Buying a home is a dream for many, but for some, it can feel impossible. You might think your credit history, visa status, or income type means you’ll never get on the property ladder. The truth? Many of the things people assume will block them from getting a mortgage are not actually deal breakers—especially if you have the right mortgage advisor who knows where to look.

With access to a wide range of lenders (including ones who specialise in more complex cases), a good mortgage broker can help you find the right deal, even if you’ve been told ‘no’ before. Here are seven common myths that stop people from applying for a mortgage when they actually still have options.

1. “I Have a Bad Credit History or a CCJ – No One Will Lend to Me!”

Many people believe that if they’ve had money troubles in the past, such as missed payments, defaults, or even a County Court Judgment (CCJ), they’re automatically ruled out of getting a mortgage.

💡 The reality: Some high street banks and specialist lenders will still consider you, depending on how recent and severe the credit issues are.

Some lenders will approve applicants with CCJs, as long as they’re over a year old. Others don’t mind small defaults, especially if they were for things like mobile phone bills rather than loans or mortgages.

Real Example: A couple with two CCJs from three years ago recently secured a mortgage with Nationwide after working with a specialist mortgage broker. The bank approved their mortgage because the CCJs were over two years old, they had a 15% deposit, and their finances had been stable since the credit issues.

How to improve your chances:

• Make sure all your bills are paid on time going forward.
• Check your credit file for any mistakes and fix them.
• Speak to a mortgage advisor like ourselves who know lenders that accept poor credit.

2. “I Earn Money from Abroad, So I Won’t Get a Mortgage”

If you earn part or all of your income from another country, you might assume UK banks won’t consider you.

💡 The reality: Some lenders are happy to accept foreign income, as long as it can be verified and is paid in a stable currency.

If you’re paid in USD, EUR, or other widely accepted currencies, some banks will take your full salary into account.

Real Example: A UK-based consultant earning in Singapore dollars (SGD) secured a mortgage with HSBC after showing six months of income statements and tax returns.

🔑 How to improve your chances:

Work with a broker who knows which lenders accept foreign income.

Keep clear records of your income and tax payments.

3. “I’m on a Visa – Banks Won’t Approve Me”

Many people think that if they’re not a UK citizen, they can’t get a mortgage.

💡 The reality: Many lenders offer mortgages to people on visas, including spouse visas, Tier 2 work visas, and others.

Real Example: A nurse on a Skilled Worker visa was recently approved for a mortgage with Barclays, even with only two years left on her visa.

🔑 How to improve your chances:

• Having a larger deposit (e.g., 15% or more) can make lenders more willing to approve you.
• Show a stable employment history.
• Use a broker who specialises in visa mortgages.

4. “I’m Self-Employed, So I’ll Never Get a Mortgage”

Freelancers, business owners, and contractors often assume they won’t qualify for a mortgage because their income is unpredictable.

💡 The reality: Lenders are becoming much more open to self-employed applicants, especially if you can show steady earnings.

Real Example: A self-employed graphic designer with fluctuating income secured a mortgage with NatWest after proving their average earnings over the last two years.

🔑 How to improve your chances:

• Keep clear records of your income and tax returns.
• Try to avoid large gaps in earnings before applying.
• Use an accountant if possible—lenders prefer professionally prepared accounts.

5. “I Don’t Have a Big Deposit”

Saving for a deposit is tough, and many people believe they need at least 10-20% to get on the property ladder.

💡 The reality: Some lenders offer mortgages with as little as 3-5% deposit, and there are government-backed schemes to help first-time buyers.

Real Example: A couple secured a 95% mortgage with Halifax under the First Homes scheme, which allowed them to buy with just a 5% deposit.

🔑 How to improve your chances:

• Look into Help to Buy and First Homes schemes.
• Consider lenders offering low-deposit mortgages.

6. “I’ve Been Rejected Before, So I’ll Be Rejected Again”

A previous mortgage rejection can feel disheartening, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

💡 The reality: Different lenders have different rules. Just because one lender said no, doesn’t mean another one won’t say yes.

Real Example: A first-time buyer was declined by Santander but later approved by Skipton Building Society because they used a broker who matched them with a lender that fit their situation better.

🔑 How to improve your chances:

• Find out why you were rejected and fix any issues.
• Work with a broker who can match you with the right lender.

7. “My Credit Score is Too Low”

Credit scores are important, but they’re not the only thing lenders look at. If your credit score is low, you might still get a mortgage—especially if your overall financial situation is strong.

💡 The reality: Some lenders don’t rely on credit scores alone. Instead, they look at the bigger picture—your income, job stability, and whether you can afford the repayments.

Real Example: A first-time buyer with a 540 credit score was recently approved for a mortgage with Vida Homeloans. They had a solid work history and saved a 10% deposit, which helped offset their low score.

🔑 How to improve your chances:

• Avoid applying for new credit before applying for a mortgage.
• Register on the electoral roll (this can boost your score!).
• Use a mortgage broker who knows which lenders are flexible on credit scores.

Don’t Give Up On Your Dream of Owning a Home!

Many people think their situation makes getting a mortgage impossible, but the truth is there are options available for most buyers. The key is finding the right lender who understands your unique circumstances.

📢 Ready to explore your options? Don’t let myths hold you back—get in touch with us at Approvable. We work with over 170 lenders, including high street banks and specialist providers, to find you a mortgage that works for you.

💬 Contact us today to rekindle your homeownership dream!

📌 Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate at the time of writing, but lender policies change frequently. Always check with a mortgage advisor for the latest updates.

PLEASE DO NOTE THAT YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP WITH REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.