Bad credit does not mean you cannot get a competitive rate. Darryl searches 65+ lenders to find the best rate for your credit history.
Quick answer — Do bad credit mortgage rates improve over time? Yes significantly. As adverse credit ages and eventually drops off your credit file after 6 years your available rates improve. Darryl creates a plan for every client so that at each remortgage point your rate improves. Many clients move from specialist to high street lenders within 2-3 years.
Bad credit mortgage rates are typically 0.5% to 2% higher than standard rates depending on the severity and age of your credit issues. However the difference is often smaller than people expect and narrows as your credit history improves.
The key is working with a specialist broker who knows exactly which lenders offer the most competitive rates for your specific adverse credit. Darryl Dhoffer has access to 65+ lenders including specialist adverse credit lenders not available on comparison sites.
20+ years in mortgages. Award-winning specialist. Featured in the Daily Express, FT Adviser, The Intermediary and Daily Mirror. I have helped hundreds of people across the UK who were told no by their bank — and I work with 65+ lenders including specialist adverse credit lenders you will not find on comparison sites.
When you contact me, you speak to me directly. No call centres. No being passed around. I personally review every case and respond within 2 hours.
Deposit requirements and how easily a case is placed both improve as a credit event ages and if it has been satisfied or resolved. This table summarises typical specialist lender positioning by credit event — Darryl will confirm the exact picture for your own circumstances.
| Credit Event | Typical Deposit Needed | How Soon After the Event | Lender Landscape |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCJ (County Court Judgment) | 10%–30%, narrowing as the CCJ ages and if satisfied | Some lenders from as little as 3–6 months old; a much wider panel from 12+ months | Wide specialist panel; narrows sharply for recent or unsatisfied CCJs |
| Default | 5%–30% depending on age and satisfied status | Easier from around 12 months after satisfaction; best terms from 3+ years | Wide specialist panel; satisfied defaults treated far more favourably than unsatisfied ones |
| Missed / Late Payments | 5%–25% depending on recency and frequency | A single old missed payment can need as little as 5–10%; recent or frequent misses need more | Specialist panel; a missed mortgage payment is treated more seriously than a missed unsecured payment |
| IVA | Around 20%–30%, improving over time | Often 25–30% deposit in the first 12 months post-completion, easing to around 20% by 12–24 months, with more choice 3+ years after discharge | Small specialist panel — fewer lenders than for CCJs or defaults, especially while active |
| DMP (Debt Management Plan) | 5%–30% depending on status | Active under 12 months typically needs the most (25%–30%); falls to 10%–15% once active 2+ years; 5%–10% once completed | Very limited panel while active; broadens once the DMP is completed or cleared |
| Bankruptcy | 5%–30% depending on time since discharge | Under 1 year post-discharge typically needs 25%–30%; 3–6 years needs 10%–15%; 6+ years opens up mainstream lenders | Very few lenders under 1 year post-discharge; near-prime and mainstream lenders available from 6+ years |
Figures are typical ranges based on specialist lender criteria and can vary by lender and individual circumstances. See our dedicated guides on CCJ mortgages, defaults, IVA mortgages, DMP mortgages and bankruptcy mortgages for full lender-by-lender criteria.
No credit search. No obligation. Darryl personally reviews every enquiry and responds within 2 hours.
Lender criteria, rates and deposit requirements quoted on this page are indicative and subject to change without notice. Individual circumstances vary. This page provides general information only and does not constitute regulated financial advice. The Mortgage Geezer is a trading style of Access Financial Services Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Financial Services Register number is 301173. Registered in England No. 04427489. Registered office address Access Financial Services Ltd, Unit 1 Furtho Court, Towcester Road, Old Stratford, Milton Keynes, MK19 6AN. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP YOUR REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED AGAINST IT.