Bad Credit Mortgage Lender and Broker Reviews

Bad Credit Mortgage Lender and Broker Reviews UK

Quick answer — How do I check reviews of bad credit mortgage lenders and brokers? Check three things: that the firm is on the FCA Register, that its reviews are recent and detailed, and that the fees are clear before you start. For brokers, look for reviews that describe a situation like yours, such as a CCJ or default. The Mortgage Geezer (Access Financial Services Ltd, FCA 301173) has 54 five-star Google reviews, rated 5.0.

Updated 11 November 2026

Your Circumstances at a Glance

Check the Firm Is Regulated First

Before you read a single review, search the FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk using the firm's reference number. The Mortgage Geezer is a trading style of Access Financial Services Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, number 301173. If a broker will not give you their number, or the name on the Register does not match, walk away. See how to check a lender or broker is genuine and who the Mortgage Geezer is.

Lender Reviews and Broker Reviews Are Not the Same Thing

Reviews of a lender usually describe customer service or how the mortgage is serviced after completion. They do not tell you whether that lender will accept a CCJ, default or IVA, because that depends on its criteria. For adverse credit, what matters is lender criteria, and a broker who checks them for you. Specialist lenders such as Kensington, Pepper Money and Bluestone assess the whole case, and criteria change, so confirm before you apply. See the most lenient lenders and lenders that accept CCJs.

What a Good Broker Review Looks Like

• It describes a situation, not just "great service". A review mentioning a CCJ, default, IVA or being turned down elsewhere is far more useful.
• It is recent, and there are plenty of them.
• It comes from a verified source such as Google, linked to a real profile.
• It mentions communication, speed and clarity on fees.

Here is what clients have said about Darryl on Google. A first-time buyer: "As first time buyers Darryl was great to work with, he was patient, clear and ensured everything was smooth sailing, he kept in contact with us throughout the whole process and was always available to answer questions." Another client, who had tried to get a mortgage three times before with other advisers and brokers, said Darryl was the only one who put in the time and effort to get it done. Read all of them on the reviews page.

Red Flags With Bad Credit Mortgage Brokers

• "Guaranteed approval" before they have looked at your credit or income.
• Pressure to pay a large fee up front, or fees that are not explained in writing.
• No FCA number, or an unregulated "credit repair" service pushing a mortgage.
• Being told to apply directly to several lenders yourself, which can leave multiple credit searches on your file.

See the FCA warning signs in our debt advice red flags guide.

Fees: What You Should Be Told Up Front

Ask exactly what you pay and when. The Mortgage Geezer charges no upfront fees. The fee is £750 to £995, payable once the mortgage is agreed and offered. See bad credit mortgage broker fees.

About the Mortgage Geezer

Darryl Dhoffer is CeMAP qualified since 2015, CeRER qualified, and has worked in financial services for over 20 years. He has access to 75+ lenders and works UK-wide. He was named Best Broker in the Universe 2023 by The Intermediary, and has been featured in the Daily Express and FT Adviser. See about Darryl, or start a free assessment with no credit search.

What to Ask Any Broker

• Are you FCA authorised? Check the FCA Register.
• Which lenders suit my situation, and why?
• What is your fee, and when is it payable? Is anything charged upfront?
• Will you check criteria before any credit search?
• Can I see reviews from clients with similar circumstances?

The Mortgage Geezer (Darryl Dhoffer, CeMAP and CeRER, FCA No. 301173) works UK-wide. There are no upfront fees: the only fee is £750 to £995, payable once your mortgage is agreed and offered. The initial assessment is free with no credit search. See who we are, 53 Google reviews rated 5.0, client reviews, bad credit mortgage broker.