13 March 2026 | Written by Shideh Mirashrafi
Bridging Loans and Buy to Let Mortgages with Bad Credit: A Complete Guide for Property Investors
Can you get a bridging loan or buy‑to‑let mortgage with bad credit?
The answer is yes — you may still be able to, especially when working with a specialist lender that takes a practical, case‑by‑case approach.
Many investors and landlords experience bumps in their credit history. But past financial issues don’t always reflect the strength of today’s opportunities. In this guide, we explain how Mercantile Trust assesses adverse credit and how you may still be eligible for bridging or buy‑to‑let finance even with imperfect credit.
Why Bad Credit Doesn’t Always Stop Property Finance
High‑street lenders rely heavily on automated credit scoring. Even small historical issues can result in an automatic decline.
Mercantile Trust takes a more flexible approach by looking at the whole application, including:
- Property value and security
- Loan‑to‑value (LTV)
- Borrower experience
- Exit strategy (for bridging loans)
- The story behind any credit issues
This common‑sense underwriting allows us to consider applications that don’t meet strict mainstream lending rules.
How Mercantile Trust Assesses Different Types of Adverse Credit
The following assessments are based on Mercantile Trust’s criteria and approach, not the general market. Other lenders may assess these credit events differently.
1. Mortgage or Secured Loan Arrears
- 1 status unit per arrear within the last 12 months
- Late or partial payments within the same month may be ignored
- Arrears older than 12 months may not be counted
- Historic arrears may be assessed based on the instalment amount
This helps distinguish temporary delays from long‑term financial problems.
2. Defaults
Defaults are assessed individually. Mercantile Trust may:
- Assign 1 status unit per default
- Ignore defaults under £300
- Ignore satisfied defaults under £3,000
- Ignore defaults older than 12 months
This allows flexibility for borrowers whose credit issues are small or historic.
3. CCJs
Mercantile Trust may:
- Assign 1 status unit per CCJ
- Ignore CCJs under £300
- Ignore satisfied CCJs under £3,000
- Ignore CCJs older than 12 months
This ensures focus stays on recent and more meaningful credit behaviour.
4. Credit Card, Unsecured Loan, & Utility Arrears
- 1 status unit per account in arrears
- Ignore balances under £300
- Ignore accounts with two or fewer missed payments
This avoids penalising borrowers for minor or short‑term issues.
5. Credit Events Often Ignored by Mercantile Trust
- Missed mobile phone payments
- Missed mail‑order payments
- Discharged bankruptcies over 3 years old
- Settled Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVAs) over 3 years old
These situations are often considered historic and low‑impact.
Why Bridging Loans Are Popular for Borrowers with Adverse Credit
Bridging finance is fast, flexible, and asset‑based — meaning the property and exit strategy often matter more than the credit score.
Common uses include:
- Auction purchases
- Refurbishment and conversions
- Buying unmortgageable properties
- Chain breaks
- Short‑term refinancing
- Acquiring HMOs or multi‑unit blocks
This makes bridging loans suitable for investors who need speed and may not meet high‑street lending criteria.
From Bridging to Buy‑to‑Let: Improving Your Position Over Time
Many investors choose to:
- Use a bridging loan to acquire or improve the property
- Refinance onto a buy‑to‑let mortgage once works are completed
This strategy works well when:
- The property value increases
- Rental income improves
- Credit history has stabilised
Refinancing can also help reduce monthly costs and release equity.
Speak to Mercantile Trust About Your Finance Options
If you're looking for a bridging loan or buy‑to‑let mortgage and have a history of adverse credit, our team may be able to help.
We work with property investors, landlords, and intermediaries across the UK, offering practical lending solutions designed for real‑world situations.
Reviewed by: Tara Evans, Chief Executive
Frequently asked questions
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