Can a Mortgage Broker Help If I Have Bad Credit?

Many people ask, Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?

If you’ve got a less-than-perfect credit score, applying for a mortgage might feel intimidating. But here’s the good news: yes, a mortgage broker can help you even if you have bad credit—and in many cases, they might be the key to getting you a deal you didn’t think was possible.

✅ Straight Answer: Yes, They Can Help

Mortgage brokers are experts in navigating complex financial situations, including adverse credit. Whether you’ve had a few missed payments, CCJs, defaults, or even a past bankruptcy, a broker can access specialist lenders who may be willing to say "yes" when high street banks say "no."

🧠 Why Lenders Are Cautious with Bad Credit

From a lender’s perspective, bad credit suggests higher risk. If you've had issues in the past with managing debts, they may worry that you could struggle with mortgage repayments too. That’s why lenders typically tighten their criteria or offer higher interest rates to those with credit issues.

But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

🏦 How a Mortgage Broker Can Help

1. Access to Specialist Lenders

High street banks often have rigid criteria. A mortgage broker, however, can access a wider panel of lenders, including those who specialise in helping people with:

• Low credit scores

• Missed payments or late payments

• County Court Judgements (CCJs)

• Defaults

• Debt Management Plans (DMPs)

• IVAs or even past bankruptcies (depending on how long ago)

These lenders often won’t be available directly to the public—you need a broker to reach them.

2. Understanding Your Unique Situation

No two credit reports are the same. A broker will review your full financial picture, not just the score, and match you with lenders that align with your history and affordability.

3. Improving Your Application

A good mortgage broker will help you:

• Clean up your credit file where possible

• Gather the right documents

• Build a strong application that increases your chances of approval

They know what underwriters are looking for and can present your case in the best possible light.

4. Saving You Time and Stress

Without a broker, you might waste weeks applying to lenders who will simply reject you. A broker does the legwork, minimising rejections (which can further damage your score), and steering you toward the most suitable options right away.

🏠 Can You Still Get a Good Deal?

Yes—but it depends on how recent and severe the credit issues are. You may not get a headline rate, but many specialist lenders offer competitive deals for applicants who are just a little outside the "perfect" profile. And in some cases, you can even remortgage to a better rate once your credit improves.

⏳ Timing Is Everything

If you’ve had credit issues in the past, lenders will look at how long ago the problems occurred. For example:

• A missed payment two years ago is seen very differently from one last month

• Defaults or CCJs over 3–6 years old may be ignored by some lenders

• Being discharged from bankruptcy for over 6 years often puts you back in the running

A broker will help you understand the timing and how it affects your chances.

💡 Tip: Don’t Guess—Ask

Trying to go it alone with bad credit can be confusing and frustrating. Speaking to a broker early means you can get realistic advice, know where you stand, and plan a clear route forward.

📞 How Drummonds Finance Group Can Help

At Drummonds Finance Group, we specialise in helping clients across the credit spectrum secure the mortgages they need. We’ve helped people with CCJs, defaults, and even discharged bankruptcies get onto the property ladder or refinance their homes.

We’ll assess your credit report, recommend the most suitable lenders, and guide you through every step—confidentially, professionally, and without judgement.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.