A second-charge mortgage is an excellent way to release equity from your property without remortgaging your current deal. Whether you’re looking to consolidate debt, fund a renovation project, or cover an unexpected expense, a second-charge mortgage could be the solution you need.
A second charge mortgage is secured against the equity in your home, sitting alongside your existing mortgage. It allows you to borrow money while keeping your current mortgage terms intact. This can be a cost-effective way to access funds, especially if your current mortgage has a high early repayment charge or a favourable interest rate you’d like to keep.
There are several reasons why homeowners choose this option:
With flexible terms and competitive rates, a 2nd charge mortgage provides financial freedom while maintaining your current mortgage deal.
A second-charge mortgage may not be suitable for everyone. Our team will carefully assess your financial situation to ensure it’s the right option for you. We’ll provide clear advice and support every step of the way.
The amount you can borrow will vary depending on the lender, your financial situation, and the equity in your property. Some lenders may allow a combined loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of up to 85%, covering both your existing mortgage and the 2nd charge mortgage.
For example, if your property is valued at £250,000 and your current mortgage balance is £125,000, your current LTV is 50%. If a lender offers an LTV of up to 85%, you could potentially borrow an additional £87,500 for your 2nd charge mortgage (£125,000 + £87,500 = £212,500, which equals 85% of £250,000).
The actual amount you can borrow will depend on several factors, including:
Having bad credit doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t qualify for a second-charge mortgage. While some lenders may have stricter criteria, others specialise in helping borrowers with less-than-perfect credit histories.
When assessing your application, lenders will consider:
If you’re worried about your credit affecting your application, don’t let that stop you. Our Mortgage Experts can connect you with specialist lenders who understand complex credit histories. With our support, you’ll have access to tailored advice and solutions that suit your circumstances.
Ready to explore your options with a 2nd charge mortgage? Contact our expert team today to discuss how we can help you unlock the value in your home.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
If you have questions about getting a mortgage with an adverse credit score, read our FAQs. Our wealth of knowledge within this market means that we’re confident in our ability to offer specialist mortgage advice and secure the mortgage you want regardless of your credit history.
A second charge mortgage (sometimes called a secured loan) is a loan that’s secured against your property, on top of your existing mortgage. It lets you borrow money using the equity in your home without changing your main mortgage deal.
A bad credit second charge mortgage can be a smart choice if:
It’s a way to raise funds without changing your current mortgage.
Yes. Even if you have bad credit, missed payments, or defaults, you may still qualify for a second charge mortgage. Lenders consider more than just your credit score; they’ll look at the equity in your property, your income, and whether you can afford the repayments.
The amount you can borrow depends on:
Even with bad credit, some lenders offer second charge mortgages ranging from a few thousand pounds up to much larger amounts if the repayments are affordable.
Applying for a second charge mortgage will show up on your credit file. Making all your repayments on time can help improve your credit score over time. However, missed payments could harm your credit rating and put your home at risk, as the loan is secured against your property.
