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How to Improve Your Credit Score Before a Remortgage

Written by Alex Swindells on . Posted in Credit Score, Mortgage.

Updated for 2026

If you are thinking about remortgaging your property, your credit score should be one of the first things you look at. A stronger score opens the door to better rates, lower monthly payments, and a wider choice of lenders willing to approve your application.

Your credit score is a number based on the information held in your credit report. Lenders, creditors, the Electoral Roll, and even your local council all feed data into that report, painting a picture of how you have managed money over the years.

The score itself depends on which credit reference agency you check with. Experian scores out of 999, while TransUnion caps at 710 and Equifax uses a scale up to 1,000. Each agency weighs your data slightly differently, so do not panic if your numbers vary from one to the next.

What Does Remortgaging Actually Mean?

Remortgaging is the process of replacing your current mortgage with a new one, either with the same lender or a different one. Some homeowners do this to lock in a better interest rate once their fixed deal ends. Others use it to release equity from their property, freeing up cash to clear outstanding debts or fund home improvements.

The equity you release is not taxed, and a well-structured remortgage can reduce your monthly outgoings. That said, it is not always the right move. If your credit score is low, you may be offered higher rates that cancel out any savings, or you may struggle to get approved at all.

What If You Cannot Remortgage?

If remortgaging is not an option, there are formal debt solutions worth exploring. An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a legally binding agreement between you and your creditors. You make a single affordable monthly payment based on what you can genuinely afford after covering essentials like rent, bills, and food. After a set period (usually five or six years), any remaining qualifying debt is written off.

For smaller debts, a Debt Relief Order (DRO) might suit you better. To qualify, your total debt must be under £50,000, your monthly surplus must be £75 or less, your assets must not exceed £2,000 (excluding a vehicle worth up to £4,000), and you must not be a homeowner.

If you have been through an IVA or any other debt solution, you may wonder whether a mortgage is still possible. The answer is yes, although timing and preparation matter. Our guide on getting a mortgage after an IVA covers the steps in detail.

Why Has Your Credit Score Dropped?

Credit scores rise and fall for all sorts of reasons. Understanding what causes a decreased credit score can help you avoid common pitfalls. Here are some of the most frequent triggers:

  • Missing a payment or making one late
  • A default, CCJ, or other derogatory mark appearing on your report
  • Using too much of your available credit (high utilisation)
  • Having your credit limit reduced by a lender
  • Closing an old, well-managed account
  • Applying for several new credit products in a short space of time
  • Errors or outdated information sitting on your report unchallenged

Seven Practical Ways to Boost Your Credit Score Before Remortgaging

1. Pay Every Bill on Time

woman paying her bills on time

Payment history is the single biggest factor in your credit score. Even one missed payment can leave a mark that stays on your report for six years. Set up direct debits for every regular bill, from your mobile phone contract to your council tax, so nothing slips through the cracks.

2. Keep Credit Utilisation Below 30%

Credit utilisation is the percentage of your available credit that you are currently using. If you have a credit card with a £5,000 limit and a £4,000 balance, that is 80% utilisation, which looks risky to lenders. Aim to keep it below 30%, and ideally below 25%, in the months leading up to your remortgage application.

3. Avoid Hard Credit Searches

Every time you formally apply for credit, the lender runs a hard search on your file. Too many in a short window makes it look like you are desperate for money. Before remortgaging, avoid taking out new credit cards, loans, or phone contracts. Where possible, ask companies to run a soft search instead, as these are only visible to you and will not affect your score.

4. Settle Outstanding Debts Where You Can

Multiple outstanding balances drag your score down. If you can clear any smaller debts before applying, do so. Focus on the accounts with the highest interest rates first. If full repayment is not realistic, even reducing balances shows lenders you are taking control. Our guide to dealing with debt has more practical advice on this.

5. Check Your Credit Report for Errors

Mistakes on credit reports are more common than you might think. An old address that was never updated, a debt marked as outstanding when it was paid off years ago, or even someone else’s account showing on your file by mistake. Check your report with all three main agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and dispute anything that looks wrong. You can do this for free through services like CheckMyFile or directly with each agency.

6. Register on the Electoral Roll

person posting a vote

This is one of the quickest wins available. Being on the electoral roll confirms your name and address, making it easier for lenders to verify your identity. If you are not registered, you can sign up on the GOV.UK website in about five minutes. Some people see a noticeable score increase within weeks of registering.

7. Space Out Your Credit Applications

If you do need to apply for credit before remortgaging, leave at least three to six months between each application. Clustering applications together signals financial stress to lenders and can knock your score each time. Plan ahead and only apply for products you genuinely need.

How Long Does It Take to Improve a Credit Score?

