Can I Get a Mortgage if I Have a Criminal Record?
Detailed guidance from the leading UK mortgage brokers to help you assess how your criminal record might impact your mortgage eligibility and how to structure an application to help you proceed with your planned property purchase and look forward to the future.
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Can I Get a Mortgage if I Have a Criminal Record?
Millions of people have a criminal record and worry that they won't find a mortgage due to having a history of convictions.
In this guide, the Revolution Brokers team explains how criminal records impact your mortgage application and what you can do if you're concerned about being eligible for a home loan.
For more information with a mortgage application alongside a criminal record, give us a call on 0330 304 3040, or drop a message to [email protected].
How Does Having a Criminal Record Impact My Mortgage Application?
In short, it depends on whether the conviction has since been spent. Serious convictions with jail time can be more challenging than a minor offence.
Spent convictions are effectively ignored in most cases. This happens after a set period, depending on the offence and the sentence given.
For example, if you had a fine for a driving offence, this might become spent after one year. A prison term of three years would be spent after seven years, over and above the sentence.
Some lenders are happy to lend to applicants with a record. In contrast, others have strict lending rules, so it's essential to apply through an experienced broker who can ensure you apply to the right mortgage provider.
Many people come to us confused about whether their conviction is spent or unspent. This factor is essential because this affects whether they have to disclose their conviction legally or not.
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Can I Get a Mortgage with Unspent Criminal Convictions?
If you have a conviction that isn't yet spent, it will show up on the records check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (previously known as a CRB). Serious crimes and prison sentences over four years remain unspent forever.
You must disclose such convictions on your application, as these will always be flagged. Failure to disclose such an issue can be considered fraudulent and lead to prosecution.
Again, your chance of mortgage approval depends on the lender's policies and the nature of the conviction on your criminal record.
Can I Confirm Whether I Have an Unspent Conviction Before Applying for a Mortgage?
You can indeed, and it is strongly advisable to do so if you aren't sure. Several charities offer support for convicted criminals who can assist with this.
There is a charity called Unlock that provides a confidential service whereby you can use a disclosure calculator to find out whether your conviction has now been spent.
Do I Have to Disclose a Criminal Record on my Mortgage Application?
You do, yes, although this information is usually required at the full application stage. Most lenders won't ask about a criminal record when an applicant is seeking an initial mortgage offer in principle.
Lenders will also carry out the standard affordability and eligibility checks. These include information about your income, debts, credit history and employment.
Some lenders will offer a mortgage to applicants with a criminal record but ask for a higher deposit or less competitive interest rates if they feel there is a higher risk factor.
Can I Apply for a Mortgage with a Criminal Conviction?
There is no reason you can't find a mortgage. Still, it is vital to work with an independent broker who can identify which lenders will accept applications from people with a criminal record.
If you are concerned about finding a mortgage or have been rejected by another lender, contact mortgage advisors on 0330 304 3040, or drop us a message at [email protected] to explore the options with you.
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FCA disclaimer
The content included in our articles, blogs, web pages and news publications is based on information accurate at the time of writing. Note that policies and criteria can change regularly throughout the UK mortgage lending market, and it remains essential to contact the consultation team to receive up to date guidance. The information included on the Revolution Brokers site is not bespoke to any circumstances or individual application scenarios and therefore is not intended to be used as financial advice. The content we share is designed to be informative and helpful but cannot be relied upon to provide individual advice relevant to your mortgage requirements. All Revolution team members are fully qualified, trained and experienced to provide mortgage advice of an independent nature.
We collaborate with lenders and providers who are regulated, authorised and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Should you require specific mortgage borrowing types, some products such as buy to let mortgages may not be FCA regulated. The Revolution team can provide further information about regulated and unregulated lending as required. Please remember that a mortgage is a debt which is secured against your home or property. Your home can be at risk of repossession if you do not keep up with the repayments or encounter any other difficulties in managing your mortgage borrowing responsibly. This also applies to any remortgage or home loan secured against your property, including equity release products.