Bad Credit Mortgages in Northern Ireland
Been declined for a mortgage due to credit issues? Don't give up. We work with specialist lenders who help people with CCJs, defaults, and other credit problems get on the property ladder.
Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Don't Let Your Past Define Your Future
We have access to specialist lenders who consider applicants with various credit issues. Every situation is different, and we assess each case individually.
CCJs
County Court Judgments - both satisfied and unsatisfied considered, depending on age and amount.
Defaults
Missed payments registered as defaults on credit cards, loans, or other credit accounts.
Missed Payments
Late payments on mortgages, credit cards, loans, or household bills.
Debt Management Plans
Current or historic DMPs don't automatically exclude you from getting a mortgage.
IVAs
Individual Voluntary Arrangements - options available after completion.
Bankruptcy
Discharged bankruptcy considered, typically after 1-6 years depending on lender.
How Specialist Lenders Assess Applications
Specialist lenders assess applications differently from mainstream banks
Time Since Issue
The longer ago, the better your options
Size & Nature
Small default vs bankruptcy treated differently
Current Stability
Are you now managing money well?
Your Deposit
More deposit = more options
Your Explanation
Context matters - illness, redundancy, divorce
Deposit Requirements
Bad credit mortgages typically require a larger deposit than mainstream mortgages. The severity of your credit issues affects the minimum deposit needed.
Minor Credit Issues
10-15%Old minor defaults, few missed payments, satisfied CCJs over 2 years old
Moderate Issues
15-25%Multiple defaults, recent CCJs, completed DMPs or IVAs
Severe Issues
25%+Recent bankruptcy, repossession, multiple large CCJs, ongoing IVA
Interest Rates
Rates for bad credit mortgages are higher than mainstream rates, reflecting the increased risk to the lender. However:
- Rates vary significantly between lenders - we find you the best deal
- Your specific circumstances affect the rate offered
- Many people remortgage to better rates after 2 years of clean credit
Rebuilding your credit: A bad credit mortgage can be a stepping stone. By making all payments on time for 2 years, you'll build a track record that opens up better options when you come to remortgage.
How We Can Help
Our specialist knowledge helps maximise your chances of approval
Assess
We review your credit file and circumstances in detail
Find
We know which lenders suit different situations
Present
We package your application for the best chance
Explain
We help lenders understand the context
Protect
We prevent unnecessary credit searches
Confidential Advice
We understand that credit problems can be stressful and embarrassing to discuss. Every conversation with us is completely confidential, and we're here to help without judgement.
Steps to Improve Your Chances
While we can help with various credit situations, here are some steps you can take to improve your chances of approval:
Check Your Credit File
Get copies from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to see what lenders see
Correct Any Errors
Dispute incorrect information - mistakes do happen
Register on Electoral Roll
This helps verify your identity and address
Make All Payments On Time
Show you're now managing money responsibly
Reduce Existing Debt
Lower utilisation improves your credit score
Save Maximum Deposit
More deposit means more lender options available
Avoid Multiple Applications
Each search can lower your score - let us apply to the right lender first

Jordan Willis
Mortgage & Protection Advisor
With extensive experience in the Northern Ireland mortgage market, Jordan specialises in helping first-time buyers and those with complex circumstances find the right mortgage solution.
Qualifications
Specialisms
- First-Time Buyers
- Remortgages
- Protection
What We Need to Know
- Type of credit issues
- When they occurred
- Amounts involved
- Your current income
- Deposit available
CGR Financial Ltd is an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network. First Complete Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Related Services
We've Helped Others Like You
See how we've helped people with credit challenges find mortgages
"Working with CGR Financial has been such a positive experience. Jordan and Nadine were incredibly supportive throughout the entire mortgage process, guiding us with clear advice and making sure I understood every step along the way."
"Jordan and Nadine were super efficient in sorting my mortgage. Took care of every little detail making the process simple for me."
"From day one, Jordan explained everything in clear detail and made the whole mortgage process so much easier to understand. He guided me step by step, always available to answer any questions I had."
Bad Credit Mortgage FAQs
Don't Let Credit Issues Stop You
Every situation is different. Contact us for a confidential discussion about your mortgage options.