Have you had credit problems in the past—late payments, defaults, CCJs, bankruptcy or other “blips” on your credit file, and now feel that owning a home is out of reach? You’re not alone. At ScottishMortgages.com, we believe having adverse credit doesn’t mean having no chance. We help people in Scotland with less-than-perfect credit to secure mortgages, step by step, with honest advice, realistic options, and dedicated support.
What Does “Adverse Credit” Mean?
Adverse credit can include things such as:
- Missed or late payments on credit cards, loans or utility bills
- Defaults
- County Court Judgments (CCJs)
- Debt management plans (DMPs), Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs)
- Bankruptcy or financial difficulties in the past
How serious the impact is depends on how much was owed, when the problem happened, whether it’s resolved, and how you’ve managed your credit since.
Can I Still Get a Mortgage with Poor Credit?
Yes — though the route can be more complex. Some lenders specialise in working with people who have adverse credit. Others have more flexible criteria. A few things you’ll typically find:
- You may need a higher deposit than someone with perfect credit
- The interest rates may be less favourable (because the lender is taking more risk)
- The application process may require more documentation: proof of income, bank statements, explanation of past credit issues
- Some lenders may want to see a period of stable behaviour after adverse events (e.g. no missed payments for a year)
Scottish brokers and mortgage specialists are experienced in helping clients with adverse credit. They know which lenders are more forgiving, what steps help strengthen your case, and how to present your application in the best possible way.
How We Can Help at ScottishMortgages.com
At ScottishMortgages.com, our goal is to make what looks like a complicated or discouraging path much easier to navigate. Here’s how we support clients with adverse credit:
1. Free Initial Assessment
- We review your credit history with you: what the issues are, when they occurred, how serious they are, whether they’ve been resolved.
- We assess your current financial position (income, outgoings, deposit capacity).
2. Tailored Lender Matching
- Using our knowledge of the Scottish mortgage market, we identify lenders who may accept your specific credit profile.
- This can include specialist lenders who work with “bad credit” or “adverse credit” cases.
3. Preparing a Strong Application
- We help gather the documentation you’ll need (bank statements, proof of income, letters of explanation, etc.).
- We guide you on improving parts of your credit situation before applying (if possible), so that you can get the best possible rates.
4. Managing Expectations & Strategy
- Explaining what to expect in terms of deposit required, interest rates, monthly payments.
- Planning ahead: once you have a mortgage, building your credit further so you can remortgage later to better terms.
5. Full Support Through the Process
- We stay with you from start (application) to finish (completion).
- Advice on refinancing/remortgaging in the future once your credit has improved.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Here are things you can do that often help:
- Be fully open about past credit issues — hiding them can harm more than the issue itself
- Make sure all payments (rent, bills, etc.) are on time for as long as possible
- Registered on the Electoral Roll — it may seem small, but lenders like to see this
- Reduce existing debts if you can; avoid new credit searches that harm your file
- Build up a savings buffer for your deposit — even a relatively small amount helps show financial stability
Why Choose ScottishMortgages.com
- We’re specialists in Scottish property and mortgage law, so we know how local lenders operate.
- Whole‑of‑market access: we don’t just send you to one bank; we look across lenders, including those who deal with adverse credit.
- Personable service: your case is treated uniquely; we take time to understand your past, not judge it.
- Transparent: we’ll explain what costs to expect, what obstacles may arise, and realistic timelines.
FAQs
How big a deposit do I need with adverse credit?
It depends on the severity of the credit issue, how recent it was, and how stable your financial situation is now. In many cases our clients need more than the minimum deposit, especially if the credit issue is recent.
Are the interest rates always much higher?
They tend to be higher because lenders factor in risk. But with good preparation and choosing the right lender, the gap can be less than you might fear.
Will having adverse credit stop me from ever owning a home?
No — for many people it’s a temporary setback. Given time, consistent financial behavior, and the right advice, you can not only get a mortgage but move to better terms or remortgage later.
Ready to Find Out What’s Possible for You?
If you’ve had credit difficulties before, don’t give up on the dream of owning a home. Reach out to ScottishMortgages.com today for a free, no‑obligation chat. Tell us your story, and we’ll show you exactly what options are open, what lenders we can approach, and how we’ll work to get the best deal you can given your past. Fill in our contact form or call us and let’s take the first step together.