Credit Scores: First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide to Boosting Your Mortgage Eligibility - Part 2:

Part 2 of 3

This blog is part of a three-part series created especially for first-time homebuyers who want to understand and improve their credit score before applying for a mortgage.

In Part 2, we’ll cover:

• What score you actually need to buy a property

• The role of mortgage brokers

• Can you get a mortgage with a low Credit Score?

• How to improve your chances (even with poor or average credit)

  
  

Or, if you’d rather not wait book your free 30-minute consultation now.

1. What Credit Score do you really need to buy a property?

There’s no one-size-fits-all credit score for getting a mortgage, but there are helpful benchmarks. Here's what the UK’s three main credit agencies consider “good”:

Agency	Score Range	“Good” Threshold
Experian	0 – 999	881+
Equifax	0 – 1000	671+
TransUnion	0 – 710	604+

In general:

• A good or excellent score gives you access to better mortgage rates and higher borrowing limits.

• A fair score might still be enough to get a mortgage but could mean higher interest or stricter requirements.

• A poor score doesn’t rule you out but you may need to apply via specialist lenders.

But credit score isn't everything, lenders also assess:

• Income & employment – Is your income stable and sufficient?

• Deposit size – A larger deposit lowers risk for the lender.

• Debt-to-Income ratio – How much of your monthly income goes to debts?

• Credit history – Missed payments, defaults, or County Court Judgements (CCJs) will affect your chances.

• Length at address or job – Lenders like to see stability in your personal and financial circumstances.

Tip: You may still qualify with a modest credit score if your income, savings, and deposit are strong.

2. The role of mortgage brokers: Do you need one?

Yes! especially if you're a first-time buyer or your credit isn’t perfect.

A mortgage broker is a licensed expert who helps you find and apply for the best mortgage for your circumstances.

Here’s what a Broker does:

• They check your credit profile and tell you how lenders might assess it.

• They match you with the right lenders, especially if your credit is lower or your situation is unique.

• Uses soft searches to avoid damaging your credit while checking your options.

• They explain documents, rates, and terms in clear language.

• Handles the paperwork and liaises with the lender to keep things moving.

Some brokers are free to use, while others charge a one-off fee (typically £300–£600). Either way, they are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and must act in your best interest.

Home at Last works with a panel of trusted brokers and we’ll refer you to the best fit for your situation just book in your free 30-minute consultation.

3. Can you get a mortgage with a Low Credit Score?

Yes, but you'll need to take a more strategic approach. Here’s what can help:

Use a Specialist Lender

Some lenders specialise in helping first-time buyers, self-employed individuals, or those with credit challenges. They may accept:

• Late or missed payments (if not recent)

• Limited credit history

• Non-standard income sources

A broker can identify these lenders for you and ensure your application is properly packaged.

You may need to;

• Put down a larger deposit- if your credit is weak, a deposit of 10–20% or more can significantly improve your chances. It shows commitment and lowers the lender’s risk.

• Get a Guarantor - if your score is low but you have a family member with strong credit willing to act as a guarantor, some lenders will consider their support in the application.

• Focus on the full picture - Even with poor credit, if you’ve made positive recent changes have steady income, cleared debts, or are saving regularly then some lenders will take this into account.

4. How to improve your chances (even with poor or average credit)

Whether you’re 3 months or 12 months away from applying, here are powerful actions you can take now:

Action	Why It Matters
Register to vote	Boosts credit visibility instantly
Pay all bills on time	Most important factor in your score
Lower credit card balances	Keep below 30% of your limit
Avoid new credit	Too many applications = red flag
Use rent-reporting tools	Adds positive history to your file
Check all three credit reports	Spot and fix errors early

Use tools like ClearScore (uses Equifax), Credit Karma (uses TransUnion) or Experian directly to monitor your score and track your progress each month.

End of Part 2

Coming next time in Part 3: We explain ‘How to Build and Maintain a Strong Credit Profile’.

If you'd prefer personal support now, Home at Last is here to help - book your free 30-minute consultation.

We know that applying for a mortgage, especially as a first-time buyer can feel intimidating. That’s why we work closely with a network of trusted mortgage brokers who understand the unique challenges you might be facing.

Whether you're unsure about your credit score, unsure how much you can borrow, or simply don’t know where to start, we can:

• Refer you to an expert mortgage broker suited to your situation

• Help you understand what steps to take to strengthen your application

Let’s get you mortgage-ready!

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice.