If you’re preparing to buy a home, understanding how to improve your credit score for a mortgage is one of the most important steps you can take. A stronger score gives you access to better interest rates, more lenders, and a smoother approval process.
This guide from the Mortgage Advice Center explains how UK lenders assess your credit profile—and exactly what you can do now to increase your score before applying. If you need personalised advice, you can contact us anytime.
1. Check Your Credit Report With All Three Agencies
The first step in how to improve your credit score for a mortgage is checking your reports with all three major UK credit reference agencies:
- Experian
- Equifax
- TransUnion
What to look for
- Incorrect addresses or outdated details
- Old financial links to ex-partners
- Duplicate accounts
- Unknown credit searches
- Possible fraud indicators
If you already have negative items on your file, read our guide on how to apply for a mortgage with bad credit .
2. Register on the Electoral Roll
One of the simplest ways to improve your credit score for a mortgage is to ensure you’re registered to vote at your current address.
Why it matters
Lenders use the electoral roll to confirm your identity and stability. Being registered can give your score a quick easy boost.
3. Keep Your Credit Utilisation Low
Credit utilisation—how much of your available credit you use—is one of the biggest factors in your score.
Ideal utilisation for mortgage approval
- Under 30% per card
- Under 20% is even better
For example, if your credit limit is £2,000, try to stay below £600.
4. Pay Every Bill on Time
Payment history is a crucial part of how to improve your credit score for a mortgage. Even one missed payment can affect you for six years.
Bills that must NEVER be missed
- Credit cards
- Loans
- Phone contracts
- Utilities
- Car payments
- Buy Now Pay Later (Klarna, Clearpay)
5. Avoid Hard Credit Searches Before Applying
Too many recent credit applications can damage your chances of getting a mortgage.
Avoid applying for:
- New credit cards
- Car finance
- Store credit
- Large overdrafts
If you’d like us to check how your file may look to lenders, speak with our advisers.
6. Reduce or Clear Debts Where Possible
Lower overall debt improves both your credit score and your mortgage affordability assessment.
Focus on reducing:
- Credit card balances
- Overdraft usage
- Outstanding loans
For an estimate of what you may be able to borrow, visit our mortgage borrowing calculator.
7. Build Credit History if Your File Is Thin
If you have little or no credit history, lenders may struggle to score you. This can affect your chances even if you’ve never missed a payment.
How to build credit quickly
- Use a credit builder card
- Spend small amounts and repay in full
- Keep balances low
8. Keep Well-Managed Old Accounts Open
The age of your accounts helps lenders understand your long-term financial behaviour. Closing old accounts can sometimes lower your score.
9. Keep Your Bank Accounts Looking Sensible
Lenders may check for:
- Gambling transactions
- Unarranged overdrafts
- Bounced direct debits
- Large unexplained payments
For a personalised check, you can contact our team.
10. Remove Old Financial Links
If you previously shared a loan or account with someone (often an ex-partner), you may still be financially linked on your credit file.
Why remove old links?
Their financial behaviour can affect your score—even if you no longer have any relationship.
How Long Does It Take to Improve Your Credit Score for a Mortgage?
- 1–6 weeks: Fixing errors, electoral roll updates
- 2–3 months: Reducing balances, consistent payments
- 6–12 months: Recovering from missed payments or defaults
Also see our guide on tips for getting a mortgage.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Improve Your Credit Score for a Mortgage
What is the fastest way to improve your credit score for a mortgage?
The quickest improvements usually come from correcting errors on your credit report, registering on the electoral roll, lowering credit card balances, and ensuring all bills are paid on time.
How long does it take to increase your credit score before a mortgage?
Small improvements can show in 1–6 weeks, but major improvements often take 2–3 months. If you’ve had missed payments, full recovery can take 6–12 months.
What credit score is needed for a mortgage in the UK?
There is no single required score because each lender uses different criteria. However, higher scores give you more lender options and better interest rates.
Does checking your own credit score affect your mortgage chances?
No. Checking your credit report is a soft search and does not affect your score.
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?
Yes, but your interest rate may be higher. Improving your score before applying can significantly increase your chances of approval. Read our guide: How to apply for a mortgage with bad credit.
Does paying off a credit card improve your credit score?
Yes. Lower credit utilisation is one of the most effective ways to improve your credit score for a mortgage.
Does being on the electoral roll improve your credit?
Yes. Being registered to vote helps lenders verify your identity and can improve your credit score quickly.
Important Information
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute personal financial advice. Mortgage recommendations will always be based on your individual circumstances, credit profile, and affordability assessment.
Mortgage approval is subject to status, credit checks, and lender criteria. Improving your credit score does not guarantee mortgage acceptance, as each lender applies its own underwriting policies.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. There may be a fee for mortgage advice.
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