Adverse credit timeline tool
When Can You Get a Mortgage After Bad Credit?
Enter your credit issues below to see roughly when each one becomes less severe, when more lenders' published criteria open up, and when items should drop off your credit file.
Information only -- not mortgage advice. Lender counts are approximate and based on published criteria. Individual decisions depend on the full application. Always speak to a qualified, FCA-authorised mortgage adviser before applying.
Example: a £800 default, registered March 2024, settled June 2024
Here is how that single default plays out over time. Lender counts are floors, taken from the 75 lenders whose published criteria we track, though some of those lenders cap the amount of recent defaults.
June 2024
Default satisfied -- ~14 tracked lenders may consider it
September 2024
Default reaches 6 months -- ~24 tracked lenders may consider it
March 2025
Default reaches 12 months -- ~31 tracked lenders may consider it
March 2026
Default reaches 2 years -- ~34 tracked lenders may consider it
March 2027
Default reaches 3 years -- ~49 tracked lenders may consider it
March 2030
Default drops off credit file -- ~75 tracked lenders may consider it
Yours will differ -- generate your own below.
Your Credit Issues
Credit Issue 1
Amount isn't used in these counts; some lenders cap the size of recent defaults or CCJs, mostly for ones registered in the last 2-3 years.
How Long Do Credit Issues Stay on Your File?
In the UK, most adverse credit entries remain on your credit file for 6 years. Here is a breakdown by issue type.
| Credit Issue | Stays on File For | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| CCJ (County Court Judgment) | 6 years from the date of judgment | 6m, 12m, 24m, 36m, 6 years |
| Default | 6 years from date of default | 6m, 12m, 24m, 36m, 6 years |
| Missed mortgage payment | 6 years | 6m, 12m, 24m and 36m clear, 6 years |
| Missed unsecured payment | 6 years | 6m, 12m, 24m and 36m clear, 6 years |
| IVA | 6 years from approval date (longer if the IVA runs past 6 years) | Completion, 3 years after completion, drops off file 6 years after approval, 6 years after completion |
| Bankruptcy | 6 years from the date of the bankruptcy order | Discharge (usually 12 months after the order), 3 years after discharge, drops off file 6 years after the order (about 5 years after discharge), 6 years after discharge |
| DMP (Debt Management Plan) | No DMP entry of its own. Each debt in the plan stays 6 years from its default date, or, if it never defaulted, 6 years from when it's paid off. | Completion, 3 years after completion, 6 years after completion |
Milestones follow lender criteria verified October 2026. Last reviewed October 2026. Always confirm directly before applying.
When Do Lenders Become More Flexible?
UK mortgage lenders broadly fall into tiers based on how recently and severely adverse credit occurred.
Of the 75 residential lenders whose published criteria we track (verified October 2026), at least 14 will consider a satisfied default from day one, 34 once it is 2 years old, and 49 at 3 years — though many cap the amount or number of events, often at £500 or less for a recent one.
Of the 75 residential lenders whose published criteria we track (verified October 2026), at least 17 will consider a satisfied CCJ from day one, 37 once it is 2 years old, and 51 at 3 years — though many cap the amount or number of events, often at £500 or less for a recent one.
At least 58 of 75 lenders accept a completed IVA in principle, 52 a discharged bankruptcy and 50 a completed DMP. Most still want time to pass. Only a few consider a bankruptcy discharged less than 3 years ago: at least 2 straight after discharge (the Mansfield and Buckinghamshire credit-repair ranges) and 3 from 2 years (adding Bath's Credit Repair range, up to 70% LTV), rising to 24 at 3 years. For an IVA it is 3 soon after completion and 35 at 3 years.
Source: our lender criteria dataset (75 lenders with adverse criteria on file, verified October 2026).
Specialist Lenders
Accept recent adverse credit, such as a new CCJ or a recent bankruptcy. Higher rates to reflect the risk. At least 3 lenders consider a new unsatisfied CCJ, 3 an IVA that is still running, and 2 a bankruptcy discharged in the last year.
Near-Prime Lenders
Accept adverse credit that is 1-3 years old and typically satisfied. Competitive rates, more lenders to choose from. At least 31 lenders consider a satisfied CCJ or default at 1 year, rising to 37 at 2 years (16 to 19 if it is unsatisfied).
Mainstream Lenders
Require adverse credit to be 3-6 years old or fully cleared. Best rates and widest product range. At least 51 lenders consider a satisfied CCJ at 3 years, and most of the 75 once a CCJ or default has dropped off your file. A bankruptcy or IVA usually needs 6 years since discharge or completion.
What You Can Do Now
While you wait for credit issues to age, there are practical steps you can take to improve your position.
Satisfy outstanding CCJs and defaults
A satisfied CCJ or default is viewed far more favourably than an unsatisfied one. Many lenders will not consider unsatisfied adverse credit at all.
Keep all current payments up to date
Even one recent missed payment can reset the clock on your mortgage eligibility. Maintain a clean record going forward.
Check your credit file for errors
Incorrect information can be disputed and removed. Check Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion for any entries that should not be there.
Register on the electoral roll
Being on the electoral roll at your current address helps lenders verify your identity and improves your credit score.
Build a larger deposit
A lower loan-to-value ratio gives you access to more lenders and better rates, especially with adverse credit history.
Avoid new credit applications
Multiple credit searches in a short period can lower your score. Only apply for credit you genuinely need.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a CCJ drop off my credit file?
In England and Wales a CCJ stays on the Register of Judgments, and your credit file, for 6 years from the judgment date, whether or not it is satisfied, unless you pay it in full within one month of the judgment, in which case you can have it removed from the register. Paying later gets it marked 'satisfied', which lenders view more favourably. Lenders become increasingly flexible well before the 6-year mark, particularly after 12, 24 and 36 months.
Does satisfying a CCJ or default help?
Yes. A satisfied CCJ or default is viewed much more favourably than an unsatisfied one. Many lenders that would decline an unsatisfied CCJ will consider a satisfied one. Satisfying your debts also shows lenders you have addressed the issue.
How many lenders accept adverse credit?
It depends on the type, age, and severity of your credit issues. With a recently registered, unsatisfied CCJ, at least 3 of the 75 lenders whose criteria we track will consider you, mostly specialists. A satisfied CCJ over 2 years old opens up at least 37. After 6 years it drops off your credit file, though some lenders ask about credit issues at any time, so always answer their questions truthfully.
Can I speed up my credit recovery?
Apart from a CCJ paid in full within one month of the judgment, which can be removed from the register, you cannot remove accurate information from your credit file early. However, you can improve your position by satisfying outstanding CCJs and defaults, keeping all current payments up to date, registering on the electoral roll, and reducing your overall debt. Each of these actions makes your application stronger.
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