IVA Mortgage FAQ
General information only. This is not financial advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-06
Can I get a mortgage with an IVA?
Getting a mortgage during an active IVA is very difficult — most lenders decline because an IVA indicates current financial difficulty and typically restricts new credit without the insolvency practitioner's consent. After completion, options improve. Most mainstream lenders require at least one to three years post-completion. Specialist adverse credit lenders may consider you sooner but require a larger deposit — typically 15% to 25% or more. The longer the wait after completion, the more lender options open up.
How long after an IVA can I apply for a mortgage?
Most high-street lenders require at least three years after the IVA completion date. Specialist adverse credit lenders may consider applications from day one of completion, but require a larger deposit and higher interest rate. After six years from the IVA start date, the record drops off your credit file entirely, significantly widening your lender options.
How much deposit do I need for a mortgage after an IVA?
Deposit requirements depend on time elapsed since completion and the lender. In the first year or two after completion, specialist lenders may require 25% or more. As time passes and your credit profile recovers, requirements reduce — some lenders may consider 10–15% deposit three or more years post-completion. A larger deposit always improves both your chances of approval and the interest rate available.
Does an IVA show on my credit file permanently?
No. An IVA is recorded for six years from the date it was registered, not the date it completed. If your IVA ran for five years, the record disappears one year after completion. After six years, mainstream lenders generally cannot see the IVA, though some mortgage applications still ask about historical insolvency and may require disclosure for longer.
What can I do to improve my mortgage chances after an IVA?
Rebuilding your credit profile is the most important step: register on the electoral roll, use a credit-builder card responsibly, and ensure all current commitments are paid on time. Saving a larger deposit significantly increases your options. Avoid speculative mortgage applications — each declined application adds a hard search to your credit file. Work with a specialist adverse credit broker who knows which lenders are most likely to consider your specific profile.
Will I need to disclose my IVA when applying for a mortgage?
Yes. Most mortgage application forms ask whether you have ever been subject to an insolvency arrangement, including an IVA. Failing to disclose an IVA can constitute mortgage fraud. Even after the six-year credit file period expires, some lenders require longer-period disclosure. Always be transparent with your broker and lender about your IVA history so they can find the right product for your situation.
Risk warning
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Adverse credit history — including IVAs — will affect the interest rates and products available to you.
Explore further