How to Get a Mortgage After an IVA
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:
- StepChange Debt Charity
- MoneyHelper (backed by the Money and Pensions Service)
- Citizens Advice
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.