Can you get a second mortgage with bad credit? Yes. Second charge lending is often more accessible than remortgaging when you have adverse credit, because the lender is secured against equity you already hold. CCJs, defaults, DMPs and even discharged bankruptcy are routinely accepted. What matters most is how much equity you have and whether you can afford both payments.
A second mortgage — also called a second charge — is a separate loan secured against your home, running alongside your existing mortgage. Your first mortgage stays exactly as it is, which is why it appeals to people on a good fixed rate who don't want to remortgage onto today's rates.
Most second charge lenders will go to 75–85% of your property value including your existing mortgage. With more serious adverse credit that typically drops to 65–75%. So if your home is worth £300,000 with a £180,000 mortgage, you might raise £45,000–£75,000 depending on your credit profile and affordability.
Rates are higher than a first charge because the lender ranks behind your main mortgage if the property is ever sold. But it is often cheaper overall than remortgaging your whole balance onto a bad credit rate — particularly if your current mortgage is on a low fixed rate you'd lose.

A second charge mortgage lets you borrow against your property equity without remortgaging. Available even with bad credit but needs careful consideration. Darryl Dhoffer explains all.
Being declined feels personal. It isn't — banks use computers. Darryl uses judgement.
A second charge mortgage also called a secured loan allows you to borrow against the equity in your property while keeping your existing first mortgage in place. For people with bad credit who need to raise money a second charge can sometimes be an alternative to remortgaging particularly if your existing mortgage has early repayment charges or a very low rate you do not want to lose.
Second charge mortgages are secured against your home so your property could be repossessed if you cannot keep up repayments. Specialist advice is essential before proceeding.
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.
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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.