New research reveals that millions of Brits are struggling to get a mortgage because of problems with their credit history, leaving them feeling trapped and discriminated against.

14.8 million adults – that’s nearly three in every ten – have found it harder to get a mortgage because of marks on their credit file. Imagine being told you can’t buy your dream home just because of a few late payments in the past!

And it gets worse. Over one in seven people (14%) have been outright rejected by a mortgage lender, with this figure soaring to a shocking 38% for those with a less-than-perfect credit history. This means that those who most need help getting a mortgage are often the ones being turned away.

Adding insult to injury, a quarter of those with credit issues who were rejected weren’t even told about specialist lenders who might be able to help. This lack of information leaves many feeling lost and hopeless.

The emotional toll of these rejections is clear:

• 18% of people felt discriminated against by lenders because of their credit history. This figure skyrockets to over half (51%) for those with past credit problems, highlighting the stigma they face.
• While 24% of the general population feel confident about getting a mortgage, this plummets to a tiny 5% for those with credit issues.

Ryan Davies, an expert from Bluestone Mortgages, who compiled the figures, warns: “Missed payments are on the rise, and people are worried about making ends meet. This means more and more people will need help getting a mortgage in the coming months and years.”

He’s calling on mortgage brokers to step up and help those with credit problems deal with the complex mortgage market. With the right support and guidance, everyone deserves a chance to own their own home.