Can I Get a Joint Mortgage With an IVA in the UK? (A Guide for 2026)

If you or your partner have an IVA and are thinking about buying a home, you’re probably wondering whether it’s possible to get a joint mortgage in the UK. The rules around mortgages and IVAs can be confusing, and making the wrong move could affect your chances of approval. 

In this guide for 2026, we’ll explain how mortgages work with an IVA, what lenders look for, and practical steps to improve your chances. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know before applying. 

What Is IVA?

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a formal debt solution in the UK that allows people struggling with unsecured debts to repay what they can afford over a fixed period, usually five to six years. It’s an agreement between you and your creditors, approved by a licensed insolvency practitioner, and once in place, it becomes legally binding.

During an IVA, you make monthly payments based on your income and essential living costs. At the end of the arrangement, any remaining unsecured debt is typically written off, giving you a fresh financial start. While an IVA can help you manage debts without declaring bankruptcy, it stays on your credit record for six years, which can affect your ability to borrow money during that time.

Key points about an IVA:

• It’s a legally binding agreement with creditors. 
• Designed to repay debts you can realistically afford. 
• Usually lasts 5–6 years. 
• It can stop creditors from taking legal action against you. 
• Remaining unsecured debt is written off at the end. 

An IVA is a useful tool for regaining control over your finances, but it comes with long-term implications, especially when it comes to obtaining credit or a mortgage. 

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What Lenders Check in Your Mortgage Application 

When you apply for a mortgage, lenders assess whether you can afford the loan and how risky it is to lend to you. They look at several key factors, including the following in general:

1. Credit History – Lenders check your credit report to see your past borrowing behaviour. Missed payments, defaults, or an IVA can affect their decision. 
2. Income and Employment – Your salary, job stability, and any additional income determine how much you can afford to borrow. 
3. Outgoings – Lenders consider your monthly expenses, including bills, existing loans, and living costs, to calculate affordability. 
4. Deposit – The size of your deposit affects the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. A larger deposit often improves your chances of approval. 
5. Joint Applications – If applying with someone else, the lender assesses both applicants’ credit histories, incomes, and expenses. A stronger partner can sometimes offset a weaker credit record. 

Mortgage lenders aim to ensure you can comfortably make repayments without financial strain. Even if one applicant has an IVA, the lender evaluates the joint picture to decide whether to approve the mortgage and on what terms.  

Can You Apply for a Joint Mortgage With an IVA?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a joint mortgage while one person has an IVA, but it comes with significant restrictions and challenges. Lenders view an IVA as a red flag because it indicates past financial difficulties, which can make them cautious about lending.

When you apply jointly:

• The lender considers both applicants’ financial situations. If one person has a strong credit history and stable income, it may improve the chances of approval. 
• Mainstream lenders often refuse applications where one person currently has an active IVA. 
• Specialist lenders may consider joint applications, but they usually require a larger deposit and may offer higher interest rates. 
• You may need permission from your insolvency practitioner before applying, especially if the IVA is still active. 

In short, applying for a joint mortgage with an IVA is not impossible, but it requires careful planning, realistic expectations, and often working with specialist mortgage brokers who understand bad credit and IVA situations.  

Is it Possible to Apply for a Mortgage After the IVA Is Completed?

Yes, you can apply for a mortgage after completing an IVA, but your options and terms will depend on how recently the IVA was completed. Even after your IVA ends, it remains on your credit record for six years from the start date, which can affect lenders’ decisions.

Key factors to consider:

• Time since completion matters – The longer it has been since your IVA ended, the better your chances of securing a mortgage. Many lenders prefer at least 12–24 months of clean financial behaviour after completion.  
• Deposit size – You may need a larger deposit to improve your application and access better interest rates. 
• Specialist lenders – Some lenders focus on people with past IVAs, helping you rebuild your credit and get a mortgage sooner. 
• Credit rebuilding – Demonstrating on-time payments for bills, credit cards, or a small loan can improve your mortgage eligibility. 

Completing an IVA is a step toward financial recovery, and with careful planning, it’s possible to secure a joint or sole mortgage even before the six-year credit record period ends. 

Deposit and Rates When One Person Has an IVA

When one applicant in a joint mortgage has an IVA, lenders often view the application as higher risk. This affects both the deposit requirements and the interest rates offered, making it important to understand what to expect.

