Credit Score Range: What You Need to Buy a House in the UK
When you're looking to buy a home, your credit score range, a numerical summary of your borrowing history used by lenders to assess risk. Also known as FICO score, it plays a bigger role than most people think—not just whether you qualify, but how much you pay over time. In the UK, most lenders want to see a score above 650 for standard mortgages, but the best rates usually go to those with scores above 750. It’s not magic—it’s math. Lenders look at your payment history, how much you owe, and how long you’ve had credit before deciding if you’re a safe bet.
Your credit score range, a numerical summary of your borrowing history used by lenders to assess risk. Also known as FICO score, it plays a bigger role than most people think—not just whether you qualify, but how much you pay over time. isn’t the only thing that matters, but it’s the gatekeeper. A score under 600 might still get you a mortgage, but you’ll likely need a bigger deposit, pay higher interest, or deal with stricter income checks. Meanwhile, a score over 750 can open doors to 95% loan-to-value deals, even for first-time buyers. And yes, lenders in the UK do check your credit file through Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—they all show slightly different numbers, so it pays to check all three.
It’s not just about the number. Lenders also look at your debt-to-income ratio, how much of your monthly income goes toward paying debts. If you’ve got credit cards close to their limits or car loans you’re still paying off, even a high score won’t save you. Your mortgage approval, the lender’s final decision to lend you money for a home purchase depends on your whole financial picture: income, job stability, savings, and how clean your credit history is. A single missed payment from two years ago? It might not kill your chances. But five missed payments in the last year? That’s a red flag.
First-time buyers often think they need perfect credit—but that’s not true. Many UK government-backed schemes, like Help to Buy or shared ownership, are designed for people with less-than-perfect scores. What they do require is proof you can manage money responsibly. That means showing regular savings, avoiding payday loans, and keeping credit card balances low. You don’t need to be rich. You just need to be reliable.
Below, you’ll find real-world examples from people who bought homes with different credit scores—some under 600, others over 800. You’ll see how deposit size, income, and lender choice changed their outcomes. No fluff. No theory. Just what actually happens when you walk into a mortgage office with your score in hand.
