Credit Scoring
Understanding Your Credit Score for Mortgage Success
Why Your Credit Score Matters When Applying for a Mortgage
Your credit score is one of the key things lenders look at when deciding whether to offer you a mortgage—and on what terms.
It's a measure of how reliably you've handled credit in the past. A higher score makes you a lower risk in the eyes of lenders, which can lead to better mortgage rates. A lower score may limit your options or lead to an application being declined.
What Lenders Look For
Your total debt and how much credit you're using
Repayment history (missed or late payments)
Length of credit history
Any County Court Judgments (CCJs) or bankruptcies
Electoral roll registration (yes, it helps!)
Why You May Be Declined
Even if your income is solid, your application could be declined if:
You've missed payments or defaulted in the past
You've maxed out credit cards or overdrafts
There are recent credit applications or short credit history
You're not registered to vote at your current address
Tips to Improve Your Score
Check your credit report regularly for errors and outdated info
Register on the electoral roll
Keep credit usage below 30% of your limit
Avoid multiple applications for credit in a short time
Pay bills and credit cards on time every month
Improving your credit score doesn't happen overnight, but small changes can make a big difference over time.
How to Check Your Credit Report
You can get a free credit report from:
We recommend reviewing your report with all three, as each may hold slightly different information.
How Lenderhive Helps
At Lenderhive, we help you understand your credit standing and how it might affect your mortgage options. Our platform uses smart checks to surface the most relevant deals—and if you need extra support, our team is here to guide you.
You're more than a number. Let's find the right path forward, together.