There is no overnight fix. Small changes like registering to vote or correcting an error can show results within a month or two. Bigger improvements, such as reducing your credit utilisation or building a consistent payment history, typically take three to six months to make a meaningful difference.

If you are planning a remortgage, start working on your credit score at least six months before you intend to apply. That gives you enough time to make real progress without rushing.

Struggling With Debt? You Still Have Options

If debt is the reason your credit score is suffering, tackling the root cause is just as important as chasing a higher number. Solutions like an IVA, a debt consolidation loan, or a DRO can give you a structured path out of debt, and once you complete them, you can start rebuilding your score from a clean slate.

If you are not sure which route is right for you, read our breakdown of how to improve your credit score after an IVA, or explore the different remortgage options available through Swift Debt Help.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. If you are struggling with debt, we recommend speaking to a qualified debt adviser. Swift Debt Help can connect you with FCA-authorised professionals who will assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate solution for your circumstances.

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Couple holding house keys outside a UK terraced house after getting a mortgage post-IVA

How to Get a Mortgage After an IVA

Written by Alex Swindells on . Posted in IVA, Mortgage.

Updated for 2026

If you have been through an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), the idea of applying for a mortgage might feel daunting. The good news is that having an IVA on your record does not automatically disqualify you from getting a mortgage. Plenty of people go on to become homeowners after completing their IVA, and with the right preparation, you can put yourself in a strong position to do the same.

This guide covers what you need to know about getting a mortgage after an IVA in 2026, from rebuilding your credit score to choosing the right broker.

How Does an IVA Affect Your Mortgage Application?

An IVA is a formal debt solution that stays on your credit report for six years from the date it was approved. During that time, most high street lenders will turn down your mortgage application. This is because an IVA signals to lenders that you previously struggled to manage your debts.

However, once the IVA drops off your credit file, your options open up significantly. Even before it disappears, some specialist lenders may consider your application, particularly if you can demonstrate that your finances have improved.

It is worth noting that an IVA is recorded on the Individual Insolvency Register, which is a public record. Lenders may check this as part of their due diligence, so transparency is always the best approach.

When Can You Apply for a Mortgage After an IVA?

Technically, you can apply at any point after your IVA has been completed. Your Insolvency Practitioner will issue a completion certificate confirming that all payments have been made and you are no longer bound by the arrangement. Keep this certificate safe, as lenders or brokers may want to see it.

In practice, your chances of approval improve significantly once the IVA has been removed from your credit report (six years after it started). If you completed your IVA early or it lasted the standard five years, there may only be a short gap before it falls off your file entirely.

Some specialist lenders will consider applications while the IVA is still showing, but you should expect higher interest rates and stricter terms.

Steps to Improve Your Chances

Get Your IVA Completion Certificate

Your completion certificate proves to lenders that you fulfilled all your obligations under the IVA. Without it, lenders have no way to verify that the arrangement ended successfully. Contact your Insolvency Practitioner if you have not received yours.

Rebuild Your Credit Score

Your credit score will have taken a hit during and immediately after your IVA. Rebuilding it takes time and patience, but there are practical steps you can take:

  • Register on the electoral roll at your current address
  • Check your credit report for errors and dispute any inaccuracies. You can do this through Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion
  • Consider a credit builder card, use it for small purchases and pay the balance in full each month
  • Report your rent payments through a free service like CreditLadder to build a track record of regular payments
  • Use Experian Boost to add your council tax and subscription payments to your credit file
  • Avoid applying for multiple credit products in a short period, as each hard search leaves a mark on your report

If you want a deeper dive into this topic, read our guide on how to improve your credit score after an IVA.

Save the Biggest Deposit You Can

A larger deposit reduces the risk for the lender and gives you access to better mortgage rates. While you are in your IVA, you are unlikely to have spare cash for saving. Once it ends, though, the money that was going towards your monthly IVA payment can be redirected into a savings pot.

Most lenders will want at least a 15% to 20% deposit if you have a history of insolvency. A 25% deposit or higher opens up even more options and better rates. With average UK house prices sitting around £290,000 in early 2026, that means you would need to save between £43,500 and £72,500 for a deposit, depending on where you are buying.

Keep Your Finances Stable

Lenders look at your overall financial behaviour, not just your credit score. Avoid overdrafts, keep up with all your regular bills, and maintain steady employment if possible. Having a stable income history of at least 12 months makes a noticeable difference to how lenders assess your application.

Using a Specialist Mortgage Broker

A specialist mortgage broker who has experience with post-insolvency applications is one of the most valuable resources available to you. They know which lenders are more likely to consider someone with an IVA history and can match you with appropriate products rather than wasting time on applications that will be declined.

