When it comes to buying a home, your credit score plays a major role in whether you’ll be approved for a mortgage—and at what rate. Many first-time buyers and home movers ask: “What credit score do I need for a mortgage?” The truth is, there’s no single magic number. Different lenders have different requirements, and your score is only one piece of the puzzle.
At Everest Mortgages, we work with lenders across the market, helping our clients secure mortgages even when their credit score isn’t perfect. In this guide, we’ll explain how credit scores work, what lenders look for, and how you can improve your chances of getting approved.
Understanding Credit Scores in the UK
In the UK, there’s no universal credit scoring system. Instead, there are three main credit reference agencies:
- Experian – Scores range from 0 to 999
- Equifax – Scores range from 0 to 1,000
- TransUnion – Scores range from 0 to 710
Each agency uses its own scoring model, so you could have different scores with each. Lenders may check one or more agencies, but they don’t just look at the number—they also review your credit history in detail.
What Credit Score Do Lenders Want?
While there’s no fixed “pass mark,” generally:
- Excellent Credit – Almost all lenders will consider you, and you’ll likely qualify for the best rates.
- Good Credit – Many lenders will offer competitive deals, though not necessarily the very lowest rates.
- Fair Credit – You may still get approved, but your choice of lenders and rates will be more limited.
- Poor or Bad Credit – Options will be fewer, and interest rates may be higher, but specialist lenders may still help.
For example, if you have an Experian score of 880+, you’re usually in an excellent position. With Equifax, that would be over 811, and with TransUnion, over 604.
How Credit Scores Affect Mortgage Approval
Your credit score influences:
- Whether you’re approved – Lenders want to see a track record of responsible borrowing and repayment.
- How much you can borrow – Strong credit often allows you to borrow closer to the maximum income multiple.
- The interest rate you get – Better scores mean lower rates, which can save thousands over the life of the mortgage.
Can You Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?
Yes, it’s possible—especially with the right broker. You may have bad credit if you’ve had:
- Late or missed payments
- Defaults
- County Court Judgments (CCJs)
- Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs)
- Bankruptcy
While mainstream banks may say no, specialist lenders can often help. At Everest Mortgages, we regularly secure mortgages for clients with poor credit, tailoring applications to lenders who are more flexible.
Improving Your Credit Score Before Applying
If your score isn’t where you’d like it to be, there are practical steps you can take:
- Check Your Credit Reports – Review all three agencies for errors and dispute anything incorrect.
- Register on the Electoral Roll – This boosts your score and helps lenders confirm your identity.
- Pay Bills on Time – Even one missed payment can damage your score.
- Reduce Your Credit Utilisation – Keep balances below 30% of your credit limits.
- Avoid Multiple Credit Applications – Too many in a short time can make you look risky.
- Clear Outstanding Debts – This reduces your debt-to-income ratio and improves affordability.
- Keep Old Accounts Open – A longer credit history can work in your favour.
The Role of Deposit Size
Even if your credit score isn’t perfect, a larger deposit can strengthen your application. For example:
- With excellent credit, you may be able to buy with a 5% deposit.
- With fair credit, you might need 10–15%.
- With poor credit, lenders may ask for 20–30%.
The bigger your deposit, the lower your Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio, which reduces risk for lenders and can help secure approval.
Credit Scores for First-Time Buyers
First-time buyers sometimes assume they need a flawless credit score to get a mortgage. In reality, many lenders have specific products for first-time buyers that are more flexible. In some cases, first-time buyers with strong affordability and stable income can even borrow up to 6 times their salary—something we at Everest Mortgages regularly arrange for clients.
How Everest Mortgages Can Help
At Everest Mortgages, we:
- Search the whole market – from high street banks to specialist lenders
- Match you with lenders whose criteria suit your credit profile
- Advise on improving your score before applying
- Handle the application process to maximise your chances of approval
Even if you’ve been declined elsewhere, we may still be able to help. We understand each lender’s unique requirements and can position your application for success.
Key Takeaways
- There’s no single UK credit score needed for a mortgage—it depends on the lender.
- The higher your score, the better your chances of approval and securing a lower rate.
- Even with poor credit, mortgages are still possible with the right advice.
- Improving your credit before applying can open up better deals and save you money.
Ready to See If You Qualify?
Don’t let uncertainty about your credit score stop you from exploring your mortgage options. Whether you have excellent credit, fair credit, or past financial difficulties, Everest Mortgages can help you find the right lender.
📞 Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation
🌐 Visit everest-mortgages.co.uk to get started
Everest Mortgages – Helping you climb to your property goals, no matter your credit history.
