In the UK, theres no set minimum credit score you need in order to buy a house. However, if youâre buying a house with a mortgage, your credit score must be high enough for lenders to be willing to offer you a mortgage. The exact score youâll need varies from lender to lender, as their approaches to risk can vary, so some will require higher scores than others. Here, we explain how credit scores work, and what sort of score youre likely to need if you want to buy a house.
Buying a house is an exciting milestone in life However, obtaining a mortgage can be stressful, especially if you are worried about your credit score You may be wondering, “What credit score do I need to buy a house in the UK?”
The truth is, there is no single credit score required to qualify for a mortgage. Lenders consider various factors when assessing mortgage applications, not just your credit score. That said, your creditworthiness does play an important role.
In this article we will break down everything you need to know about credit scores and mortgages, including
- What is a credit score and why does it matter?
- The credit scoring systems used by lenders
- What is considered a “good” credit score
- Whether you can get a mortgage with bad credit
- Tips for improving your credit score
- Other factors lenders consider besides your credit score
What Is a Credit Score and Why Does It Matter?
A credit score is a number between 0 and 999 that represents your creditworthiness. The higher the number, the more likely you are to repay debts on time.
Lenders use your credit score to quickly assess how risky it would be to lend to you. A high score signals you are a reliable borrower, while a low score suggests you could be a credit risk.
The main agencies that calculate credit scores in the UK are:
- Experian – Scores range from 0 to 999
- Equifax – Scores range from 0 to 700
- TransUnion – Scores range from 0 to 710
Lenders may check your score with one or more of these agencies when you apply for a mortgage.
Credit Scoring Systems Used by Mortgage Lenders
Most lenders focus on your FICO credit scores provided by the main credit agencies.
FICO scores range from 300 to 850. The higher the better when it comes to your chances of mortgage approval.
Here is a breakdown of the FICO credit ranges:
- 800-850 = Exceptional
- 740-799 = Very Good
- 670-739 = Good
- 580-669 = Fair
- 300-579 = Very Poor
In most cases, lenders will look at your middle FICO score if you have different scores with the three agencies.
Some lenders may also use custom scoring models or other credit rating systems specific to their underwriting requirements.
What Is Considered a “Good” Credit Score?
Credit score requirements vary by lender, but generally you need a FICO score of at least 620 to qualify for a conventional mortgage with decent terms.
- 720+ is considered excellent credit
- 680-719 is classified as good
- 620-679 falls into the fair range
With a score in the good to excellent range (680+), you can expect to qualify for the best mortgage rates. A fair credit score (620-679) means you can likely still get approved, but your interest rate may be higher.
Can You Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?
Yes, it is possible to get a mortgage with bad credit, but your options will be more limited.
Here are some tips if your credit score falls under 620:
- Shop for lenders that work with bad credit – Some specialize in subprime mortgages
- Consider an FHA loan – Require just a 500 credit score
- Make a larger down payment if possible – Lowers lender risk
- Work to improve your credit before applying – More on this below!
Even with poor credit, Mortgage Genie’s experts may be able to match you with specialized mortgage lenders that look at your entire financial profile, not just your credit score.
How to Improve Your Credit Score
If your credit score needs work, taking steps to improve it now can expand your mortgage opportunities down the road. It takes time, but credit scores are fluid rather than fixed.
Here are some tips for credit score improvement:
- Pay all bills on time – Payment history is very influential
- Pay down credit card and loan balances – Lower credit utilization helps
- Limit new credit applications – Too many dings your score
- Check credit reports for errors – Dispute any inaccuracies
- Become an authorized user on someone’s account – To build positive history
With diligence and patience, you can raise your credit score significantly in 6 months to a year.
Other Factors Lenders Consider Besides Your Credit Score
While your credit score carries weight, lenders look at other variables too, such as:
- Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio – Total debts versus income
- Down payment amount – More down lowers risk
- Employment and income – Steady jobs and income aid approval
- Loan type – Government programs offer more flexibility
So if your credit score is marginal, having other positive attributes can still help you qualify and land better terms.
The Bottom Line
There is no one credit score requirement to buy a home in the UK. While excellent credit in the 720+ range gives you the most options, you can potentially get approved with a score as low as 500.
The most important thing is understanding where your credit stands today and taking steps to strengthen it if needed. Even modest improvements can expand your mortgage possibilities.
At Mortgage Genie, our experts know how to identify lenders willing to look at the full picture, not just your credit score. We find the best mortgage solutions for your unique situation. Feel free to get in touch for personalized advice and a fast quote comparison.
 What is a good credit score? Â
The definition of a good credit score is different for every credit reference agency. For example, according to Experian, a credit score of 700 or above is generally considered good, while your score is excellent if it is 800 or above. An excellent score with Equifax would usually be around the 475 mark. With TransUnion, based on your credit score you are given a rating out of five. A score between 628 and 710 is given the highest rating of 5, which is considered excellent. A high score means that lenders are more likely to consider you a lower risk as a borrower.
What is a credit score? Â
Your credit score is determined by the three credit reference agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. These agencies are all separate from each other, so theyll each give you different scores. For example, your Experian score will be out of 999, whereas your Equifax score will be out of 700, and TransUnionâs is out of 710. You may find you get a different score from each agency, but as long as the information they have about you is correct, this wont affect your ability to borrow. As a general rule, the smaller the mortgage deposit you have to put down, the better your credit score will need to be for lenders to accept your mortgage application.
Best Home Loan for First Time Home Buyer With 700 Credit Score or Better
FAQ
Is 700 a good credit score to buy a house?
Yes, a 700 credit score is considered good by mortgage lenders and qualifies you for various home loan options. It indicates responsible credit history and puts you in a favorable position for conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans.
Can you get a mortgage with a credit score of 600?
… which classify scores of 600 as fair, so if your circumstances meet your chosen lender’s other criteria, it may be possible to get approval for a mortgageMar 18, 2025
Is 940 a good credit score?
We provide a score from between 0-999 and consider a ‘good’ score to be anywhere between 881 and 960, with ‘fair’ or average between 721 and 880.
How can I raise my credit score 100 points in 30 days?