How Do Bad Credit Secured Loans Work?
1
Property provides security:
Your home acts as collateral, reducing lender risk despite poor credit.
2
Flexible credit assessment:
Lenders focus more on equity and affordability than credit scores.
3
Specialist underwriting:
Experienced teams assess applications individually, not just by computer scoring.
4
Competitive rates possible:
Rates often much lower than unsecured bad credit options.
5
Rebuilding opportunity:
Successful repayments help improve your credit score over time.
Bad Credit Secured Loan Options
Credit Situation | Typical Rates | Maximum LTV | Lenders Available |
Minor credit issues | 5.9%-12.9% | Up to 85% | Mainstream and specialist |
CCJs/defaults | 7.9%-15.9% | Up to 80% | Specialist lenders |
Missed payments | 8.9%-17.9% | Up to 75% | Specialist lenders |
Debt management plans | 9.9%-18.9% | Up to 70% | Near-prime specialists |
Previous bankruptcies | 10.9%-19.9% | Up to 65% | Adverse credit specialists |
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Credit Issues That Can Be Accepted
Recently Resolved:
- County Court Judgments (CCJs)
- Defaults on credit agreements
- Missed mortgage or loan payments
- Credit card payment problems
- Utility bill arrears
Historical Issues:
- Previous bankruptcies (discharged)
- Individual Voluntary Arrangements (completed)
- Debt Relief Orders
- Mortgage possession (previous)
- Business failures
Current Situations:
- Debt management plans
- Consolidating existing arrears
- Self-employed with limited credit history
- Recently divorced or separated
Bad Credit Secured Loan Example
Feature | Details |
Scenario: | £75,000 loan for debt consolidation |
Applicant: | Homeowner with £15,000 CCJs and defaults |
Property value: | £350,000 |
Existing mortgage: | £180,000 |
Available equity: | £170,000 |
Loan offered: | £75,000 at 11.9% APR over 15 years |
Monthly payment: | £875 |
Previous unsecured debt payments: | £1,450+ per month |
Monthly saving: | £575+ (£6,900 annually) |
Costs for Bad Credit Secured Loans
Fee Type | Typical Range |
Arrangement fee | 1-3% of loan amount |
Higher lending charge | 0.5-2% for higher LTV loans |
Valuation fee | £200-£800 (often free) |
Legal fees | £400-£1,000 |
Broker fee | 0.5-2% (if using broker) |
Early repayment | 1-6 months interest |
Improving Your Chances of Approval
Before Applying:
- Check your credit report for errors and correct them
- Register on the electoral roll at your current address
- Pay down existing debts where possible
- Avoid making multiple credit applications
During Application:
- Provide complete and accurate information
- Explain any credit issues with supporting evidence
- Show stable income and employment
- Demonstrate how the loan will improve your situation
Bad Credit Secured Loans vs Alternatives
vs Guarantor Loans:
- No need to involve family/friends
- Higher borrowing amounts available
- Potentially lower interest rates
- Property at risk vs guarantor’s assets
vs Payday/Short-term Loans:
- Much lower interest rates
- Longer, manageable repayment terms
- Larger amounts available
- Longer application process
vs Credit Repair then Mainstream Borrowing:
- Immediate access to funds
- Opportunity to consolidate and improve credit
- Higher rates than prime lending
Unsure which Bad Credit Secured loan option is right for you?
If you’re unsure which Bad Credit Secured loan option is right for you – call today to speak with one of our loan experts or talk with us via our live advisor help chat.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bad Credit Secured Loans
Secured loan lenders can be very flexible – even bankruptcy may be acceptable if discharged and you have sufficient equity.
Initial searches may cause a small temporary dip, but successful loan management will improve your score over time.
Yes, though you’ll need to provide additional documentation like tax returns and bank statements.
Typically 3-6 weeks, though some specialist lenders can complete faster for urgent cases.
Key takeaways
- Property security makes lending possible even with serious credit problems
- Rates are higher than prime lending but much lower than unsecured bad credit options
- Successful repayments help rebuild your credit score for the future
- Specialist lenders understand complex situations and assess individually
Don’t Let Bad Credit Stop You
Speak to bad credit lending specialists — get expert assessment of your options despite past problems.