Last Updated: 4th December 2025
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) can make getting a mortgage more complicated, but it does not mean homeownership is out of reach. With the right guidance and access to specialist lenders, IVA mortgages are possible – whether your IVA is completed or still showing on your credit file.
At AIMS NI, we provide independent, whole-of-market mortgage advice for clients across Northern Ireland who have experienced financial difficulties, including IVAs. Our experienced advisors take the time to understand your circumstances and help you explore realistic, achievable options for getting a mortgage after an IVA.
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a formal agreement between you and your creditors to pay back debts over a set period, usually five or six years. It is a legally binding solution, normally used when someone is struggling to repay what they owe.
An IVA is recorded on your credit file and on the public Insolvency Register. It typically stays on your credit report for six years from the date it is approved. During this time, and sometimes even after, lenders may view you as a higher-risk applicant.
This does not mean you cannot get a mortgage, but it does mean:
AIMS NI helps you understand how your IVA affects your options and which lenders are most likely to consider your application.
Your mortgage options will vary depending on where you are in the IVA journey and how your finances look now.
Getting a mortgage while you are still in an IVA is challenging. You will generally need:
In most cases, it is more realistic to wait until after your IVA is completed, but AIMS NI can advise you based on your individual situation.
Once your IVA has been successfully completed, your options gradually improve over time. Lenders will look at:
The further you are from the IVA end date – and the stronger your current financial position – the more likely it is that lenders will consider your application.
High street banks often have strict rules around IVAs and may decline applications where there has been recent insolvency. Specialist lenders, however, are more flexible and specifically design products for people with adverse credit, including IVAs.
AIMS NI has access to both types of lender and will match you to those most suited to your circumstances.
You may still be able to access:
Our role is to explain the differences and help you choose a product that is affordable and sustainable in the long term.
Yes, it is possible to get a mortgage with an IVA, but your options depend on several key factors:
If your IVA is still active, your options will be limited and you will usually require permission from your IVA supervisor before taking on new credit. Once your IVA is completed and some time has passed, more mortgage products may become available, particularly through specialist lenders.
There is no single rule that applies to every lender, but in general:
The closer you are to the IVA completion date and the more recent the adverse credit, the higher the deposit and interest rate you are likely to face. Over time, as your circumstances improve, you may be able to remortgage onto more favourable terms.
If you are looking at IVA mortgages, there are several steps you can take to improve your chances of approval:
These steps will help strengthen your application and widen the range of lenders who may consider you.
Borrowers with an IVA or recent insolvency history will usually need a larger deposit than those with a clean credit file. While exact requirements vary by lender and by case, general trends include:
AIMS NI will discuss realistic deposit expectations with you and help you understand how different deposit levels affect the deals available.
AIMS NI is well placed to help clients looking for IVA mortgages because we:
We understand how important it is to rebuild after financial difficulties and will work hard to find a solution that is right for you.
Our process is designed to be clear and supportive:
Free, No-Obligation Consultation – We discuss your IVA, credit history, income and property goals.
Full Credit and Affordability Review – We look at your credit reports, income and outgoings to understand the full picture.
Assessment of Your IVA Details – We consider when the IVA was approved, its status (active or completed), and how it has been managed.
Matching with Suitable Lenders – Using our whole-of-market access, we identify lenders who are open to IVA cases and align with your situation.
Application Preparation and Submission – We help prepare your documentation and submit your application, managing communication with the lender.
Support Through to Completion – We keep you updated and support you throughout the process until your mortgage completes.
An IVA does not have to be the end of your homeownership ambitions. With specialist support and the right lender, IVA mortgages are achievable.
At AIMS NI, we use our whole-of-market access and extensive experience to help clients across Northern Ireland explore their options and move forward after an IVA.
Contact AIMS NI today for a free, no-obligation consultation and take the first step towards securing a mortgage after an IVA.
It is possible but difficult. You will usually need approval from your IVA supervisor, and only a limited number of specialist lenders may be willing to consider your application. In most cases, it is more realistic to wait until your IVA is completed.
You may be able to get a mortgage immediately after completion with a specialist lender, but your options and rates will improve the longer it has been since the IVA ended, especially if your credit behaviour has been positive.
Yes, borrowers with IVAs or recent adverse credit normally need a larger deposit than standard applicants. The exact amount varies, but a higher deposit helps to improve your chances of approval.
It is likely that initial rates will be higher to reflect the increased risk to the lender. Over time, as your credit improves and your IVA becomes more historic, you may be able to remortgage onto more competitive deals.
If your IVA is still active, you will typically need consent from your IVA supervisor before taking out a mortgage. After the IVA is completed, this is not usually required.
Yes, although the case may be more complex. Lenders will look carefully at your trading history, accounts and credit file. AIMS NI has experience with both self-employed and adverse credit applications.
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.
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