When you start thinking about getting a mortgage, your credit score becomes much more important than most people realise. A stronger score gives you access to more lenders, better interest rates, and a smoother approval process. It can also increase the amount you can borrow, which is particularly helpful for first-time buyers trying to reach today’s elevated property prices.
The good news is that improving your credit score does not require substantial lifestyle changes. Often, minor adjustments made consistently over a few months make a noticeable difference. Whether you are preparing to buy soon or planning ahead, this guide explains what lenders look for. Here are the steps that make the biggest impact, and how to get fully mortgage-ready.
Why Your Credit Score Matters for a Mortgage
Your credit score is one of the main tools lenders use to understand how you manage money. It gives them insight into your past behaviour, which helps them predict how likely you are to repay your mortgage on time.
A higher credit score means:
More lender choice
Lower interest rates
Better approval chances
Stronger borrowing power
A lower credit score does not automatically mean rejection. Some lenders are flexible and will look at your situation in more detail, particularly if the issues are older or your deposit and income are substantial.
Step-by-Step Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
Check Your Credit Report for Mistakes
Start by checking your credit file with Experian, Equifax, TransUnion or CheckMyFile. Each agency holds slightly different information, so it is worth looking at all 3.
Check for:
Incorrect addresses
Old accounts still showing as open
Payments marked as late when they were on time
Duplicate entries
Incorrect financial associations
If something looks wrong, you can raise a dispute through the credit agency. Fixing these mistakes can quickly improve your score.
* You will also find a link on my website that allows you to get a FREE CheckMyFile report if you cancel within 30 days. This is one of the easiest ways to view all three credit agencies in one place, which makes mistakes easier to spot *
Make All Payments on Time
Payment history is one of the biggest parts of your credit score. Even a single missed payment can hurt your score for months.
Reduce Credit Card Balances
Aim to keep balances below 30 percent of your total limit. Reducing balances often triggers a noticeable boost.
Avoid Applying for Too Much Credit
Each hard inquiry can hurt your score. Several applications close together can look risky to lenders. And remember…Klarna, PayPal, Clearpay, Zip, etc, can all have a considerable effect.
Stay on the Electoral Roll
Being registered on the electoral roll helps lenders confirm your identity and address history.
Keep Old Accounts Open Where Possible
Being registered on the electoral roll helps lenders confirm your identity and address history.
Avoid Payday Loans Completely
Most lenders view payday loans negatively. Avoid them entirely if you can.
How Long Does It Take to Improve a Credit Score?
Smaller improvements can show within 30 to 60 days. Larger increases usually take three to twelve months. Even if your file shows defaults or a CCJ, improvement is absolutely possible.
Can You Still Get a Mortgage With a Low Credit Score?
Yes, it could be possible. Specialist lenders work with customers who have lower scores, recent issues or imperfect histories. A larger deposit, steady income, and good account conduct will all help the case.
Improve Your Credit and Get Mortgage Ready
Helpful steps include:
Saving a larger deposit
Keeping your bank accounts stable
Keeping proof of income organised
Avoiding new borrowing before applying
Avoiding unnecessary money transfers
Best Tools for Checking and Improving Your Score
Useful services include:
(This is the one I recommend, three agency reports rolled into one)
Experian Boost
Clearscore
Equifax
TransUnion
*My website includes a link for a FREE CheckMyFile trial if you cancel within 30 days.*
Why a Broker Helps if Your Credit Score Isn’t Perfect
A broker like me can protect you from declined applications, preventing unnecessary credit checks and matching you with lenders who accept lower scores. This often leads to quicker approvals and clearer expectations.
Specialist lenders are looking for clients with imperfect credit.
Specialist lenders play an essential role in the market, especially for people who have had a few bumps along the way. While high street banks focus mainly on clients with spotless credit files, this group of lenders is designed for those who fall outside the traditional mould. They understand that life happens. A missed payment, a period of reduced income, a Debt Management Plan, or even historic mortgage arrears do not automatically mean you are shut out of home ownership forever.
These lenders look at the whole picture rather than one moment in time. They place more weight on how you have managed things since, whether you are back on track, and what your current affordability looks like. Their criteria are often more flexible, and although the interest rates can be a little higher at first, they can provide a route back into the market when the high street will not.
Many people are surprised to learn that a setback on their credit file does not close the door. In reality, you may still have a choice of products, and securing a mortgage now can put you in a stronger position later. With the right advice, even a complicated past can lead to a workable solution.
Local Areas To me
Romford, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Hornchurch, Emerson Park, Upminster and across Essex and East London. So get in touch, and book a FREE consultation.
If you want help improving your credit score or preparing for a mortgage, you can book a chat: soft checks only and no obligation.
Next Steps
If you would like to talk things through, I am always happy to have a relaxed, no-obligation chat. My name is Ian Smith and I’m a whole-of-market mortgage broker based in Essex. Before you decide something is out of reach, it is always worth seeing what the market can actually offer.
You may have far more options than you think, and a quick conversation can give you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.