Here’s what you need to know in general:

Deposit Requirements

• Lenders usually require a larger deposit than for standard mortgage applications. While typical mortgages may need a 5–10% deposit, applicants with a past IVA might be asked to provide 20% or more of the property value. 
• A larger deposit helps reduce the lender’s risk, making them more likely to approve the mortgage. 
• If both applicants are applying together and one has a strong credit history, it may slightly reduce the deposit requirement. However, the person with the IVA will still influence the lender’s decision. 

Interest Rates

• Interest rates for applicants with a previous IVA are generally higher than standard rates. Lenders factor in the higher perceived risk of lending to someone with a history of financial difficulty. 
• Rates can vary depending on how long ago the IVA was completed. The more time that has passed since completion, the more likely you are to secure a competitive rate, especially if you’ve rebuilt your credit. 
• Specialist lenders often provide mortgages to those with debts or IVAs, but these usually come with higher fees and slightly stricter terms than mainstream options. 

Other Considerations

• Affordability checks are stricter. Lenders will carefully assess your income, outgoings, and any other debts to ensure you can manage repayments comfortably. 
• Credit history matters. Any other defaults, missed payments, or outstanding debts can further affect the deposit size and interest rate. 
• Joint applications can improve your chances. A partner with a strong financial record can help offset the risk, but the IVA will still influence the overall terms. 

In summary, having an IVA in one applicant’s history does not make a mortgage impossible, but it requires planning, a larger deposit, and potentially higher interest rates. Working with a specialist mortgage broker can help find the most suitable lenders and improve your chances of approval.  

 

What Lenders Look At in Joint Applications

When applying for a joint mortgage, lenders evaluate the combined financial profile of both applicants. Even if one person has an IVA, the other applicant’s finances can influence the decision. 

Key factors include:

1. Credit History for Both Applicants: Lenders check each applicant’s credit report to assess past borrowing behaviour. A current or past IVA can impact approval, but a strong credit history in the other applicant may improve your chances.  
2. Income and Affordability: Lenders assess total household income and compare it with monthly expenses and existing debts. They calculate whether both applicants can comfortably meet mortgage repayments without financial strain. 
3. Deposit Size: The size of your deposit affects the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. A larger deposit reduces the lender’s risk and can increase the chances of approval, especially when one applicant has an IVA. 

By reviewing these factors together, lenders decide whether to approve the mortgage and on what terms. Strong income, a good deposit, and a reliable co-applicant can help offset the impact of an IVA on a joint application.  

Should You Apply Jointly or Separately?

Deciding whether to apply for a mortgage jointly or separately is an important consideration, especially when one person has an IVA. The right approach depends on both applicants’ financial situations, the lender’s criteria, and long-term goals.

Applying Jointly

Applying jointly means both applicants’ incomes, credit histories, and debts are considered together. This can have both advantages and disadvantages: 

Pros:	Cons:
The applicant without an IVA can strengthen the application if they have a good credit history.	The IVA affects the mortgage terms, often leading to higher interest rates.
Combined income may allow for a larger mortgage amount.	A larger deposit may be required to secure approval.
Lenders may see joint responsibility as lower risk compared to a single applicant with an IVA.	Some mainstream lenders may refuse the application entirely.
Potentially allows both applicants to be co-owners of the property.	Both applicants are legally responsible, creating financial risk for the non-IVA partner.

Applying Separately

Applying separately means only the applicant without an IVA applies for the mortgage. This approach can simplify approval but comes with its own considerations: 

Pros	Cons
Mortgage terms are usually better, with lower interest rates.	The person with the IVA cannot be included, limiting joint ownership options.
Smaller deposit requirements compared to a joint application with an IVA.	May reduce the total mortgage amount available if relying on one income.
Faster approval from mainstream lenders, avoiding specialist lending.	It could affect long-term plans for shared property ownership.
Reduces financial risk for the non-IVA applicant since only they are responsible.	The applicant with the IVA may need to wait longer to buy a property in the future.

Additional Key Considerations

• The strength of the non-IVA applicant’s finances can significantly affect joint applications. 
• Specialist mortgage brokers can help identify lenders willing to consider joint applications where one applicant has an IVA. 
• Timing matters: waiting until after the IVA is completed and a period of stable financial behaviour has passed can improve the chances of approval, whether applying jointly or separately. 

