Last Updated: 6th May 2026
IVA mortgages are available for some applicants, even if they currently have an IVA or have had one in the past. While an Individual Voluntary Arrangement can make securing a mortgage more complex, it does not automatically prevent homeownership or remortgaging. Many lenders now take a more flexible approach to adverse credit, particularly where financial circumstances have improved over time.
At AIMS NI, we specialise in helping clients across Northern Ireland secure mortgages after financial difficulties, including current and historic IVAs. As an independent, whole-of-market mortgage broker, we compare specialist lenders who understand adverse credit and assess applications on a case-by-case basis.
Whether you are a first-time buyer, moving home, remortgaging, or exploring buy to let options, we can help you understand what may be possible with an IVA on your credit file.
Yes, it is possible to get a mortgage with an IVA, although lender choice is usually more limited compared to applicants with clean credit histories. Mortgage approval depends on several factors, including whether the IVA is active or satisfied, how long ago it was registered, your deposit size, income, and overall financial conduct since the IVA.
Some lenders specialise in adverse credit mortgages and may consider applications from borrowers with current or previous IVAs. Others may require the IVA to be fully discharged before considering an application.
At AIMS NI, we assess your circumstances carefully and identify lenders whose criteria best match your situation.
Getting a mortgage while an IVA is still active can be more difficult, but it may still be possible in certain circumstances. Lenders will generally look for strong affordability, stable income, and a larger deposit to offset the perceived risk.
Applications for current IVA mortgages are usually assessed manually rather than through automated systems. This means lenders may consider the wider context behind the IVA, including whether payments have been maintained consistently and how your finances are managed today.
Because criteria vary significantly between lenders, specialist mortgage advice is particularly important where an IVA is ongoing.
Mortgage options often improve significantly once an IVA has been completed and marked as satisfied. The longer the time since discharge, the wider the range of lenders that may become available.
Some lenders may consider applications shortly after discharge, while others prefer several years to have passed. Larger deposits, stable employment, and clean recent credit conduct can all improve mortgage prospects after an IVA.
Many applicants searching for a mortgage after IVA discharge are surprised to learn that specialist lenders can sometimes offer solutions sooner than expected.
AIMS NI helps clients understand how lenders are likely to view their application based on how long ago the IVA was completed.
When reviewing IVA mortgages, lenders usually consider several factors beyond the IVA itself.
These include: Whether the IVA is active or satisfied, how long ago the IVA started and ended, deposit size or available equity. Credit conduct since the IVA, missed payments or additional adverse credit, income stability and affordability.
Some lenders are more flexible than others, particularly where applicants can demonstrate financial stability following the IVA.
AIMS NI carefully compares lender criteria to identify realistic mortgage options and avoid unnecessary declines.
Applicants seeking IVA mortgages are often required to provide larger deposits compared to standard mortgage applications. This is because lenders generally view IVAs as higher-risk borrowing scenarios.
The size of deposit required depends on how recent the IVA was and whether it has been satisfied. Applicants with older, completed IVAs may access lower deposit options than those with current arrangements.
Where equity is available, remortgaging after an IVA may also be possible under the right circumstances.
Many mainstream lenders apply strict automated credit scoring, which can make obtaining a mortgage with an IVA more difficult. Specialist lenders, however, often assess applications manually and consider the wider financial picture. These lenders may take into account:
The reason for the IVA, whether it has been completed. Current affordability, employment stability, recent credit behaviour. Specialist lenders play an important role in the IVA mortgage market, particularly for applicants whose circumstances have improved significantly since their financial difficulties occurred.
AIMS NI works with a wide range of specialist mortgage lenders across the UK and Northern Ireland.
An IVA remains on your credit file for six years from the start date, which can affect lender decisions during that period. However, lenders do not assess the IVA in isolation. They also review how you have managed your finances since the arrangement began.
Improved credit conduct, stable bank statements, and avoiding new missed payments can strengthen an IVA mortgage application considerably. Some lenders may also consider historic IVAs more favourably where there have been no further adverse credit issues.
AIMS NI helps clients understand how their credit history may affect mortgage options and what steps can improve lender confidence.
Self-employed applicants with an IVA can still access mortgage options, although lenders may require additional documentation and affordability evidence.
Limited company directors, contractors and applicants with multiple income streams may need specialist lender consideration. Some lenders will assess salary and dividends, while others may also review retained profits or contract income.
AIMS NI regularly supports self-employed clients with complex income structures and adverse credit histories.
Remortgaging with an IVA may be possible, particularly where there is significant equity in the property or where the IVA has already been completed.
Some homeowners remortgage to secure a better interest rate once their credit profile improves, while others may look to release equity for debt consolidation or home improvements.
Lender criteria vary significantly, making broker guidance especially valuable in IVA remortgage cases.
While IVA mortgages can be more complex, there are several steps that may improve your chances of approval.
Maintaining all payments on time, avoiding additional credit issues, reducing overall debt levels and building a larger deposit can strengthen your application. Registering on the electoral roll and managing bank accounts carefully may also help improve lender confidence.
Most importantly, applying with the right lender is critical. AIMS NI helps ensure your application is matched with lenders suited to your individual circumstances.
If you are looking for IVA mortgages Northern Ireland, local mortgage expertise can make a significant difference. AIMS NI understands both the specialist mortgage market and the Northern Ireland property market, helping clients access suitable mortgage options based on their circumstances.
We have advisors located across Northern Ireland and provide personalised, whole-of-market mortgage advice tailored to adverse credit cases.
AIMS NI has over 20 years’ experience helping clients with adverse credit and specialist mortgage situations. As an independent, whole-of-market broker, we are not restricted to a small panel of lenders and can access providers who consider current and historic IVAs.
We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and provide honest, realistic advice based on your individual circumstances.
Our approach is supportive, professional and focused on helping clients move forward with confidence.
If you are exploring IVA mortgages, AIMS NI can help you understand your options and compare specialist lenders across the market.
Whether your IVA is current or historic, our experienced advisors provide clear, realistic guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Contact AIMS NI today for a free, no-obligation consultation and take the next step towards securing your mortgage.
Some specialist lenders may consider applications during an active IVA, although criteria are stricter.
Some lenders may consider applicants shortly after discharge, while others prefer several years to have passed.
Yes, larger deposits are often required, particularly where the IVA is recent or still active.
Rates can sometimes be higher due to lender risk, although options often improve over time.
Yes, although lenders may require additional income documentation.
Yes, an IVA usually remains on your credit file for six years from the start date.
Yes, depending on equity levels, affordability and lender criteria.
Both specialist lenders and some mainstream lenders may consider IVA applications under certain conditions.
Some specialist lenders may consider buy to let mortgage applications where applicants have a current or historic IVA.
Mortgage options often improve once the IVA is marked as satisfied and time has passed.
Yes. AIMS NI helps clients across Northern Ireland access specialist mortgage options.
Specialist lenders often take a more flexible, case-by-case approach compared to standard high-street lenders.
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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