Can you remortgage with bad credit? Yes, and it is often easier than a first-time purchase because you already hold equity in the property. The more equity you have, the wider your lender panel. If the adverse credit happened after you took out your current mortgage, your conduct on that mortgage since is usually the strongest evidence in your favour.
Does remortgage bad credit history matter more than the current score?
Yes, usually more than the headline number. Lenders reviewing a remortgage bad credit history look at what happened, when, and how you have managed credit since — a clean 18 months after a CCJ counts for more than the score itself. That is exactly what a specialist lender can weigh that an automated system cannot.
Darryl Dhoffer
CeMAP · CeRER · FCA 301173 · ⭐ 48 Reviews
"I specialise in exactly this. Free assessment — no credit search, no obligation. I respond within 2 hours."
Your fixed rate is ending and you have bad credit. Don't default to the SVR — specialist lenders offer remortgage deals even with adverse credit history.
Being declined feels personal. It isn't — banks use computers. Darryl uses judgement.
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The SVR trap: When your fixed rate ends, if you don't remortgage you move to your lender's Standard Variable Rate — typically 7-9% in 2026. On a £200,000 mortgage that's £300-400/month more than a specialist fixed rate. Bad credit does not mean you must accept the SVR.
Your Equity is Your Biggest Advantage
For remortgage applications with adverse credit, your loan-to-value ratio matters more than almost any other factor. The more equity you have built up, the better the rates available and the more lenders will consider you. A borrower with 40% equity and recent CCJs has significantly better options than one with 10% equity and identical credit history.
Scenario
Rate Range
Bad credit remortgage, 40%+ equity (60% LTV)
5.3–5.9%
N/A
Bad credit remortgage, 25–40% equity
5.6–6.4%
N/A
Bad credit remortgage, 15–25% equity
6.0–6.8%
N/A
Bad credit remortgage, under 15% equity
6.5–7.5%
N/A
Indicative ranges, June 2026. Subject to individual circumstances and lender criteria.
When to Contact Darryl About Your Remortgage
Contact Darryl at least 6 months before your current deal ends. This gives time to identify the right lender, package the application and have a mortgage offer in place before your fixed rate expires. Leaving it to the last month risks a gap where you sit on the SVR.
If you have already moved to SVR, act now — specialist lenders can typically turn applications around in 3-4 weeks. Every month on SVR costs you money that could be saved.
Remortgage with Bad Credit — Common Questions
My current lender won't give me a product transfer because of my credit. What can I do?
This is more common than people realise. Your current lender is under no obligation to offer you a new deal. A specialist broker can approach other lenders who will consider your application based on your current equity position and credit profile.
Can I remortgage to release equity for home improvements if I have bad credit?
Yes — additional borrowing as part of a remortgage is possible with adverse credit. The total loan must remain affordable and within specialist lender LTV limits. Darryl assesses whether the additional borrowing is viable before any application.
Will my credit score affect how much I can remortgage for?
Your credit score affects which lenders will consider you and at what rates. Your income and existing equity determine the maximum loan. Darryl calculates both figures at the outset so you know exactly what is achievable.
I have missed mortgage payments on my current deal. Can I still remortgage?
Missed mortgage payments are the most serious adverse credit issue for remortgage applications. However, if payments are now up to date and the missed payments are over 12 months old, some specialist lenders will still consider your application — particularly if you have substantial equity.
About Darryl Dhoffer
CeMAP and CeRER qualified independent mortgage broker. FCA regulated — No. 301173. Based in Bedford, serving clients across the UK since 2015. Specialises in adverse credit, complex income and specialist mortgage cases. Every client works directly with Darryl — no handoffs, no call centres.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP YOUR REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED AGAINST IT. This page is for 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.
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