Applying Solely With an IVA 

If you apply for a mortgage alone while your IVA is active, most mainstream lenders will likely refuse. Specialist lenders may consider you, but expect a larger deposit, higher interest rates, and strict affordability checks. In that case, waiting until your IVA is completed and rebuilding your credit can improve your chances, though terms may still be less favourable than for someone with a clean credit history. 

As you can see, choosing between a joint or separate application requires careful assessment of your financial situation, long-term goals, and the level of risk both partners are willing to take. Thus, planning ahead and seeking professional advice can make a significant difference in securing the best mortgage terms.  

  

10 Ways to Improve Your Chances

If you or your partner have an IVA and are planning to apply for a mortgage, there are several practical steps you can take to improve your chances of approval and secure better terms:

1. Wait Until the IVA Is Completed: Lenders are more willing to consider applicants after the IVA has officially ended. Waiting at least 12–24 months of stable financial behaviour post-IVA can improve your eligibility. 
2. Rebuild Your Credit: Demonstrating good financial habits can make a big difference. This includes paying bills on time, using credit cards responsibly, and avoiding missed payments. A positive credit record reassures lenders that you can manage future repayments. 
3. Save a Larger Deposit: A larger deposit lowers the lender’s risk and can help secure a mortgage with better interest rates. If possible, aim for at least 20%, especially when one applicant has a past IVA. 
4. Work with a Specialist Mortgage Broker: Brokers who understand IVA and bad credit situations can guide you to lenders willing to consider joint applications. They can also help you find the most competitive rates and terms. 
5. Consider the Stronger Applicant Applying Alone: In some cases, the partner without an IVA may apply alone to access mainstream mortgage lenders, securing better rates and lower deposits. This can be a temporary solution until the person with the IVA is eligible to apply. 
6. Reduce Existing Debts: Minimising outstanding loans and credit card balances improves your affordability calculation, making you a more attractive candidate for lenders. 
7. Keep Documentation Ready: Lenders may request proof of income, savings, and spending. Having all documents organised and up-to-date shows reliability and can speed up the approval process. 
8. Monitor Your Credit Report: Regularly checking your credit report helps identify errors or outdated information that could negatively impact your mortgage application. Correcting these in advance improves your chances. 
9. Avoid Taking on New Credit: Taking out additional loans or credit before applying can increase your debt-to-income ratio, making lenders more cautious. Focus on stabilising your finances first. 
10. Plan Ahead: Start planning your mortgage application well before you intend to buy. Building savings, improving credit, and reducing debts over time significantly increases your chances of success. 

By following these steps, applicants with a past or current IVA can improve their mortgage prospects, whether applying jointly or separately, and move closer to owning a home. 

What Should I Do If My Debts Are Huge And I Cannot Afford To Settle Them?

Sometimes, it may be difficult to agree on a payment plan with your creditor or debt collection agency, particularly if the payments are financially overwhelming.

In such cases, you might want to explore potential debt solutions in the UK. There are several options available in the UK, each with its own eligibility criteria. Choosing the right option can help resolve your debt issues, but the wrong one may make your financial situation worse.

However, it is essential to seek professional advice before committing to any debt solution. A debt advisor can help you assess your situation and guide you in selecting the most appropriate option.

Some of The Key Debt Solutions Available in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales:

• Debt Management Plan (DMP): An informal arrangement where you make monthly payments toward your debts. There is no legal commitment, but your creditors may agree to reduce interest or freeze fees.
• Debt Relief Order (DRO): Designed for individuals in severe financial distress, this option freezes interest and allows a year of no payments, potentially leading to debt resolution.
• Bankruptcy:  A formal legal process that can clear most debts if you are unable to repay them. Bankruptcy provides a financial reset, but it also has serious long-term consequences, including restrictions on your financial affairs and potential asset loss.

Debt Solutions Available in Scotland

1. Protected Trust Deed: A formal agreement to repay part of what you owe over four years. The remaining debt may be written off afterward. It is legally binding and affects your credit rating.
2. Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS): A government-backed scheme allowing you to repay your debts through a Debt Payment Programme (DPP) based on what you can afford. Interest and charges could be frozen, and creditors can’t take legal action.
3. Sequestration (Scottish Bankruptcy): A formal insolvency process where most debts may be written off, but assets may be sold to repay creditors. It offers a fresh start but comes with serious consequences.
4. Minimal Asset Process (MAP): A simplified form of bankruptcy designed for individuals with low income and few assets. It allows eligible debts to be written off after six months, provided the individual fully cooperates with the process. However, in practice, the process may take longer depending on the complexity of the case. MAP also offers lower fees and reduced administrative burden compared to full bankruptcy.

