CREDIT REPORT.

What is the minimum credit score needed to be accepted for a mortgage?

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Your credit score can certainly impact the choice of lenders and products available to you, but there isn't a specific score needed to be accepted for a mortgage. The higher the score, the lower the risk you are to the lender, and the more chance you'll have of being accepted for a mortgage. 

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If it's not just based on score, how to lenders make their decision?

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Lenders all have their individual criteria that needs to be met, but they all have key factors thy will take in to account. These include:

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• Credit issues, such as CCJs, Defaults, IVAs, missed/late payments etc.

• Address history and whether or not you're on the voter's roll. 

• The amount of recent searches you've had on your credit file. 

• The number of recent credit accounts you've opened (e.g. credit cards, loans)

• Your debt to income ratio. If the level of debt compared to your income is too high, this can be concerning for lenders. 

• Credit limit utilisation. Try to keep your credit balances at 25% or less where possible to help your credit score.

• Slim credit file. If you haven't had any previous credit accounts, this can negatively affect your score. 

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What can I do to increase my chances?

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Look at the list above and see if there are areas for improvement. One of the biggest factors is making sure you make your payments on time. But ultimately, make sure you check your credit report.

 

We recommend checkmyfile for our clients. Checkmyfile provides a free report, providing detailed reporting from the three main credit reporting agencies, all on one report. 

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See The Bigger Picture

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• Check your Credit History as reported to Equifax, Experian & TransUnion

• Look for differences in what's been reported

• Identify problem accounts, and take steps to minimise their impact

• See the types of credit reported from your electric bill to your mortgage

• View up to 6 years' history of your repayment performance