Last Updated: 5th December 2025
A low credit score can make getting a mortgage feel difficult, but it does not mean homeownership is out of reach.
Many people in Northern Ireland have missed payments, defaults, or other issues in their past – and lenders know this. With the right advice and access to specialist lenders, low credit score mortgages can still be achievable.
At AIMS NI, we provide independent, whole-of-market mortgage advice for clients with low or poor credit scores.
Whether your credit issues are historic or more recent, we take the time to understand your situation and help you explore realistic options for securing a mortgage with a low credit score.
Low credit score mortgages are mortgage products designed for applicants whose credit file shows issues that may make high-street lenders cautious.
These issues could include late or missed payments, defaults, CCJs, or high levels of existing borrowing.
Lenders use your credit history to assess how risky it may be to lend to you. Some rely heavily on credit scores from agencies, while others use their own internal scoring systems. While a low score can limit your options with mainstream lenders, specialist lenders may still be prepared to offer a mortgage, especially if:
AIMS NI works with a wide range of lenders, including those who look beyond the credit score to understand your full story.
Yes, it is possible to get a mortgage with a low credit score, but your options will depend on several key factors:
Deposit size – A higher deposit can significantly improve your chances.
Recent credit behaviour – Lenders focus on what has happened in the last 12–24 months.
Type and severity of credit issues – Occasional late payments are viewed differently to CCJs, defaults or insolvency.
Income and affordability – Stable, provable income can help offset some concerns.
Overall financial profile – Lenders assess your debts, commitments and outgoings.
High street lenders often have strict rules and may decline applicants with low credit scores or recent adverse credit.
Specialist lenders, however, are more flexible and build products specifically for people in this position.
AIMS NI can help you understand which category you fall into and match you with lenders who are open to low credit score mortgages.
The type of mortgage you can access with a low credit score will depend on your circumstances, but options can include:
Low Credit Score Mortgages from Specialist Lenders – These lenders are set up to work with applicants who have missed payments, defaults, CCJs, IVAs or previous insolvency. Criteria are more flexible, though rates and deposit requirements may be higher than standard products.
Mortgages for Low Credit but High Deposit Applicants –If your credit score is low but you can provide a strong deposit, some lenders may be more comfortable offering a mortgage. A higher deposit reduces the lender’s risk.
Fixed and Variable Mortgages for Poor Credit – You may still have access to fixed-rate and variable-rate deals, though choice can be more limited. AIMS NI will explain the pros and cons of each option.
Low Credit Score Mortgages with Historic Adverse Credit – If your adverse credit issues are older and you have maintained good conduct since, more lenders may be willing to consider you, and rates may be more competitive.
Understanding what has affected your credit score can help you improve it over time.
Common causes of a low credit score include:
AIMS NI cannot change your credit file, but we can help you understand how lenders interpret it and how to position your mortgage application in the best possible light.
If you are considering low credit score mortgages, there are practical steps you can take to strengthen your application:
Reduce existing debt – Paying down credit cards, loans or overdrafts can improve affordability and reduce risk.
Build a consistent payment history – Regular, on-time payments over 12–24 months can make a big difference.
Check your credit files – Review your reports with major agencies and correct any errors or outdated information.
Avoid new missed payments – Maintain good conduct on all accounts from now on.
Save a higher deposit – The more you can put down, the more comfortable lenders may feel.
Limit new credit applications – Numerous applications in a short period can lower your score further.
Keep bank accounts well-managed – Avoid unarranged overdrafts and returned payments.
Work with a specialist broker – AIMS NI knows which lenders are most open to applicants with a low credit score.
These steps will not transform your score overnight, but they can significantly improve the likelihood of approval over time.
Applicants looking for low credit score mortgages will often be asked for a larger deposit than those with a clean credit record. Lenders use deposits to manage risk – the more you contribute, the less they have to lend and the more protection they have if things go wrong.
Deposit expectations can vary based on:
AIMS NI will give you realistic guidance on the level of deposit different lenders may require in your situation and how that might change your interest rates and available products.
Even with low credit score mortgages, lenders will still carry out detailed income and affordability checks. They need to see that you can manage the monthly mortgage payments alongside your existing commitments.
Lenders will typically look at:
If you are self-employed or have complex income, this can add an extra layer of complexity, but AIMS NI has extensive experience in presenting such cases to lenders in a clear, well-organised way.
AIMS NI is well placed to help clients looking for low credit score mortgages because we:
We understand how stressful it can feel to apply for a mortgage with a low credit score, and we are here to guide and support you through the process.
Our process is designed to make applying for low credit score mortgages as straightforward as possible:
Free Initial Consultation – We discuss your credit history, current finances and property goals.
Full Credit File Review – We look at your credit reports to understand what has affected your score.
Affordability and Deposit Assessment – We consider how much you may be able to borrow and what deposit you can provide.
Whole-of-Market Lender Search – We identify lenders who are open to applicants with low credit scores and adverse credit.
Application Preparation and Submission – We help gather documentation, complete forms and present your case clearly to the lender.
Support Through to Completion – We liaise with lenders, solicitors and other parties as needed, keeping you updated until your mortgage completes.
A low credit score does not have to put an end to your plans to buy a home. With the right lender and the right advice, low credit score mortgages can provide a viable route onto or back onto the property ladder.
At AIMS NI, we use our whole-of-market access and extensive experience with adverse credit to give you clear, honest guidance and practical mortgage options.
Contact AIMS NI today for a free, no-obligation consultation and take the first step towards securing a mortgage with a low credit score.
Yes, it is possible. While high-street lenders may be less flexible, specialist lenders often consider applicants with low credit scores, especially where there is a good deposit and proven affordability.
You are likely to need a higher deposit than someone with a clean credit profile. AIMS NI will help you understand what deposit level may be required for your circumstances.
Initially, rates may be higher due to the increased risk to the lender. Over time, as your credit improves, you may be able to remortgage onto more competitive deals.
There is no instant fix, but consistent, on-time payments and sensible credit use over 12–24 months can lead to noticeable improvements.
Yes, particularly if those issues are several years old and your recent financial behaviour has been strong. Lenders often give more weight to the most recent 12–24 months.
Yes. Lenders will look carefully at your income records, accounts and credit history. AIMS NI has experience in placing self-employed applicants with low credit scores.
Disclaimer
A MORTGAGE IS A LOAN SECURED AGAINST YOUR PROPERTY. YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
Simply fill out the quote form below and let our advanced matching system do the work for you.
Simply fill out the quote form below and let our advanced matching system do the work for you.