Caution: These debt solutions have both advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to carefully weigh your options before making a decision.

Furthermore, if you are unsure which debt solution suits your situation, speak to a professional debt advisor. Free, independent advice services like MoneyHelper can help you assess your finances and find the best option for you.

Final Thoughts

Getting a joint mortgage in the UK while one applicant has an IVA is possible, but it requires careful planning, realistic expectations, and a clear understanding of the rules. Lenders assess credit history, income, affordability, and deposit size, and the presence of an IVA can influence both approval and mortgage terms.

Applying jointly may be advantageous if the other applicant has a strong financial record, but it can also mean higher deposits and interest rates. Applying separately could offer better terms for the non-IVA partner, though it limits shared ownership options.

Improving your chances involves rebuilding credit, saving a larger deposit, reducing existing debts, and working with specialist mortgage brokers who understand IVA and bad credit situations. Waiting until after the IVA is completed and demonstrating stable financial behaviour further strengthens your application.

Ultimately, with the right preparation and professional guidance, applicants with a past or current IVA can successfully navigate the mortgage process and move closer to achieving homeownership. 

Key Takeaways

• An IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) is a formal debt solution allowing repayment of what you can afford over 5–6 years. 
• An IVA remains on your credit record for six years, affecting borrowing and mortgage applications. 
• Lenders assess credit history, income, affordability, and deposit size when considering a mortgage application. 
• It is possible to apply for a joint mortgage with an IVA, but mainstream lenders often refuse active IVAs. 
• Specialist lenders may approve joint mortgages where one applicant has an IVA, usually requiring a larger deposit and higher interest rates.  
• After completing an IVA, waiting 12–24 months of stable financial behaviour can improve mortgage approval chances. 
• A larger deposit (often 20% or more) can reduce lender risk and improve the likelihood of approval. 
• A partner with strong credit and stable income can help offset the risk of a joint mortgage with an IVA. 
• Rebuilding credit, reducing debts, and monitoring your credit report are essential steps before applying. 
• Seeking advice from a specialist mortgage broker or debt advisor can help navigate options and secure the best mortgage terms. 

FAQs

How long after IVA completion can I apply for a joint mortgage?

Most lenders prefer at least three years after IVA completion before considering a joint mortgage application, as this allows time for credit recovery. Although the IVA remains on your credit file for six years, earlier approval may be possible through specialist brokers if joint finances are strong. Combined incomes in joint applications can also improve borrowing power.

Do I need to declare a past IVA on a joint mortgage application?

Yes. You should always disclose a past IVA to your mortgage broker, who can ensure accurate disclosure to lenders. Failing to declare an IVA risks application rejection or allegations of mortgage fraud. Transparency helps brokers match you with IVA-friendly lenders.

Can I get a joint mortgage if we have joint debts in an IVA?

Yes. Joint debts must be included in the IVA, but this does not automatically prevent you from getting a mortgage. Lenders assess overall affordability and stability. In some cases, couples may have interlocking IVAs, which are separate but coordinated arrangements that can simplify repayments without blocking future mortgage applications.

Are there specialist lenders for joint mortgages with an IVA?

Yes. Specialist bad-credit mortgage brokers have access to lenders who are willing to consider applicants with current or past IVAs, unlike many high-street banks. These lenders assess applications based on IVA status, deposit size, income stability, and joint affordability.

Can I remortgage a joint property after an IVA?

Remortgaging a joint property is usually possible after an IVA, ideally three or more years after completion, subject to lender criteria. Both parties’ finances are assessed, and IVA history can affect interest rates, loan-to-value limits, and lender choice.

Will an IVA affect my current mortgage?

An IVA does not usually affect your existing mortgage as long as payments are maintained. However, it can restrict your ability to remortgage, change lenders, or borrow additional funds until the IVA is completed and your credit profile improves.

Can you get a mortgage with an unsatisfied IVA?

It is very difficult to obtain a mortgage with an unsatisfied IVA. Most mainstream lenders will decline applications, but some specialist lenders may consider it with a larger deposit and higher interest rates. Approval from your Insolvency Practitioner may also be required.