How lenders see it
High-street buy-to-let lenders want a clean file. Specialist lenders, who only work through brokers, grade adverse credit by what it was, how big and how long ago, and price accordingly. Rates might be 1% to 3% above the best deals, with higher fees and lower maximum loan-to-value (often 70% or 75%). That is still far better than a standard variable rate, and often a step back to mainstream rates at the next remortgage once the history has aged.
| Issue | Typical lender view |
|---|---|
| Late payments on unsecured credit | Widely accepted if not in the last 3 to 6 months. Ignored by many lenders after 12 months. |
| Defaults | Accepted by specialists if satisfied or over a certain age (often 12 to 24 months). Small telecoms defaults are often ignored. |
| CCJs | Similar to defaults; size and age matter. Satisfied over 24 months is widely placeable. |
| Missed mortgage payments | Taken more seriously. One in the last 12 months limits you; none in 24 months opens most specialists. |
| Debt management plan | Accepted by some if it has run for 12 months or more with payments kept up. |
| IVA or bankruptcy | Usually need to be discharged 3 years or more, some lenders 6. A few specialists will look sooner at low loan-to-value. |
Before you apply
- Get your credit reports from all three agencies (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion). Free versions exist. Check the dates and amounts are right; disputed entries can be corrected.
- Satisfy anything small that is outstanding. A satisfied default is placeable; an unsatisfied one closes doors.
- Do not make multiple applications. Each full application leaves a search, and a string of them looks like desperation. A broker checks criteria first and applies once.
- If you are on your lender's SVR and cannot remortgage yet, ask about a product transfer: most lenders do not credit-check a like-for-like rate switch.
Limited companies and credit
A company's directors are credit-checked as if they were the borrowers. A history in your name follows you into the company.
Being honest with the broker
Tell them everything, including the embarrassing bit. Lenders will find it; the broker's job is to know which lender does not mind. Surprises at underwriting are what kill applications.
A note on the numbers. Rental cover ratios, stress rates, loan-to-value limits and fees are typical of the market at the time of writing (2026) and differ from lender to lender. Tax rules are for individuals and companies resident in the UK and change with each Budget. This is general information, not advice: a broker will tell you what applies to your property, and an accountant what applies to your tax.
Common questions
Can I get a buy-to-let mortgage with a default?
Usually, through a specialist lender, particularly if it is satisfied or more than a year old. Expect a higher rate and a lower maximum loan-to-value.
Will a buy-to-let application affect my credit score?
A full application leaves a hard search. One is fine; several in a short period are not. Decisions in principle are often soft searches; ask.
I was declined by my lender. What now?
Find out why, if you can, then talk to a broker who does adverse credit. A refusal from one lender says little about the rest of the market.
Your deal is ending. Let's get a broker on it.
Two minutes of questions about the property. We match you with a buy-to-let specialist who calls you back, usually within one working day. Free, no obligation.