A default is recorded on your credit file when you miss several payments on a credit agreement and the lender formally closes the account. Defaults stay on your credit file for 6 years but many specialist mortgage lenders will still consider your application.
What Is a Default?
A default is registered on your credit file when you've consistently failed to make payments on a credit agreement. Lenders typically issue a default notice after 3–6 months of missed payments. It can be from credit cards, loans, utilities, or mobile phone contracts.
Your Options by Default Status
| Default Status | Typical Deposit | Lender Options |
|---|---|---|
| Satisfied, 3+ years, small | 10–15% | Some mainstream + specialist |
| Satisfied, 1–3 years | 15–20% | Specialist lenders |
| Unsatisfied | 20–25% | Limited specialist |
| Multiple large defaults | 25%+ | Very limited |
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get a mortgage with defaults?
- Yes — many lenders accept defaults, especially if they're satisfied and over 2 years old. The size, number, and type of default all affect your options.
- How many defaults can I have and still get a mortgage?
- There's no fixed limit, but fewer defaults mean more options. Some lenders accept up to 3 satisfied defaults totalling under £1,000.
- Do defaults disappear after 6 years?
- Yes — defaults are removed from your credit file exactly 6 years after the date of the default, regardless of when you paid them.
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