What Credit Score Do You Need to Get a Mortgage in the UK?

What Credit Score Do You Actually Need for a UK Mortgage?

If you’re worried your credit score might stop you from getting a mortgage, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions people ask — and the honest answer is: it’s complicated. There’s no single magic number that guarantees approval. But understanding how lenders think can make a real difference to your chances.

Is There a Minimum Credit Score for a Mortgage in the UK?

Not officially, no. Unlike some countries, the UK doesn’t have a universal minimum credit score for mortgages. Each lender sets its own criteria, and they all use different scoring systems.

Here’s where it gets confusing: your credit score looks different depending on which agency calculates it:

• Experian scores range from 0–999 (721+ is considered “good”)
• Equifax scores range from 0–1,000 (531+ is considered “good”)
• TransUnion scores range from 0–710 (566+ is considered “good”)

Important: Lenders don’t actually see the same score you do when you check your credit report. They run their own internal checks using raw data from these agencies. Your score is a guide — not a definitive verdict.

What Do Mortgage Lenders Actually Look At?

Your credit score is just one piece of the puzzle. When assessing your application, lenders will typically consider:

1. Your credit history — missed payments, defaults, CCJs (County Court Judgements), or bankruptcies
2. Your income and employment status — whether you’re employed, self-employed, or on benefits
3. Your deposit size — a larger deposit reduces the lender’s risk significantly
4. Your debt-to-income ratio — how much you owe compared to what you earn
5. Your affordability — whether you can comfortably afford the monthly repayments after household bills, council tax, and living costs
6. Electoral roll registration — being registered to vote at your address boosts your credibility with lenders

Can I Get a Mortgage With Bad Credit?

Yes — but it will be harder, and you’ll likely pay more. Bad credit covers a wide range of situations, from a single missed payment to a full bankruptcy. The more serious the issue, and the more recently it happened, the greater the impact.

Here’s a rough guide to how different credit issues affect your chances:

Don’t give up if your credit isn’t perfect. Specialist mortgage lenders — sometimes called adverse credit or bad credit mortgage lenders — exist specifically to help people in these situations. They’re regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) just like high street banks.

How Much Deposit Will I Need?

The lower your credit score, the more deposit you’ll typically need. Here’s a general picture:

• Good credit: You may access deals with as little as 5% deposit (e.g. via the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme)
• Fair credit: Lenders often prefer 10–15%
• Poor credit or recent adverse history: You may need 25% or more to access competitive rates

A larger deposit doesn’t just improve your chances — it also unlocks better interest rates, which can save you thousands over the life of your mortgage.

Will Applying for a Mortgage Hurt My Credit Score?

A full mortgage application involves a hard credit search, which does leave a mark on your file. Multiple hard searches in a short period can lower your score temporarily.

Tip: Use a mortgage broker who can do a soft search first to assess your eligibility without affecting your score. Many brokers offer this as a free initial service.

What Can I Do to Improve My Chances?

Even small improvements to your credit profile can open more doors. Here’s what to focus on:

• Register on the electoral roll — it’s free and makes an immediate difference
• Pay all bills on time — even one missed payment can linger on your file for six years
• Reduce existing debt — particularly credit card balances; aim to use less than 30% of your credit limit
• Avoid applying for new credit in the months before your mortgage application
• Check your credit report for errors — mistakes are more common than you’d think; you can dispute them for free with Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion
• Close unused credit accounts — too many open accounts can look risky to lenders

Are There Government Schemes That Can Help?

If you’re struggling to get a mortgage due to a smaller deposit or lower income, the following UK schemes may be worth exploring:

• Shared Ownership — you buy a share of a property (typically 25–75%) and pay rent on the rest, which reduces the mortgage you need
• First Homes Scheme — offers first-time buyers a discount of at least 30% on new-build homes in England
• Mortgage Guarantee Scheme — allows lenders to offer 95% LTV mortgages with government backing

MoneyHelper (moneyhelper.org.uk) is a free, impartial service backed by the government that can help you understand your options and point you toward FCA-regulated advisers.

Should I Use a Mortgage Broker?

If your credit history is anything less than spotless, using a whole-of-market mortgage broker is strongly recommended. A good broker will:

• Know which lenders are most likely to accept your profile
• Help you avoid unnecessary credit searches
• Negotiate on your behalf
• Explain all costs clearly — including arrangement fees, solicitor costs, and stamp duty

Many brokers don’t charge you directly; they earn a commission from the lender. Always ask upfront how they’re paid.

The Bottom Line

There’s no single credit score that guarantees — or rules out — a mortgage. Lenders look at the whole picture. If your score isn’t where you’d like it to be, take practical steps to improve it, seek specialist advice, and don’t assume the door is closed. Many people in financial difficulty do successfully get mortgages — it just takes the right approach.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute regulated financial advice. Always speak to an FCA-authorised mortgage adviser before making any financial decisions.