First-Time Buyer Mortgage with No Credit History

If you're a first-time buyer in the UK with no credit history, getting a mortgage is still possible, but you might face stricter requirements from lenders.

Without a credit record, lenders have no way of seeing how you've managed money in the past, so they may view you as a higher risk. Because of this, you could be asked to put down a larger deposit, and the mortgage deals available to you might come with higher interest rates compared to someone with a well-established credit profile.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a first-time buyer mortgage with no credit history in the UK, including how lenders view your situation, what your options are, and how to improve your chances of mortgage approval.

Looking for help with a mortgage as a first-time buyer without credit history? call Infinite Finance London at 020 3813 7800 for tailored mortgage advice.

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What Does "No Credit History" Actually Mean?

Having no credit history doesn't mean you're bad with money, it simply means you haven't borrowed in a way that's been recorded by the major credit reference agencies. You might have never taken out a credit card, a loan, or even a mobile phone contract in your name. As a result, there's little for lenders to assess when they review your mortgage application.

In the UK, most lenders rely heavily on your credit score to determine whether you're a trustworthy borrower. Without one, they may consider you a higher risk, but that doesn't mean your homeownership dreams are over.

Can You Get a First-Time Buyer Mortgage with No Credit History?

Yes, you can get a mortgage with no credit history, but you'll likely need to approach the right lenders, or better yet, work with a specialist mortgage broker who understands your circumstances.

Some lenders are more flexible than others

While many high-street banks rely heavily on automated credit checks, specialist mortgage lenders look at the bigger picture. They may be more interested in your income, your employment status, and your ability to save for a deposit.

This is especially true for first-time buyers, who often have no or limited credit simply because they haven't had the chance to build a financial track record.

Why Do Lenders Care About Your Credit History?

Lenders use your credit history to assess how likely you are to keep up with your mortgage repayments. If you've never had credit, lenders have no evidence of how you handle borrowing, which makes it harder for them to say yes.

But there are ways to prove your reliability without a credit file. For instance, consistent rent payments, a stable income, and a healthy savings record can all work in your favour.

Common Reasons You May Not Have a Credit History

If you're applying for a first-time buyer mortgage in the UK and find yourself without any credit history, don't panic, you're not alone. There are several perfectly normal reasons why someone might not have a credit profile yet, especially if you're just starting out financially.

Here are some of the most common reasons:

1. You've Never Taken Out Credit Before

If you've never had a credit card, personal loan, or any type of finance agreement in your name, then there's simply no borrowing history for credit reference agencies to record. This is one of the most typical scenarios for young first-time buyers.

2. You Always Pay with Cash or Debit

People who are financially cautious and prefer to avoid debt often rely solely on cash or debit cards. While that's a smart approach to managing money, it doesn't help build your credit score because credit agencies can't track your spending or repayment habits.

3. You're Not on the Electoral Roll

If you're not registered to vote at your current address, this can affect your credit profile. Lenders use the electoral roll to verify your identity and address history. If you're not listed, your credit report may appear incomplete or less trustworthy.

4. You've Recently Moved to the UK

New to the UK? Even if you had excellent credit in another country, UK lenders can't see that history. You'll need to start building a UK credit record from scratch, which is a common challenge for expats or returning British citizens.

5. All Household Bills Are in Someone Else's Name

If you live with family or a partner and the utility bills, internet, or council tax accounts are in their name, you're missing out on easy ways to demonstrate financial responsibility. Lenders prefer to see your name linked to regular payments.

6. You're Young or a Student

If you've only recently turned 18 or have been in full-time education, you may not have had the opportunity, or the need, to take out any form of credit. This makes it difficult for lenders to assess your borrowing behaviour.

No credit history doesn't mean bad credit; it just means lenders don't have enough information yet. The good news is that there are steps you can take to build credit and increase your chances of mortgage approval.

How to Get a Mortgage with No Credit History as a First-Time Buyer

Applying for a mortgage as a first-time buyer in the UK can already feel overwhelming, and if you have no credit history, it might seem even more daunting. But don't worry. While it's true that having a limited credit file can make things trickier, it's still possible to secure your first-time buyer mortgage with the right approach and support.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get a mortgage with no credit history:

1. Work with a Specialist Mortgage Broker

Your first and most important step is to speak with a mortgage broker who specialises in helping buyers with no or limited credit. At Infinite Finance London, we've helped many clients in your position, and we know which lenders are most open to considering alternative evidence of financial responsibility.

Because not all lenders treat applicants with no credit history equally, having a broker with access to specialist mortgage lenders can make all the difference.

2. Save a Larger Deposit if Possible

If you don't have a traditional credit score, having a larger mortgage deposit can improve your chances of being accepted. Most lenders will require at least a 10% deposit, but if you can manage 15–20%, it can make your application stronger and help you access better deals, even with no credit history.

Lenders see a larger deposit as reducing their risk, which is especially important when you don't have a detailed credit file.

