Can You Get a Mortgage With a Low Credit Score?

Yes, you can get a mortgage with a low credit score in the UK. While high street lenders prefer good credit, specialist lenders work specifically with people who have low scores. You'll typically need a larger deposit (15-25%) and will pay higher interest rates. The specific issues on your credit report matter more than the score number itself.

Learn more about bad credit mortgages in our detailed guide.

Learn more about ccj mortgages in our detailed guide.

What credit score do I need for a mortgage UK?

There's no universal minimum - each lender has their own criteria. Experian scores above 700 (out of 999) generally access good rates. Scores of 500-700 may need specialist lenders. Below 500, you'll need adverse credit specialists. The key is that lenders look at your full credit report, not just the score number.

Can I get a mortgage with a credit score of 500?

Yes, though options are limited. A score around 500 on Experian (or equivalent) typically indicates adverse credit issues. Specialist lenders can help, but expect to need a larger deposit (15-25%) and pay higher interest rates. A specialist broker can identify which lenders will consider your application.

How can I improve my credit score for a mortgage?

Register on the electoral roll, reduce credit card balances to under 30% of limits, avoid new credit applications, fix any errors on your report, and ensure all payments are on time. Improvement takes 3-6 months to reflect. A 'thin' credit file (little history) can be improved by using a credit builder card responsibly.

Do mortgage lenders use Experian, Equifax or TransUnion?

Different lenders use different credit agencies - some use one, others use two or all three. Experian and Equifax are most common for UK mortgages. It's worth checking all three reports as they may contain different information. Errors on one report won't necessarily appear on others.

Does a low credit score mean higher mortgage rates?

Generally yes. Lower credit scores mean higher perceived risk, so lenders charge higher rates to compensate. The difference can be significant - 1-3% higher than the best rates. However, as you make payments and your credit improves, you can remortgage to better rates later.

What's classed as a low credit score UK?

Credit scores vary by agency. On Experian (0-999): below 721 is 'poor'. On Equifax (0-1000): below 530 is 'poor'. On TransUnion (0-710): below 566 is 'poor'. However, mortgage lenders look beyond the score to the specific items on your credit report.

Quick Answer

Can I Get a Mortgage With a Low Credit Score?

Last reviewed: December 2025

Reviewed by Jay Sabine – CeMAP Qualified – 29 years experience

Yes - specialist lenders offer mortgages to people with low credit scores. You'll need a larger deposit and pay higher rates, but homeownership is still achievable.

A low credit score doesn't automatically disqualify you from getting a mortgage. While mainstream lenders typically require scores in the 'good' or 'excellent' range, the UK has a thriving specialist lending market for those with lower scores. What matters most is understanding why your score is low - lenders look at specific items on your credit report (CCJs, defaults, missed payments) rather than just the headline number. Some issues are viewed more seriously than others. With the right deposit and a specialist broker who understands adverse credit lending, many people with low scores successfully get mortgages.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Consider improving your score before applying for better rates.

Key Points

1Specialist lenders work with low credit scores
215-25% deposit typically required
3Specific credit issues matter more than the score number
4Rates are higher but improve as credit recovers
5Different agencies use different score ranges
6Can remortgage to better rates as credit improves

Eligibility Criteria

Larger deposit - typically 15% minimum, 20-25% for very low scores
Stable income that meets affordability requirements
Explanation for credit issues may be required
Time since issues matters (older is better)
No current bankruptcy or debt relief order

Typical Timeframe

Applications with low credit scores may take longer - expect 6-10 weeks rather than 4-6 weeks. Some specialist lenders manually underwrite applications, which adds time. Improving your credit score before applying takes 3-6 months of consistent positive behaviour.

Next Steps

1Check your credit reports with all three agencies
2Identify what's causing your low score
3Fix any errors on your reports
4Start improving your score (3-6 months before applying)
5Speak to a specialist adverse credit broker

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Agency	Max Score	Excellent	Good	Fair	Poor
Experian	999	961-999	881-960	721-880	0-720
Equifax	1000	811-1000	671-810	531-670	0-530
TransUnion	710	628-710	604-627	566-603	0-565

Can I Get a Mortgage With a Low Credit Score?

Key Points

Eligibility Criteria

Typical Timeframe

Next Steps

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