Can You Get a Mortgage If You Have Late Payments?
Updated: 6 days ago
Find out whether late payments really block a mortgage, how much recency matters, and how to give your application its best shot.
Quick Answer
Yes, often. Late payments are the mildest form of adverse credit, so they rarely block a mortgage on their own. Mainstream lenders prefer a clean record, but specialist lenders will consider late payments, especially once they are over a year old and you can show stable income and steady payments since.
Reviewed by Ben Stephenson, FCA authorised (FRN 496907) · 25+ years’ experience · 4.9★ on Google. Updated: 17 June 2026.
Who Is This Guide For
Best for buyers and homeowners with one or more late payments on their credit file, including first-time buyers, remortgagers, and self-employed applicants, who want to know which lenders will still help and how to prepare a stronger application.
Key Points
Late payments are the mildest form of adverse credit
Recency matters most: under 12 months is hardest
Specialist lenders and a bigger deposit widen your options
Table of Contents
What Counts as a Late Payment?
A late payment is usually logged when you miss the scheduled due date on any form of credit, such as:
Credit cards
Loans
Mobile phone bills
Utility bills
Car finance
Mortgages
Credit reference agencies in the UK (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) mark accounts as “late” if payments are missed or made beyond the agreed timeframe. Even one missed payment can show up on your record, which can surprise many people who believed a small delay would go unnoticed.
Key fact: Late payments stay visible on your credit file for up to six years, even if the debt has since been settled.
Do Late Payments Mean You Cannot Get a Mortgage?
No, late payments do not automatically block you from getting a mortgage. The impact depends on recency, frequency, severity, and context. If you have other credit issues alongside late payments, our guide to bad credit mortgages covers the fuller picture.
Twelve of the 19 UK residential lenders whose published criteria Manor Mortgages Direct tracks set a maximum number of unsecured missed payments they will accept as at September 2026, and five of those accept none.
Source: Manor Mortgages Direct criteria tracker, 68 residential first charge product tiers across 19 UK lenders, checked September 2026. Each count uses the lender’s most permissive tier. Counts describe the lenders tracked, not the whole market.
Mainstream lenders tend to be stricter, preferring a clean payment record.
Specialist lenders may consider applications with late payments, especially when there is evidence of recovery and financial stability.
Borrowers are often surprised to learn that late payments are not the same as defaults, CCJs, or insolvency. They sit lower down the “adverse credit” scale, which means there is usually a pathway to borrowing.
How Long Do Late Payments Stay on Your Credit File?
Late payments remain visible for six years, but their influence diminishes over time:
Within the last 12 months: Strongest impact, may limit mortgage options.
1-3 years old: Still relevant, but some lenders become more flexible.
3-6 years old: Often less significant, especially if you have maintained perfect conduct since.
Why the Type of Credit Matters
Not all late payments are equal. Lenders tend to weigh them differently:
As at September 2026, of the 19 UK residential lenders whose published criteria Manor Mortgages Direct tracks, 14 state a position on secured arrears: four accept none at all and only two will consider an applicant with three or more.
Source: Manor Mortgages Direct criteria tracker, checked September 2026. Each count uses the lender’s most permissive tier.
Type of missed payment | How lenders tend to weigh it |
Unsecured (credit card, loan) | Often seen as less serious, especially if isolated |
Secured (mortgage, car finance) | Carries more weight; suggests a risk of repossession |
Utilities and mobile | Frequently overlooked if it is a one-off |
A borrower who missed a mobile phone payment three years ago may still be able to access near-mainstream rates, while repeated missed mortgage payments in the last year would restrict choices heavily.
How Timing of Late Payments Changes Your Options
The timing of late payments is critical.
Recent issues: A mortgage application made immediately after missed payments is far harder, as lenders see it as a sign of ongoing financial strain.
Historic issues: Problems from several years ago may have little effect, particularly if you can demonstrate consistent on-time payments since.
Case study example:
Applicant A missed three credit card payments two years ago, but has been up to date since. With a 20% deposit and stable employment, specialist lenders may accept them at a competitive rate.
Applicant B missed two mortgage payments in the last six months. Even with a large deposit, options will be more limited until at least 12 months of clear conduct is shown.
Should You Apply Now or Wait?
There is no fixed rule; it depends on how recent and how serious your late payments are. If your only blips are a year or more in the past and you have paid on time since, applying now with a broker is often sensible, and you may reach near-mainstream rates. If a payment was missed very recently, or it was on your mortgage, it is usually worth waiting until you have six to twelve months of clean history behind you, which widens your choice of lenders and tends to improve the rate. A broker can tell you which side of that line you fall on, and do so before any formal application, so you avoid an unnecessary credit search that leaves a footprint.
What Do Lenders Consider Beyond Late Payments?
Lenders take a holistic view. Key factors include:
Deposit size: Larger deposits reduce lender risk. A 15-25% deposit can offset past issues.
Income stability: Regular employment or consistent self-employed income is crucial.
Affordability: Lenders use affordability calculators, considering all debts, household expenses, and dependants.
