Adverse credit timeline tool
When Can You Get a Mortgage After Bad Credit?
Enter your credit issues below and see exactly when each one becomes less severe, when more lenders become available, and when items drop off your credit file entirely.
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 approximate, based on our published-criteria dataset.
June 2024
Default satisfied -- ~5 lenders available
March 2025
Default reaches 12 months -- ~15 lenders available
March 2026
Default reaches 2 years -- ~25 lenders available
March 2027
Default reaches 3 years -- ~35 lenders available
March 2030
Default drops off credit file -- ~60 lenders available
Yours will differ -- generate your own below.
Your Credit Issues
Credit Issue 1
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 Judgement) | 6 years from date of judgement | 12m, 24m, 36m, 6 years |
| Default | 6 years from date of default | 12m, 24m, 36m, 6 years |
| Missed mortgage payment | 6 years | 12m clear, 24m clear, 36m clear |
| Missed unsecured payment | 6 years | 12m clear, 24m clear |
| IVA | 6 years from approval date | 3 years, 6 years |
| Bankruptcy | 6 years from discharge date | Discharge, 3 years, 6 years |
| DMP (Debt Management Plan) | 6 years from start date | Completion, 12m post-completion, 6 years |
Criteria sourced from published lender documentation. Last reviewed July 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 57 residential lenders whose published criteria we track (verified June 2026), at least 8 will consider a satisfied default from day one, 17 once it is 2 years old, and 33 at 3 years — though many apply limits on the amount or number of events.
Of the 57 residential lenders whose published criteria we track (verified June 2026), at least 11 will consider a satisfied CCJ from day one, 22 once it is 2 years old, and 34 at 3 years — though many apply limits on the amount or number of events.
For issues without a reliable age curve in the dataset, at least 23 of 57 lenders accept a satisfied IVA in principle and 29 accept a discharged bankruptcy in principle, and 27 accept a completed DMP in principle -- each still gates on how many years have passed since completion or discharge, which the individual lender's criteria set out in prose rather than a fixed age band.
Source: our lender criteria dataset (57 lenders with adverse criteria on file, verified June 2026).
Specialist Lenders
Accept recent adverse credit, including active IVAs and recent bankruptcy. Higher rates to reflect the risk. Typically 3-8 lenders available depending on severity.
Near-Prime Lenders
Accept adverse credit that is 1-3 years old and typically satisfied. Competitive rates, larger panel. Around 15-35 lenders depending on the issue.
Mainstream Lenders
Require adverse credit to be 3-6 years old or fully cleared. Best rates and widest product range. 40-60+ lenders once credit file is clean.
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?
CCJs are removed from your credit file 6 years after the date they were registered, regardless of whether they have been satisfied. However, 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, you may have 2-5 specialist options. A satisfied CCJ over 2 years old opens up approximately 25 lenders. After 6 years when it drops off, all 60+ lenders are available.
Can I speed up my credit recovery?
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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