A good broker will:

  • Review your credit report and financial situation before recommending lenders
  • Request a “soft search” initially to avoid unnecessary marks on your credit file
  • Explain the rates and terms you can realistically expect
  • Handle the application process and communicate with the lender on your behalf

Services like MoneyHelper can help you find a qualified mortgage adviser.

What About Getting a Mortgage During an IVA?

While your IVA is still active, getting a mortgage is extremely difficult. Your IVA terms will usually prevent you from taking on new credit of more than £500 without your Insolvency Practitioner’s written permission. Even with permission, very few lenders will approve a mortgage for someone currently in an IVA.

If you are a homeowner when you enter an IVA, you may be required to remortgage in the final year of the arrangement to release equity for your creditors. Our article on getting a mortgage with an IVA covers this in more detail.

Could Other Debt Solutions Affect Your Mortgage Prospects?

If you are still considering your options and have not yet entered an IVA, it is worth understanding how different debt solutions compare. A Debt Relief Order (DRO), for example, now covers debts up to £50,000 following the threshold increase in June 2024, and the application fee was abolished in April 2024, making it free to apply. A DRO also stays on your credit report for six years.

Bankruptcy is another route, currently costing £680 to apply, and it too remains on your credit file for six years. Both options can affect mortgage applications in similar ways to an IVA.

For a side-by-side comparison, read our post on things to know before declaring bankruptcy or explore the scenarios where an IVA could be the best solution.

Realistic Expectations for 2026

The UK mortgage market in 2026 is competitive, and lenders have become more open to applicants with complex credit histories than they were a decade ago. Specialist products exist specifically for people who have been through insolvency, and with the right preparation, your application does not have to be an uphill battle.

That said, you should expect:

  • Higher interest rates than someone with a clean credit history
  • A requirement for a larger deposit (typically 15% or more)
  • More paperwork and documentation, including your IVA completion certificate
  • Potentially longer processing times as lenders carry out extra checks

As your credit improves over time, you may be able to remortgage onto a better deal after a few years.

Free Debt Advice and Support

If you are still dealing with debt or unsure which solution is right for you, free and impartial advice is available from:

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Getting a mortgage after an IVA takes planning, patience, and the right guidance. If you are currently struggling with debt and want to understand your options, Swift Debt Help can point you in the right direction. We provide general information about debt solutions including IVAs, DROs, and bankruptcy to help you make informed decisions.

Request a free debt assessment to find out what options may be available to you.

Swift Debt Help provides general information only and does not offer financial advice. If you need regulated financial advice, please consult a qualified adviser.

Ready to Find Out if You Qualify for Help?

Use our Solution Finder for a free, no-obligation assessment. Our team can help you understand your options and take the first step towards a debt-free future.

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Miniature house and keys

Can You Get a Mortgage with an IVA?

Written by Alex Swindells on . Posted in IVA, Mortgage.

If you’re wondering whether you can get a mortgage with an IVA, the short answer is yes, but it comes with significant challenges. An Individual Voluntary Arrangement typically means you already have substantial debts and a damaged credit history, both of which lenders take seriously. Borrowing restrictions during the arrangement add further hurdles. That said, getting a mortgage with an IVA is not impossible if you understand the process and plan carefully.

This article was originally published in a previous year and has been fully updated for 2026 to reflect current legislation, figures, and guidance.

This guide covers what you need to know about applying for a mortgage while in an IVA, the obstacles you could face, and how to improve your chances of success.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. If you need tailored guidance, speak to a qualified financial adviser or your Insolvency Practitioner.

Can You Get a Mortgage with an IVA?

Person holding keys for house after getting a mortgage with an IVA

During an IVA, your debts are consolidated into a single monthly payment that you must maintain for the full duration of the arrangement, typically five to six years. Strict financial restrictions apply throughout, particularly around taking on new credit.

Under the terms of most IVAs, if you want to borrow more than £500, you need written permission from your Insolvency Practitioner (IP). This means that even though getting a mortgage with an IVA is technically possible, you cannot proceed without your IP’s approval first.

It is important to discuss your plans with your Insolvency Practitioner early on. They can help you understand whether a mortgage application is realistic given your financial position and IVA terms.

Will You Need a Specialist Mortgage Lender?

In most cases, yes. High street lenders rarely accept applications from people currently in an IVA. You will likely need to work with specialist or “adverse credit” mortgage lenders who have products designed for borrowers with poor credit histories.

These specialist lenders offer more flexible criteria, but the trade-off is clear: higher interest rates, larger fees, and a bigger deposit requirement. As of 2026, some specialist lenders may ask for deposits of 15% to 25% or more, compared to the 5% to 10% that mainstream lenders might accept from borrowers with clean credit.

A mortgage broker who specialises in adverse credit can be particularly helpful here, as they will know which lenders are most likely to consider your application.

