Later Life Lending

Later Life Mortgages with Bad Credit

Later life mortgages with adverse credit: how lenders treat defaults, CCJs, IVAs and arrears, and which factors they weigh alongside credit history.

Important: Equity release is a long-term commitment and will reduce the value of your estate. It may affect entitlement to means-tested benefits. Independent financial and legal advice is required. All plans recommended are from Equity Release Council approved lenders. Your home may be repossessed if you do not maintain required payments on a secured loan.

Written by David Doulton · Last updated November 2026

A history of adverse credit does not automatically prevent you from accessing a later life mortgage, though it will limit lender choice and may affect the rate you are offered. Specialist later life lenders are generally more flexible about credit history than mainstream banks, particularly where the adverse credit is historic and the borrower has demonstrated financial stability since.

What Credit Issues Can Be Considered?

Missed or late payments - considered depending on date and amount
Defaults - most lenders will consider defaults over 2–3 years old
CCJs (County Court Judgments) - satisfied CCJs over 2 years generally acceptable
IVAs (Individual Voluntary Arrangements) - discharged IVAs considered by some lenders
Previous mortgage arrears - depends on recency and severity

Lenders Who Consider Adverse Credit

Specialist later life lenders including LiveMore and some equity release providers apply manual underwriting and consider the full picture rather than relying solely on credit scoring. The key factors they consider alongside credit history include:

Property value and LTV - lower LTV reduces lender risk
Income and affordability - stable pension income is a positive indicator
Nature and age of adverse credit - historic issues weighted less heavily
Overall financial stability and assets

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage. The value of your estate may be affected by equity release products. Think carefully before securing debts against your home. Doulton Money Limited t/a Doulton Bridging Finance. Company No. 14303203. 20-22 Wenlock Road, London N1 7GU.

Later Life Mortgages with Bad Credit

What Credit Issues Can Be Considered?

Lenders Who Consider Adverse Credit

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