In our practice as mortgage broker in Middlesbrough, the question that frequently comes up is: What is the ideal credit score to have in procuring a mortgage? It’s irrefutable that your credit history and score play a significant role when you’re looking to secure any form of financing.
Various online platforms like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion may provide certain benchmarks for good and bad credit scores, offering a general indication of what may be acceptable for obtaining a mortgage. However, these should only be viewed as mere guides since each mortgage lender has its own stringent qualifying conditions. Therefore, a score deemed ideal in general terms, may not necessarily satisfy a mortgage lender’s criteria.
On the flip side, what might appear as a poor score could be just ample for securing a mortgage, with higher interest rates. A credit score exceeding 900 is often regarded positively and could afford you a multitude of mortgage options. However, some situations might call for higher scores, even upwards of 950, in meeting specific mortgage lender’s exacting requirements.
This is the point where advice from a mortgage advisor in Newcastle comes into play. A mortgage advisor can assess your credit history, your financial goals, income, and more, to align you with a mortgage lender who can cater to your specific needs. Booking your free mortgage appointment with our team, can equip you with the most suitable mortgage deal to fit your personal circumstances.
Is it possible to get a mortgage with a low credit score?
The probability of securing a mortgage with a low credit score is another recurring question. It is indeed feasible, contingent on individual circumstances. Every applicant’s situation is exclusive, meaning it’s very much possible for someone with a lower credit score to procure a mortgage while another might not be as fortunate.
Young applicant with low credit score
Contrarily, as a young applicant with a low credit score, you still stand a chance to achieve mortgage success. We frequently encounter this scenario with first-time buyers who seldom have an extensive credit history. While many perceive this as an obstacle, particularly prospective applicants, it doesn’t imply that they’re financially careless or have a record of missed payments or defaults.
They may simply be first time buyers in Newcastle, without a substantial credit score. Although not all mortgage lenders consider this desirable, if you manage to meet the affordability checks, certain lenders might be willing to accept applicants in such circumstances. An experienced and reliable mortgage broker can help assess if you meet mortgage lender’s criteria.
Mortgage with a CCJ or Default
Issues like County Court Judgements (CCJs) or defaults can significantly lower the credit score, thus decreasing borrowing capacity or even entirely obstructing the mortgage procedure. However, even under such challenging conditions, it’s sometimes conceivable to secure a mortgage. While a CCJ is undesirable, often making it tough to even procure a credit card or open a bank account, there’s still a possibility for a person with a small, 4 to 5-year-old CCJ to obtain a mortgage potentially. The pivotal factor lies in the mortgage lender’s criteria and the individual circumstances of the applicant.
Remortgage with bad credit
Even homeowners looking to remortgage in Newcastle may face hurdles if they have bad credit. While handfuls of specialist lenders may accept such cases, a specialist mortgage broker’s guidance can prove utterly beneficial during the remortgage journey.
How does a low credit score impact interest rates?
There’s no denying that applicants with a lower credit score might find the mortgage application process more arduous, potentially ending up with higher interest rates. However, younger applicants with lower scores may not necessarily fall under the same bracket as they don’t have adverse credit. Contrarily, those with adverse credit might need a larger deposit and face higher interest rates.
Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
To augment your possibilities of mortgage success, it’s wise to put efforts into improving your credit score before initiating a mortgage-related enquiry. Updating your addresses on the electoral roll, closing redundant or old credit accounts, severing financial ties with ex-partners or friends, maintaining low usage of credit cards, making timely payments, and ensuring your credit report is error-free are some ways to enhance your credit score.
Booking in for a free mortgage consultation can yield further advice on maximizing your mortgage possibilities in the future. As Malcolm Davidson, the managing director of UK Moneyman LTD and a prominent name in the mortgage advisory sector, would assert, it’s essential to deliver a 5* customer experience and comprehensive, tailored advice to every applicant.
Date Last Edited: February 9, 2024