Getting a Mortgage After a Bankruptcy
Worried that you won’t get approved for a mortgage because of a bankruptcy on your file? The expert brokers we work with can find the right mortgage lender for you.
Firstly, is your bankruptcy discharged or still registered?
No impact on your credit score
While bankruptcy is one of the more severe forms of bad credit, with the right guidance and support, you could still get a mortgage with one recorded on your file.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting a mortgage after a bankruptcy, including how to go about it, what criteria you’ll need to meet and how the right bad credit mortgage broker can boost your chances of approval dramatically.
Read on for more information or jump to the topic that’s relevant to you via the menu below…
Can you get a mortgage after bankruptcy?
In short, yes. But, whilst you will still be able to get a mortgage after declaring bankruptcy, it will narrow your options. The majority of mainstream banks will refuse a bankruptcy applicant, but the good news is that there are still specialist lenders which will evaluate your case.
A specialist broker will be able to help here; they will use their contacts to pair you with the best bad credit mortgage lender based on your circumstances.
How long do I need to wait to apply?
You are able to apply for a mortgage as soon as you have been discharged from your bankruptcy. This usually takes 12 months.
It is important to bear in mind however, the more recent the bankruptcy the less likely you will be accepted for a mortgage.
In order to increase your chances, we recommend that you register for the electoral roll, pay all bills on time, do not maximise your credit limits, use a credit-builder card or loan and take out a store card. In other words, do what you can to optimise your credit report and practise good financial conduct at all times.
Get Started with a Broker
Maximise your chance of approval with specialist advice from an expert in Bad Credit Mortgages.
How to get a mortgage after bankruptcy
If you’re looking to apply for a mortgage after bankruptcy there’s a few simple steps you can take to improve your chances of success.
This is how we recommend you do it…
Check your credit reports
The first thing you should do is have a check through your credit records to make sure the bankruptcy now shows as being cleared. You can also regularly review your credit score to see how it’s improving before you apply.
There’s a number of websites that offer this as a fee-free service, such as Clearscore and Experian.
Speak to an experienced mortgage broker
The smartest move you can make, right from the outset, is to speak with a mortgage broker with the right knowledge and experience of dealing with applications of this nature, rather than approaching any lenders directly yourself.
A broker will be able to guide you towards those lenders who can help and also provide assistance with the application process. This is something we can help you with through our free, broker-matching service.
If you get in touch, we can arrange for a broker we work with to contact you directly and discuss further.
Save for a higher deposit
A way to loosen certain lender restrictions is to offer a higher deposit than the bare minimum. If you’re able to do this, lenders will likely view you as less of a risk, and therefore likely take a more relaxed approach on other requirements.
The minimum amount of deposit you will be required to put down will vary depending on the time since your bankruptcy, as well as the lender’s criteria for this.
If your bankruptcy was registered one year ago you will likely be required to have a deposit worth around 40% of the property value. In contrast, if your bankruptcy was registered six years ago, you will have access to 95% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgage products.
Ensure you meet lenders’ criteria
In order to be eligible and meet a mortgage lender’s criteria, you will need to have been discharged from your bankruptcy. It is also likely that you will be required to provide extensive information on your current financial situation to prove you will be able to repay your mortgage.
In addition to this, you’ll need to meet the standard eligibility requirements, which includes having a higher enough credit rating, adequate deposit, a stable income and low enough age.
Lenders’ specific eligibility requirements for mortgages after bankruptcy will vary. The good news is, your mortgage broker will be able to help you prepare your application so you won’t be doing this on your own.
Which lenders have you already tried?
40% of our customers had been declined elsewhere before coming to us. The brokers we work with will be able to assess your circumstances and then identify the right lender for you instead of going direct.
Which lenders offer mortgages after bankruptcy?
At the time of writing (September 2021), there were an estimated 20 lenders who would accept applications from individuals who have been discharged from bankruptcy.
Notable specialist lenders who would accept your application providing you meet their criteria include…
Accord Mortgages
Kent Reliance
Metro Bank
Vida Homeloans.
Several mainstream lenders would also be likely to review your case, however you would need to have been discharged from your bankruptcy for over four years.
As each case varies from applicant-to-applicant, seeking the advice and support of a bad credit mortgage broker is recommended as they will be able to review your circumstances on an individual basis and provide you with personalised advice.
Our Broker-Matching Service Guaranteed!
We want you to have complete confidence in our service, and get the best chance of securing your mortgage. We guarantee to get your mortgage approved where others can’t – or we’ll give you £100*
Speak to an expert about mortgages after a bankruptcy today!
Being offered a mortgage is one of the greatest accomplishments in life especially after declaring bankruptcy; and following the use of our guide you are now one step closer to achieving this.
We’re able to match you with a mortgage broker that specialises in bad credit cases who can
review your individual financial situation and help you in being offered a mortgage product you are happy with. The brokers we work with can offer you bespoke advice, help you with your paperwork and introduce you to a lender who caters specifically for customers with a bankruptcy on their file, and is known to offer them the best rates and deals.
Call us on 0808 189 0463 or make an enquiry to be connected to the right advisor for your situation. We don’t charge a fee, and there’s absolutely no further obligation or marks to your credit rating.
FAQs
Bankruptcy will affect your credit rating for at least six years. The longer ago your bankruptcy was, the more mortgage products will be available to you, as well as lower interest rates.
In order to prove that you have been discharged from your bankruptcy, you will need to contact the Insolvency Service and request a free confirmation letter.
If you ask for a confirmation letter, you must include your full name, date of birth, current and previous address, National Insurance number and court reference number.
In order to apply for a mortgage, you will also need a Certificate of Discharge. If you applied for bankruptcy through a court you will need to ask them for the certificate.
Ask a quick question
We can help! We know everyone's circumstances are different, that's why we work with mortgage brokers who are experts in bad credit mortgages. Ask us a question and we'll get the best expert to help.
Pete Mugleston
Mortgage Expert, MD
About the author
Pete, an expert in all things mortgages, cut his teeth right in the middle of the credit crunch. With plenty of people needing help and few mortgage providers lending, Pete found great success in going the extra mile to find mortgages for people whom many others considered lost causes. The experience he gained, coupled with his love of helping people reach their goals, led him to establish Online Mortgage Advisor, with one clear vision – to help as many customers as possible get the right advice, regardless of need or background.
Pete’s presence in the industry as the ‘go-to’ for specialist finance continues to grow, and he is regularly cited in and writes for both local and national press, as well as trade publications, with a regular column in Mortgage Introducer and being the exclusive mortgage expert for LOVEMoney. Pete also writes for OMA of course!
Continue Reading
A Guide to Bad Credit Mortgages
How to get the Best Rates on a Bad Credit Mortgage
Getting a Mortgage With No Credit History
Getting a Mortgage After a Repossession
Getting a Joint Mortgage With Bad Credit
How to get a Mortgage With Defaults
Late Payments and Mortgage Applications
How to get a Mortgage if You’re Self-Employed with Bad Credit
Getting a Mortgage With Credit Card Debt
Getting a Mortgage With a Debt Management Plan (DMP)
Payday Loans and Mortgage Applications
Getting a Mortgage After a Debt Relief Order (DRO)
Getting a Mortgage After an IVA
How to get a Subprime Mortgage
A Guide to Getting a Mortgage After a Bankruptcy