One of the most common questions from first-time buyers is: "Is my credit score high enough to get a mortgage?" The truth is, there is no single 'magic number'. Different lenders use different credit reference agencies, and each agency uses a different scoring scale.
The Scoring Scales Explained
Here is what the three main UK agencies consider a 'Good' or 'Excellent' score — the ranges where you will access the best mortgage rates:
- Experian (0-999): Good is 881-960. Excellent is 961-999.
- Equifax (0-1000): Good is 531-670. Excellent is 811-1000.
- TransUnion (0-710): Good is 604-627. Excellent is 628-710.
Can you get a mortgage with a 'Fair' or 'Poor' score?
Yes, but it will cost you. High street banks (like Halifax, Santander, or HSBC) typically require a 'Good' score and a clean file with no recent missed payments. If your score is 'Fair' or 'Poor', you will likely need to use a specialist adverse-credit lender.
These specialist lenders charge significantly higher interest rates and usually demand a larger deposit (often 15% to 25%). Over a 25-year term, a subprime mortgage can cost tens of thousands of pounds more in interest.
It is not just about the number
Mortgage underwriters look past the score to the raw data. Even with a score of 900, you can be rejected if your credit utilisation is maxed out, if you are not on the electoral roll, or if you have heavy, recent use of Buy Now Pay Later services.