Sheffield Town Hall

Declined for a Mortgage by Your Bank? Here's What to Do Next

Being declined for a mortgage by your bank is disappointing, especially when you've found the right home or your current deal is ending. It doesn't always mean you can't get a mortgage. Lenders each have their own rules, and a decline from one doesn't mean every lender will say no.

Before you apply anywhere else, talk to us. It costs nothing.

First, don't rush into another application

It's natural to want to try another bank straight away. But each full mortgage application usually leaves a hard search on your credit file, and several in a short time can make the next lender more cautious.

It's usually better to pause, find out why you were declined, and then apply to a lender whose criteria fit your situation.

Why lenders decline mortgage applications

Every lender sets its own criteria, so a decline is often about the fit between you and that particular lender, rather than about you. Common reasons include:

  • Credit history: missed payments, defaults, CCJs or other problems on your credit file, sometimes ones you didn't know were there.
  • Affordability: the lender's calculation of what you can afford is lower than the amount you asked for.
  • How you're paid: self-employed income, contract work, bonuses, overtime or a new job can be treated differently by different lenders.
  • The property: some lenders won't lend on certain types of property, such as flats above shops, non-standard construction or homes with short leases.
  • Deposit or loan size: the deposit may be below what that lender needs for your circumstances.
  • Information that didn't match: small differences between your application and your credit file or documents can lead to a decline.

Lenders don't always tell you the exact reason. You can ask them whether the decision was based on information from a credit reference agency, and if so, which one.

What to do now

  1. Check your credit file. You can see your credit report for free with the three main credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Look for anything you don't recognise or that's out of date, and ask for it to be corrected.
  2. Make sure you're on the electoral roll at your current address.
  3. Gather your documents: recent payslips or accounts, bank statements, and any letters from the lender.
  4. Talk to a broker before applying again. We'll look at what happened and give you an honest view of where you stand. Send us an enquiry.

How we may still be able to help

As a whole-of-market broker, we work with high street banks and specialist lenders, including lenders who only accept applications through a broker. Many lenders don't publish their criteria in full, so we check before anything is submitted.

We'll look at your situation with you, explain honestly whether we think another lender may consider it, and, if we think it's worth applying, present your case clearly so the lender has the full picture. If we don't think an application is likely to succeed right now, we'll tell you, and explain what could help.

Your first consultation is free, and there's no obligation. You'll have one named adviser from your first conversation through to completion.

If money is tight

If you're struggling with debts or worried about money, free, confidential help is available from MoneyHelper, the government-backed money guidance service, at moneyhelper.org.uk. Talking to them won't affect your credit file.

Mortgage advice in Sheffield and across the UK

We're based at Beehive Works in Sheffield and advise clients across the UK by phone, video or face to face. Whether you were declined for a first home, a move, a remortgage or a buy-to-let, the first step is the same: a free conversation about what happened.

Questions people ask

My mortgage was declined by my bank. What should I do?

Don't apply anywhere else straight away. Find out why it happened, check your credit file, and talk to a broker before your next application. We'll give you an honest view of your options.

Does being declined affect my credit score?

The decline itself isn't recorded on your credit file, but the lender's search usually is. A hard search can stay on your file for around 12 months, and several in a short time may make lenders more cautious. That's why it's worth getting advice before applying again.

How long should I wait before applying again?

There's no fixed rule. It depends on why you were declined. If it was the lender's criteria, a different lender may consider you straight away. If it was something on your credit file, it may be worth fixing that first. We'll give you an honest view.

Can a broker get me a mortgage after a bank has declined me?

We can't promise that, and no one honestly can. What we can do is look at why you were declined and whether another lender's criteria may suit you better, before you make another application.

Will it cost me anything to talk to you?

No. Your first consultation and discussions with your adviser are free. If you go ahead, our mortgage fee is typically £795, and you'll have it in writing before you commit to anything. See our fees.

I was declined because of bad credit. Can you help?

We may be able to. Read more on our bad credit mortgages page, or talk to us directly.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Talk to us about your decline

Tell us a little about what happened, and one of our advisers will get back to you. Your first consultation is free and there's no obligation.

By submitting this form, you agree to our privacy policy. We'll never share your information with third parties.
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