Credit history as a whole: Late payments may be balanced by years of otherwise good conduct.
Reason for late payments: Illness, redundancy, or short-term cashflow problems can sometimes be mitigated with explanation.
Will Late Payments Affect Your Interest Rate?
Often, yes, at least to begin with. Lenders price for risk, so a recent late payment can mean a higher rate or a larger fee than a spotless applicant would be offered. The good news is that the gap narrows as the late payments age and you rebuild a clean record. Many borrowers start on a specialist product and then remortgage to a sharper rate once their file has recovered and they can show a year or more of on-time payments. A broker can map out that two-step path so you are not stuck on a higher rate for longer than you need to be.
What Types of Mortgages Might Be Available with Late Payments?
Applicants with late payments may still access:
Fixed-rate mortgages, which offer stability for lenders and borrowers alike.
Tracker or variable mortgages, sometimes offered with more flexible criteria.
Specialist adverse-credit mortgages, designed specifically for those with credit blips.
Often, products may carry slightly higher rates or fees, but these can improve after building a track record of timely payments.
Real-World Scenarios: How Different Profiles Are Treated
Single, old late payment: Often overlooked, particularly if over three years ago.
Multiple late payments across several accounts: Treated more cautiously, but still possible with specialist lenders.
Recent late mortgage payments: Hardest category, but may still be considered after at least 12 months of recovery.
First-time buyer vs. remortgage: Some lenders are more flexible with remortgages, particularly where equity is strong.
Related reading: What Happens If You Miss a Payment Before Remortgaging?
How to Strengthen Your Mortgage Application if You Have Late Payments
Practical steps to prepare include:
Check your credit file.
Dispute any inaccuracies immediately.
Save for a larger deposit, which reduces risk to lenders.
Reduce other debts (credit cards, loans) before applying.
Provide an explanation: A clear, honest note on why payments were missed can help.
Demonstrate stability: Showing consistent payments for at least 12 months is persuasive.
Role of Specialist Lenders and Intermediary-Only Products
Specialist lenders exist to serve borrowers who don’t fit the mainstream mould. See our overview of specialist mortgages for how they work.
They often offer:
More flexible criteria.
Willingness to consider explanations.
Options for complex income (self-employed, contractors, multiple income streams).
These lenders are typically available only through brokers, not directly. That means going about it alone may limit your choices significantly.
The Benefits of Using a Broker
A mortgage broker can:
Access intermediary-only lenders.
Compare criteria across dozens of providers.
Present your case to underwriters in the best possible light.
Save time and avoid wasted credit searches.
At Manor Mortgages, we regularly work with clients who have late payments and help them secure suitable products tailored to their circumstances.
FAQs
Will my interest rate be higher if I have late payments?
Often yes, especially with recent issues, but rates can improve over time once you maintain a clean track record. Specialist lenders may start you on higher rates with a view to remortgaging later once your credit file improves.
Do I need a broker to apply with specialist lenders?
Yes, many specialist lenders only operate through intermediaries.
Should I wait until six years have passed from my missed payment?
Not necessarily. With the right circumstances, mortgages may be available sooner.
If I missed a payment last year, can I still get a mortgage?
Yes, it may still be possible. Lenders will look closely at when the late payment occurred and whether you’ve maintained a clean record since. A payment missed over 12 months ago is usually less serious than one within the last three to six months.
Do remortgage options exist if I have late payments?
Yes. Many people remortgage despite late payments, but choices may be more limited if issues are recent. Having equity in your property helps. A broker can identify lenders who are open to remortgage cases with late payments.
How big a deposit do I need if I have late payments?
Deposit requirements vary, but often you may need 15–25% if your late payments are recent. If issues were over two or three years ago, some lenders may accept 5–10%. Larger deposits always strengthen your application.
Can self-employed applicants with late payments still get a mortgage?
Yes, but self-employed cases often involve more scrutiny of income. You will need at least 1–2 years of solid accounts and evidence of recovery since the late payments.
Related reading: How To Get a Mortgage When Self-Employed
Final Thoughts
Late payments are common, and they do not mean the end of your mortgage hopes. While some lenders will be cautious, many others will consider your broader financial picture.
The key is preparation: know your credit file, save for a strong deposit, and work with a broker who understands the market.
At Manor Mortgages, we are expert mortgage advisers with experience helping clients who have late payments secure the right mortgage.
Get in touch today on 01275 399299.
Updated 17 June 2026.
Written by Ben Stephenson, CeMAP-qualified mortgage broker at Manor Mortgages Direct.
Manor Mortgages Direct is FCA authorised (FRN 496907), established for nearly 30 years and rated 4.9★ on Google. Based in Bristol, we help clients across the UK, including those with late payments and other credit blips. Call 01275 399299.
Cite this page: Manor Mortgages Direct, “Can You Get a Mortgage If You Have Late Payments?”, checked September 2026, manormortgagesdirect.com/can-you-get-a-mortgage-if-you-have-late-payments
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