When applying for a mortgage in Manchester, your credit score plays a key role in what deals you may qualify for. While there’s no universal minimum score, your credit profile helps lenders decide whether to approve your application and on what terms.
As a mortgage broker, we regularly support first time buyers, home movers and those looking to remortgage in Manchester with a range of credit histories, including poor credit or no credit at all.
Here’s what you need to know about credit scores and how they affect your chances of getting a mortgage.
What is a credit score?
Your credit score is a numerical snapshot of how you’ve managed credit over time. It’s based on your payment history, debts, credit usage and more.
Credit reference agencies like Experian, Equifax and TransUnion all use different scoring systems, typically ranging from 0 to 999 or 1000.
A “good” score with one agency might be seen as “fair” with another, so it’s important to check your score with multiple sources.
Can I get a mortgage with a high credit score?
Having a high credit score in Manchester will usually improve your chances of accessing better interest rates and lower-risk products. Some lenders reserve their most competitive rates for applicants with a score above a certain threshold.
That said, even with excellent credit, a mortgage isn’t guaranteed. Lenders also assess your income, deposit, employment status and the property itself.
It’s always worth checking with a mortgage advisor in Manchester before applying for a high-tier product.
Can I get a mortgage with a low credit score?
Yes, it’s possible to get a mortgage in Manchester even with a lower credit score. While your options may be limited to specialist lenders or higher interest rates, you could still be accepted.
Many factors affect mortgage approval beyond just your score, such as your income stability and deposit size. Some applicants with a lower score and strong affordability can still secure a mortgage, especially with expert help.
What if I’m young and have no credit history?
This is common among first time buyers in Manchester. A low score doesn’t always mean poor credit, it could simply reflect limited credit activity.
You might still be able to get a mortgage, especially through schemes like Shared Ownership or with help from a guarantor or gifted deposit.
The important thing is to show that you’re financially stable and ready to take on monthly repayments.
How do I check my credit score?
Before applying for a mortgage in Manchester, it’s a good idea to check your credit score with one or more of the main UK credit reference agencies. The most popular ones include:
- Experian
- Equifax
- TransUnion
Each of these agencies has its own scoring system, and most now offer free access to your report either directly or through partner apps like CheckMyFile, ClearScore, Credit Karma or MoneySuperMarket.
We recommend using CheckMyFile because it combines data from three leading credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
You’ll get a free 30-day trial, and you can download a full PDF copy of your report instantly. It’s easy to cancel online if you don’t want to continue after the trial.
Try it FREE for 30 days, then £14.99 a month – cancel online anytime.
Checking your score won’t affect your credit file. It’s known as a soft credit search, which means lenders can’t see it. This allows you to stay informed about your credit health without causing any harm to your mortgage chances.
By checking your score early, you’ll have time to fix any errors, improve your credit habits, or prepare additional documentation if your credit history is less than perfect.
Date Last Edited: June 20, 2025
