Advice for Joint Mortgage Applications with One Bad Credit Buyer

Applying for a joint mortgage is usually easier than as a single applicant since you have two combined salaries for your affordability assessment.

However, if one individual on the application has a bad credit mortgage history, it can make the process a little more complex.

Today the Revolution Brokers team explains how lenders will assess a joint mortgage application with one bad credit issue and how to ensure you have the best possible chances of approval.

For more advice tailored to your circumstances and borrowing requirements, please give us a ring on 0330 304 3040 or drop an email to info@revolutionbrokers.co.uk.

Applying for a Joint Mortgage With Credit Issues

The approach of your lender depends on their policies.

Some mainstream banks will automatically reject any mortgage application with credit problems, but others will accept and offer less competitive rates.

Working with a skilled, independent broker is the best way to ensure you apply to suitable lenders who won’t reject your application without consideration.

Revolution works with specialist bad credit mortgage lenders and niche mortgage providers with more flexible joint mortgage eligibility rules.

For example, a lender we recommend might ask for further context about why and when credit issues occurred or look to your recent credit history to check whether you’ve managed to repay previous debts and brought your affairs into good order.

Example Rates for Bad Credit Joint Mortgages

As we’ve explained, finding the best lender to apply to will make a considerable difference in your approval and interest rates.

Below we’ve put together an update on some of the deals available last month for joint mortgage applicants, where one of the applicants had some credit issues to contend with, based on a 30-year term and £150,000 borrowing amount.

Lender	Maximum LTV	Interest Rate	Monthly Cost
Lender A	95%	3.05% 3-year discounted	£576
Lender B	95%	3.39% lifetime discounted	£664
Lender C	90%	3.05% 3-year discounted	£636
Lender D	90%	3.64% 5-year fixed	£685
Lender E	75%	1.31% 2-year fixed	£504
Lender F	75%	5.79% 2-year fixed	£879

How Bad Credit Types Impact Joint Mortgage Eligibility

Any credit issues will come into play during a mortgage assessment, so that includes:

• Late payments and defaults
• CCJs and debt management plans
• IVAs
• Bankruptcy
• Repossessions

Specialist lenders will usually ask for further information to assess the risk associated with your joint mortgage.

For example, they’ll look at:

• Precisely what credit issues you’ve had and why they occurred.
• Whether you had a one-off case, such as redundancy, or a track record of credit problems.
• How much value was involved in the bad credit accounts.
• When the credit problems happened, and if they’ve since been repaid.

Adding information to your application to explain your circumstances and demonstrate that your finances are now in good order is a great way to strengthen your application and address these likely questions before the mortgage paperwork reaches the underwriter.

Joint Mortgages With Two Bad Credit Applicants

If both applicants have an adverse credit history, things become a little trickier. Most lenders will want to conduct a thorough assessment and decide whether they believe the loan is too risky to approve.

A lot depends on the specifics of the issues on your credit file.

For example, if one person had a few late payments five years ago, a niche lender probably won’t consider that serious enough to have a material impact on their approval.

However, a specialist lender is vital if both applicants have more severe issues, such as active CCJs or bankruptcy.

Adding a Partner With Adverse Credit to a Mortgage

If you have a mortgage already and wish to add a partner to the finance agreement, the process usually constitutes a remortgage.

That includes transferring equity to the newly named individual on the deeds, and so a lender will need to go through the same credit checks and assessment processes as they would for a new mortgage application.

Where an additional signatory to an existing mortgage has adverse credit, the lender might decline.

It’s also wise to consult a skilled broker before opting for a remortgage since you’ll usually need to cover additional costs such as legal fees, valuation charges and arrangement fees, depending on the lender.

Please get in touch if you’re concerned about adding a partner to a mortgage or want to find a competitive remortgage rate with a bad credit lender.

Professional Advice With Bad Credit Joint Mortgages

Professional support is crucial to ensure you can successfully apply for a joint mortgage and don’t end up being turned down or racking up extensive credit searches in your quest to find a lender who will approve your loan.

Revolution Brokers works with thousands of mortgage applicants, compiling robust applications and mitigating the risks associated with a bad credit history.

Please get in touch on 0330 304 3040 or email us at info@revolutionbrokers.co.uk if you need any assistance finding a joint mortgage with any nature of adverse credit issues.