Unlocking £391k for Clients with Adverse Credit: A Specialist Lending Success Story

For mortgage brokers, a client’s credit history is often the primary roadblock to completion. High-street lenders still rely on rigid and automated scoring, often rejecting applicants with missed payments and/or irregular income. In this environment, the role of a specialist lender is no longer niche; it is vital. 

The data reveals a challenging landscape for many aspiring homeowners. Research LendInvest conducted in autumn 2025 found that one in five (20%) adults have missed a payment on a credit card in the last 12 months, a figure that rises to 25% for those with complex income structures. Consequently, 26% of those surveyed have been turned down for a mortgage, with 18% citing credit history as the primary reason. Furthermore, 35% of respondents have felt discouraged from applying to high street banks specifically due to their employment status or income streams.

At LendInvest, we look beyond credit scores. We have refined our criteria to support brokers helping clients with adverse credit, including unsatisfied defaults and CCJs. By prioritising human underwriting, we may be able to support brokers and turn challenges into completions, with the hopes that past financial “blips” do not define a client’s future.

Case Study: Benefits Income and Adverse Credit

A broker approached us looking to support their client, a couple wanting to purchase a new home in the Hertfordshire area. They were seeking £391k in funding, and their down payment came from the equity being released from converting an existing mortgage to a buy-to-let.

The income used in our affordability assessments included benefit incomes from DLA, child benefit and a carer’s allowance.

Despite a verified deposit and verified income, the clients had a checkered credit history including defaults and missed payments on secured and unsecured debts. Thanks to the recent revamping of our credit criteria, our underwriters were able to place the clients into our Support tier.

Through our Mortgages Portal we were able to process the case quickly, and we utilised Open banking and an identity verification platform to reduce the paperwork provided by the broker. 

In the end, we were able to approve the application and fund £391k to complete the purchase of their new home. 

Residential Lending, Made Simple for Everyone:

• All types of adverse credit considered, including defaults and CCJs
• Missed communications/utilities payments and defaults are no longer adverse
• Complex and unique income streams allowed

If you have clients looking to purchase or remortgage their home that the high street tends to ignore, contact your local BDM today, we may be able to support. 

LendInvest Mortgages and LI Mortgages are registered trading names of LendInvest Loans Limited. LendInvest Loans Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:737073). LendInvest Loans Limited is a company registered in England & Wales (Company No. 09971600) and is a wholly owned subsidiary of LendInvest plc.

Regulated lending is provided via LendInvest Loans Limited (Company No. 09971600). Unregulated lending is provided by LendInvest BTL Limited (Company No. 10845703) and LendInvest Bridge Limited (Company No. 11651573), which are wholly owned subsidiaries of LendInvest plc.

Borrowing through LendInvest and its affiliates involves entering into a mortgage contract secured against property. Your property may be repossessed if you do not repay your mortgage in full.