Quick Answer

Can I Remortgage With Bad Credit?

Reviewed by Jay SabineCeMAP Qualified29 years experience

Yes - specialist lenders offer remortgages for people with CCJs, defaults, IVAs, and other credit issues. You'll need equity in your property and the rates will be higher than standard deals.

Remortgaging with bad credit is possible through the UK's specialist lending market. While your current lender may not offer their best rates at renewal, or may decline entirely, specialist adverse credit lenders take a more nuanced view. They consider factors like how long ago the credit issues occurred, whether they're satisfied/settled, your current payment behaviour, and crucially, how much equity you have. The more equity you have, the lower the risk to the lender, and the better terms you'll access. Many homeowners with credit issues successfully remortgage to access better rates than their lender's standard variable rate, consolidate debts, or release equity.

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

Key Points

  • 1Specialist lenders consider CCJs, defaults, IVAs, missed payments
  • 2Equity level is key - typically need 15-25% minimum
  • 3Rates higher than mainstream but often better than SVR
  • 4Options improve as time passes since credit issues
  • 5Can remortgage for rate, consolidation, or equity release
  • 6Broker essential to navigate adverse credit lender criteria

Eligibility Criteria

  • Own property with sufficient equity (typically 15%+)
  • Meet affordability requirements on new mortgage
  • Credit issues documented and explainable
  • Current mortgage payments up to date (ideally 12+ months)
  • No current bankruptcy or debt relief order

Typical Timeframe

Bad credit remortgage applications typically take 4-8 weeks. If your current deal is ending, start the process 3-4 months early. Some specialist lenders manually underwrite, adding time. You can often get a decision in principle within 48 hours to understand your options.

Next Steps

  1. 1Check your credit reports for accuracy
  2. 2Calculate your current equity level
  3. 3Note when credit issues occurred and amounts
  4. 4Contact a specialist adverse credit broker
  5. 5Compare options before your current deal ends

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Related Questions

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Remortgage Hub
Jay Sabine
CeMAP Qualified
29 Years Experience

Content reviewed: 13 January 2026

Bad Credit Remortgage by Credit Issue

CCJs & Defaults
  • Satisfied 2+ years: Good options, up to 90% LTV
  • Satisfied under 2 years: Specialist lenders, 75-85% LTV
  • Unsatisfied: Limited options, may need to satisfy first
  • Amount matters: Under £500 viewed more favourably
IVAs & DMPs
  • Active IVA: Very limited options, need IVA supervisor approval
  • Completed 1-3 years: Specialist lenders available
  • Completed 3+ years: More mainstream options
  • DMP: More flexible than IVA, specialist lenders available
Missed Payments
  • 1-2 late payments: Many lenders will consider
  • 3-6 late payments: Specialist lenders needed
  • Mortgage arrears: Must be cleared, 12 months clean
  • Recency matters: Last 12 months most important
Bankruptcy
  • Discharged under 3 years: Very limited options
  • Discharged 3-6 years: Specialist lenders available
  • Discharged 6+ years: More options, may drop off file
  • Need clean credit since: Critical for approval

Why Remortgage With Bad Credit?

Escape SVR

When your fixed rate ends, you move to standard variable rate (SVR) - often 2-3% higher. Even adverse credit rates may beat your lender's SVR.

Consolidate Debts

Roll high-interest debts into your mortgage for one lower monthly payment. Be aware this extends the repayment term and may cost more overall.

Release Equity

Access cash from your property's value for home improvements, helping family, or other purposes. Limited with bad credit but possible with enough equity.

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