If you’ve been declined for a mortgage by a high street bank in Leeds, Sheffield, or anywhere else in "God's Own Country," you might feel like your options have run out.
The reality is that having a less-than-perfect credit score doesn’t automatically bar you from owning a home. Whether you are looking to buy a terrace in Bradford, a new build in Hull, or a cottage in the Dales, there are specialist lenders willing to look at the bigger picture.
However, navigating this market requires specific knowledge. Here is everything you need to know about getting a bad credit mortgage in Yorkshire and how our local advisers can help you find the right deal.
Can I Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit in Yorkshire?
Yes, it is absolutely possible.
While high street lenders (even the ones named after our county) often have strict "computer says no" criteria, the mortgage market is much wider than what you see on the high street.
Yorkshire has a thriving property market, and many lenders understand that financial hiccups happen. You may be able to secure a mortgage if:
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You have a low credit score.
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You have missed payments or defaults.
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You have County Court Judgments (CCJs).
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You have been discharged from bankruptcy.
The key is finding a lender who assesses your application manually, rather than relying on an automated credit score.
Why Local Knowledge Matters
When you have a complex credit history, the last thing you want is a generic adviser who treats you like a number. Yorkshire is a diverse region with a unique property landscape - from non-standard construction stone houses in Huddersfield to city-centre flats in Leeds.
Our advisers are based locally. They understand:
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The Local Economy: Whether you are self-employed in the trades in Doncaster or contracting in York, local advisers understand the regional employment landscape better than a call centre in London.
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Property Types: Some "bad credit" lenders also have restrictions on property types. A local adviser knows which lenders will accept both your credit history and that stone-built terrace you’ve got your eye on.
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Realistic Valuations: They know what represents good value in the local market, helping you avoid overpaying.
Common Credit Issues We Can Help With
We help clients across Yorkshire who have faced a variety of financial challenges.
1. Missed Payments and Defaults
Life happens. Maybe you missed a utility bill when moving house, or a mobile phone contract dispute left a mark on your file. Many specialist lenders will overlook small, historical defaults, especially if they occurred over a year ago.
2. CCJs (County Court Judgments)
Having a CCJ does not mean you cannot buy a house. Lenders will look at:
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When it was registered: The older, the better.
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The amount: Smaller amounts are easier to place.
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Satisfaction: If you have paid it off, you have more options (though some lenders accept unsatisfied CCJs).
3. Debt Management Plans (DMPs)
If you are currently in a DMP or have recently finished one, high street banks will usually decline you. However, we have access to lenders who specialise in clients with DMPs, provided you can demonstrate that you have maintained your payments recently.
How a Broker Can Help You
Applying directly to lenders when you have bad credit can be risky. Every time you are rejected, a "hard search" is left on your credit file, which damages your score further.
This is where we come in.
We Check Eligibility Without Damaging Your Score
Our advisers use "soft searches" or pre-application checks to find out if a lender will accept you before a formal application is made. This protects your credit file.
We Have Access to "Broker-Only" Lenders
Many of the lenders who accept bad credit applicants do not deal directly with the public. They only accept applications through authorised intermediaries (brokers). We have access to the whole of the market, ensuring you don't miss out on a deal simply because it wasn't advertised on a comparison site.
We Are Local
We believe in face-to-face service or a friendly chat with someone who knows the area. We have advisers stationed across the region, ready to help you whether you are in North, South, West, or East Yorkshire.
Get Expert Advice Today
Don't let a computer algorithm decide your future. If you want to buy a home in Yorkshire but are worried about your credit history, we can help.
Contact us today to speak with a local mortgage adviser who specialises in bad credit applications.