Missed a mortgage payment? You can still get a mortgage.
High-street banks typically decline applicants with missed mortgage payments in the last 12 months. We work with specialist lenders who consider the full picture — how recent it was, whether it's been brought up to date, and your conduct since. Free chat. No judgement.
Can you get a mortgage with missed mortgage payments?
In most cases — yes. A missed mortgage payment doesn't automatically disqualify you from getting a new mortgage. It does, however, narrow your options. Most high-street lenders use rigid credit-scoring systems that decline applicants showing any missed mortgage payment in the last 12-24 months. That doesn't mean every door is closed — it means the door you need is in the specialist-lender market.
Specialist lenders — operating outside the standard high-street panel — will consider applications from borrowers with missed mortgage payments. Each lender treats the situation differently depending on three factors: how recent the missed payment was, how many missed payments there were, and whether the account is now back up to date. Our job is matching your specific case to the lender most likely to say yes.
The lender landscape for missed mortgage payments
Here's how different lender tiers treat missed mortgage payments. The right tier for you depends on your specific situation — we'll work that out on the call.
High street (most will decline)
Mainstream high-street banks typically decline applicants with any missed mortgage payment in the last 12 months. Some will reconsider after 2+ years of clean conduct, but most won't engage at all during that window.
Near-prime lenders
A tier of lenders specifically for cases just outside high-street criteria. They consider missed payments older than 12 months, especially if the account is now satisfied. Usually need 15-20% deposit.
Specialist lenders
A dedicated layer of adverse credit specialists who consider recent missed mortgage payments. Some accept missed payments within the last 6 months at lower LTVs (typically 75-80%). Most only operate through brokers — you can't apply direct.
Heavy adverse specialists
A small number of lenders who will consider applications with multiple recent missed mortgage payments, or even active arrears in some cases. Higher rates, typically 75% LTV maximum, but they exist for genuinely difficult cases.
The five factors lenders actually look at
What determines whether your application succeeds
1. Recency. A missed payment from 4 years ago opens far more doors than one from 4 months ago. Most specialist lenders draw a line at 12-month-old missed payments.
2. Severity. One missed payment that was brought up to date the following month is very different from 3 months of arrears. Lenders look at the "1, 2, 3" markers on your credit file.
3. Current status. Is the missed payment now satisfied? Is the account back up to date? Lenders strongly prefer "now up to date" cases.
4. Conduct since. Have you made 12+ months of perfect payments since the missed one? That's a huge positive signal.
5. The reason. Lenders increasingly consider context. A missed payment caused by a one-off life event (illness, bereavement, marital breakdown) is treated differently from a pattern of late payments.
Missed mortgage vs missed unsecured — they're not the same
One of the biggest things people don't realise: lenders treat missed mortgage payments far more seriously than missed credit card or utility payments. Here's the hierarchy:
🟥 Missed mortgage payment
Most severe. Signals difficulty meeting your biggest secured commitment. Affects mortgage applications heavily for 24-36 months.
🟧 Missed secured loan payment
Treated similarly to missed mortgage payments. Specialist lenders only.
🟨 Missed credit card / loan payment
Moderate impact. Considered alongside the rest of your credit profile.
🟩 Missed mobile / utility payment
Many specialist lenders ignore these entirely, especially under £500 or paid off.
If you've only got non-mortgage missed payments, your options are much broader than you might think. That's actually a much easier case to place.
The recency timeline — when can I apply?
Specialist lender appetite changes dramatically depending on how recent the missed mortgage payment was. Here's the rough landscape:
0-6 months since missed payment
Heavy adverse specialists only. Typically restricted to 70-75% LTV. Higher rates apply, but options exist.
6-12 months since missed payment
Specialist lenders consider these regularly. Typically 75-80% LTV. 90-95% may achievable depending on everything else. Rates in the mid-specialist range.
12-24 months since missed payment
Standard specialists. Up to 95% LTV achievable. Rates improve significantly.
24+ months since missed payment
Standard specialist lenders treat as historic adverse credit, especially with clean conduct since.
6+ years ago
Drops off your credit file entirely. Mainstream rates available again.
How it works — four simple steps
Free phone chat
Tell Chris when the missed payment happened, what caused it, and where you are now. No judgement, no obligation.
Honest answer
You'll get a straight answer about whether it's likely possible, with which kind of lender, and roughly when.
Lender match
We pick the lender most likely to say yes — protecting your credit file from unnecessary searches.
Hand-held to completion
We package, submit, and chase. You stay updated. No silent weeks.
Missed mortgage payment FAQs
How many missed mortgage payments is too many?
Will the missed payment stop me from remortgaging?
Will paying off arrears immediately help?
Can I get a mortgage if I'm still in arrears now?
Should I take out a payday loan to clear arrears before applying?
How will my deposit need to change?
What rates can I expect?
What if I've already been declined?
Related guides & pages
Missed a payment? Don't assume the worst.
One call. Honest answer. No pressure, no judgement, and no fee for finding out where you stand.
Call Chris on 07359 911 696