Do I have to declare a criminal conviction for a mortgage?

Only if the lender specifically asks, and only if the conviction is unspent. Spent convictions generally don't need to be disclosed. We match you with appropriate lenders.

Will a criminal record affect my mortgage rate?

Not usually. Rates are based on your financial profile (income, deposit, credit score), not your criminal record. The main challenge is finding a lender who will accept your application.

What if I was convicted of fraud?

This is more challenging as financial crime convictions are taken seriously by lenders. However, specialist lenders may still consider your application, particularly if the conviction is historic.

Can I get a buy-to-let mortgage with a conviction?

Yes, the same principles apply. Many buy-to-let lenders don't ask about criminal convictions.

Mortgages with Criminal Convictions

Having a criminal conviction doesn't automatically prevent you from getting a mortgage. We find lenders who assess your current circumstances, not just your past.

Can You Get a Mortgage with a Criminal Record?

Yes, it is possible to get a mortgage with a criminal conviction. While some lenders ask about unspent convictions on their application forms, many don't, and spent convictions generally don't need to be disclosed under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The key is understanding which lenders ask what questions and matching you with the right one.

Lenders who don't ask about criminal convictions
Understanding of spent vs unspent conviction disclosure
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act expertise
Confidential, non-judgemental advice
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Spent vs Unspent Convictions

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, most convictions become 'spent' after a rehabilitation period. Once spent, you typically don't need to disclose them. The rehabilitation period depends on the sentence — community orders and fines become spent relatively quickly, while custodial sentences take longer. Sentences over 4 years never become spent.

What Lenders Ask

Not all lenders ask about criminal convictions. Those that do typically only ask about unspent convictions or convictions for specific offences (usually fraud or financial crime). We know which lenders ask what questions and can steer your application appropriately.

Impact on Your Application

If disclosure is required, the impact depends on the nature and severity of the conviction. Financial offences (fraud, money laundering) are taken most seriously by lenders. Other convictions may have little or no impact on your application, particularly if they're historic and you have a stable financial record.

Fraud Prevention Databases

If your conviction involved financial crime, your details may be on fraud prevention databases like CIFAS. This can make mortgage applications more challenging, but specialist lenders exist who will consider applications on a case-by-case basis.