3. Provide Strong Proof of Financial Stability

In place of a credit history, lenders will want to see that you're financially stable and capable of repaying your mortgage. You'll need to pull together alternative evidence, such as:

• Payslips and employment contracts
• Bank statements showing consistent income and savings
• Proof of rent payments (from tenancy agreements or a letter from your landlord)
• Utility bills or council tax payments in your name
• Additional documents to demonstrate your financial responsibility

4. Consider Guarantor or Joint Mortgages

If you're struggling to get approved alone, a guarantor mortgage or joint mortgage with a family member who has a stronger credit profile could help.

These options provide extra assurance to lenders and can help you get onto the property ladder sooner, especially as a first-time buyer with no credit history.

5. Avoid Applying to High Street Lenders First

Mainstream or high street banks typically rely heavily on automated systems and strict credit score thresholds. If you don't meet their criteria, you risk being rejected outright, and too many rejected applications can damage your chances further.

Instead, let your mortgage broker direct you to lenders that are more flexible and who assess applications on a case-by-case basis (sometimes through manual underwriting).

6. Get Pre-Approved Before House Hunting

Before you start viewing properties, it's smart to get a mortgage in principle. This is a conditional agreement from a lender stating how much they're likely to lend you, based on your current financial circumstances. It gives you confidence and helps estate agents and sellers see you as a serious buyer.

7. Be Patient and Prepared

Getting a first-time buyer mortgage with no credit history may take a bit more time and effort, but it's entirely achievable with the right preparation. Be honest about your situation, follow the guidance of your mortgage broker, and don't rush into applications without a solid plan.

Should You Build Your Credit Score Before Applying?

If you're not in a rush to buy, spending a few months building credit could get you a wider range of mortgage options and better interest rates.

But if you've found the perfect home or need to move quickly, you can still get a mortgage with no credit history, you may just need to be more flexible with your deposit size or interest rate.

Our mortgage adviser can help you weigh up your options and make the right call based on your priorities.

How to Build Credit Before Applying for a Mortgage

If you want to boost your credit before applying, here are some simple steps you can take:

• Register on the electoral roll at your current address
• Open a UK bank account if you don't already have one
• Take out a credit builder credit card and pay off the balance in full every month
• Put a utility bill (gas, electricity, water) in your name
• Get a mobile phone contract – making payments on time helps build your credit profile

These actions show lenders that you're capable of managing financial commitments, and the longer you maintain them, the stronger your credit file becomes.

How Long Does It Take to Build Credit?

In most cases, it can take around six months of responsible credit usage to start seeing an improvement in your credit score. The key is consistency: keep your accounts in good standing, make payments on time, and avoid applying for too many credit products in one go.

Even if you're not planning to apply for a mortgage straight away, starting now can make a real difference later.

Will You Need a Bigger Deposit with No Credit History?

Not always, but it helps. Lenders tend to be more comfortable offering mortgages to applicants with larger deposits, especially if you have no credit history. A deposit of 10% to 20% of the property's value is common, but every case is different.

If you can save more, you'll usually have access to better rates. But don't worry if you're not quite there yet, we'll help you explore the best route based on what you can afford now.

What Mortgage Products Are Available for Buyers with No Credit History?

You may be eligible for:

• Guarantor mortgages: Where a family member agrees to cover repayments if you can't
• Joint mortgages: Applying with someone who has a credit history can strengthen your application
• Specialist lender mortgages: Designed specifically for buyers in non-standard situations
• First-time buyer mortgage schemes: Including Help to Buy, Shared Ownership, or First Homes (depending on your location and eligibility)

Your options will depend on your income, deposit, and overall financial situation.

How to Apply for a Mortgage with No Credit

The smartest way to get a mortgage with no credit is to work with a specialist mortgage broker, and that's exactly what we are.

By working with Infinite Finance London, you:

• Avoid unnecessary rejections that could hurt your score
• Gain access to lenders who consider applications beyond your credit file
• Get expert guidance on improving your eligibility
• Receive full support from enquiry to completion

We'll help you understand your options, prepare your documents, and find a mortgage deal that suits your needs, even if your credit history is minimal or non-existent.

Why Choose a Specialist Mortgage Broker?

At Infinite Finance London, we know that every buyer's journey is different. Just because you don't have a traditional credit history doesn't mean you shouldn't own a home.

Here's how we help:

• Access to specialist lenders who accept non-standard applications
• Support from start to finish, including paperwork and lender negotiation
• Free credit checks and personalised advice on improving eligibility
• Guidance on government schemes for first-time buyers

Need Help Buying Your First Home with No Credit History?

At Infinite Finance London, we specialise in helping first-time buyers in the UK who have no credit history. We'll take the time to understand your circumstances, help you gather the necessary documents, and match you with the best lenders for your unique profile.

Whether you're ready to buy now or you're planning ahead, our expert brokers are here to support you at every stage of your journey, from your first enquiry to getting the keys to your new home.

If you need help with getting a mortgage as a first-time buyer with no credit history, contact Infinite Finance London at 020 3813 7800 to understand your options.