for Declined Applicants
Practical advice to help you understand why mortgages get declined and what to do next
Step-by-step action plan after being declined. Learn how to analyse the decline, improve your situation, and find the right lender.
Boost your credit score to improve your chances of approval. Learn what lenders look for and how to fix common issues.
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