How Does an IVA Affect a Mortgage Application?

Mortgage application form

An IVA can have a significant impact on every stage of the mortgage application process. Your primary obligation remains paying into the arrangement and clearing your debts, and the restrictions exist to protect that commitment. If you do obtain a mortgage while in an IVA, you may also need to attempt to release equity from the property towards the end of the IVA.

Several factors will shape what happens when you apply:

Disposable income

Lenders assess whether you can afford monthly repayments by looking at your disposable income. The difficulty is that most of your spare money must go towards your IVA contributions. If you are currently renting, the amount you pay in rent each month is often the best indicator of what mortgage repayment you could realistically manage.

Credit report impact

An IVA appears on your credit file and stays there for six years from the date it was registered. This has a severe negative effect on your credit score. Lenders run credit checks as part of every mortgage application, and an active IVA will count heavily against you. Many lenders will decline your application outright.

Higher costs and limited options

Even if a lender does approve your application, the mortgage is likely to carry high interest rates because of the perceived risk. When combined with your ongoing IVA payments, the total monthly outgoings can become difficult to sustain. In practice, many people in an IVA find that even when they qualify for a mortgage, the terms make it unaffordable.

Equity release obligations

If you already own a home when you enter an IVA, your arrangement may require you to attempt to remortgage and release equity in the final year. This equity is paid to your creditors as part of the IVA terms. Understanding how homeownership interacts with your IVA is essential before taking on any new mortgage commitments.

How to Get a Mortgage with an IVA: Step by Step

Row of little red houses representing mortgage options

If you have decided that applying for a mortgage is the right move and you can afford it, here is how to approach it:

1. Get permission from your Insolvency Practitioner. Applying for credit over £500 without their written consent breaches your IVA terms. A failed IVA could leave you facing your creditors directly, potentially leading to bankruptcy.

Your IP will consider:

  • Whether the mortgage is genuinely necessary
  • How long it will take you to repay
  • Whether you can comfortably cover the repayments alongside your IVA contributions
  • Whether it benefits or harms the interests of your creditors

They can refuse the request if they believe it would put your IVA at risk.

2. Research your options thoroughly. Compare deals from specialist lenders, paying close attention to interest rates, fees, and deposit requirements. A mortgage broker experienced with adverse credit situations can save you time and help you avoid unnecessary hard credit checks that would further damage your score.

3. Present the details to your IP. Once you have found a suitable deal, your Insolvency Practitioner will need to see the monthly repayment amount and confirm they are satisfied before giving final permission.

Applying for a Mortgage After an IVA

For many people, waiting until the IVA has finished is a far better strategy. Once you have completed your arrangement and been formally released, you are no longer bound by borrowing restrictions and do not need anyone’s permission to apply.

You will also have full control of your disposable income again, with no monthly IVA contributions to make. This generally means you can demonstrate stronger affordability, which broadens the range of lenders and products available to you.

There is a catch, though: the IVA remains on your credit file for six years from its start date. Lenders tend to view it less seriously as time passes, so applying a couple of years after completion rather than immediately can make a real difference to the interest rates you are offered.

Using that waiting period wisely makes a significant difference. Focus on:

  • Rebuilding your credit score with small, manageable credit (such as a credit builder card)
  • Saving a larger deposit to reduce the loan-to-value ratio
  • Keeping your finances stable and avoiding any missed payments
  • Checking your credit report for errors and getting them corrected

Bear in mind that a rejected mortgage application leaves a mark on your credit file, so only apply when you are reasonably confident of acceptance. Speaking to a broker beforehand can help you gauge your chances without committing to a formal application.

For more on how much debt you need to qualify for an IVA, or to understand what an IVA involves before you make any decisions, explore our other guides.

Find Out Whether You Could Be Better Off With An IVA.

Am I Eligible For an IVA?

Disclaimer: For guidance only. Financial information entered must be accurate and would require verification. Other factors will influence your most suitable debt solution.

Key Takeaways

Getting a mortgage with an IVA is possible but comes with real obstacles: you need your Insolvency Practitioner’s permission, you will likely pay higher rates, and your options are limited to specialist lenders. For many, waiting until the IVA is complete and spending time rebuilding credit is the more practical route to homeownership.

Whatever you decide, make sure you understand the full implications before committing. Speak to your IP, consider professional mortgage advice, and never rush into borrowing that could put your debt solution at risk.

The information in this article is for general guidance purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Everyone’s financial situation is different. If you are unsure about your options, please seek independent advice from a qualified professional.

Ready to Find Out if You Qualify for Help?

Use our Solution Finder for a free, no-obligation assessment. Our team can help you understand your options and take the first step towards a debt-free future.

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