Credit problems come in all shapes and sizes — and so do the solutions. Whether you have one missed payment or a complex history of financial difficulties, Darryl Dhoffer will tell you honestly what's possible and find you the right lender for your specific situation.
Almost everyone has some form of credit issue at some point in their life. Job loss, relationship breakdown, illness, a financial mistake — these things happen to millions of people. The UK specialist mortgage market was created to serve borrowers whose credit history reflects real life, not just a perfect financial record.
The key is matching your specific credit problems to the right lender. Darryl does this every day — it's his speciality.
Here is how different credit problems affect your mortgage options:
The most important thing Darryl tells clients with credit problems is this: the UK has millions of homeowners who got their first mortgage despite credit issues. The specialist lending market exists because it is a mainstream need, not an unusual one.
What determines your options is not whether you have credit problems — it's the specific details of those problems. Darryl reviews each case individually and gives you an honest picture of what's available to you right now.
Even small improvements to your credit position can open up significantly more options. Before applying, consider:
Darryl will advise on which of these actions will have the most impact for your specific credit situation.
Yes in many cases. The total picture of your credit problems matters more than the number of individual issues. Specialist lenders consider the type, age, size and resolution of credit problems alongside your income, deposit and current financial conduct. Darryl assesses each case holistically and identifies which lenders will consider your full situation.
Very few credit problems stop you getting a mortgage entirely. The most challenging situations are very recent serious adverse credit — bankruptcy or IVA completed in the last 12-24 months, for example. Even in these cases, some specialist lenders will consider applications with a sufficient deposit and demonstrated financial recovery. Darryl will give you an honest assessment of your specific situation.
Yes — a large deposit significantly improves your options with credit problems. Many specialist lenders have more flexible criteria for borrowers with larger deposits because the lower loan-to-value reduces their risk. A 25-40% deposit can open up lenders and rates that would not be available at higher LTVs.
Most adverse credit markers — missed payments, defaults, CCJs, IVAs — remain on your credit file for six years from the date they were registered. Bankruptcy remains for six years from the date of discharge. The impact of these markers typically diminishes significantly after two to three years, particularly if they are settled and your conduct has been clean since.
20+ years specialist experience. 90+ lenders. No credit search at this stage.
The Mortgage Geezer is a trading style of Access Financial Services Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority — FCA No. 301173. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage.