Yes — but timing, type, and frequency matter.
A missed payment on your credit file doesn’t automatically block you from getting a mortgage. But depending on how recent or frequent those missed payments are, some lenders may be more cautious than others.
Here’s what you need to know.
📉 How Do Missed Payments Affect a Mortgage Application?
Lenders check your credit report for recent missed payments because they indicate potential financial instability. But they’ll also look at:
- What you missed (credit card vs. mortgage vs. phone bill)
- How long ago it happened
- How many times you’ve missed payments
- Whether you’ve brought the account up to date
💡 A one-off missed payment a year ago is very different to frequent missed payments in the last 3 months.
🧠 What Lenders Want to See
✅ The missed payment is an isolated incident
✅ It happened more than 6–12 months ago
✅ You’ve since maintained good credit behaviour
✅ You can provide an explanation, such as illness or a banking error
Some specialist lenders will still consider you, even with multiple missed payments — but you may need a larger deposit or face slightly higher rates.
🧾 Does the Type of Payment Matter?
Yes — here’s how lenders often rank the seriousness:
| Type of Debt | Impact |
|---|---|
| Mortgage/Rent | 🔴 High concern |
| Utility Bills/Council Tax | 🔴 High concern |
| Credit Cards/Loans | 🟠 Medium concern |
| Phone or Catalogue | 🟢 Lower concern |
💷 How to Strengthen Your Application
✅ Keep all accounts up to date going forward
✅ Avoid any new missed payments
✅ Save a bigger deposit (especially if under 85% LTV)
✅ Get a broker to match you with flexible lenders
✅ Download and review your full credit report (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
💬 Let’s Talk About Your Options
One missed payment doesn’t define you. I work with lenders who understand real life happens — and I’ll help you find the most forgiving and affordable route to homeownership.
✅ Bad credit-friendly advice
✅ Support with lender matching
✅ Realistic assessment of your chances