Finance Australia :: Articles

How to Buy a House with Bad Credit

Can you buy a house if you have bad credit?

How to Buy a House with Bad Credit
Most people would expect that a bad credit rating would make it impossible to get a mortgage to buy a home - but it's not as simple as that. Can you buy a house with bad credit? The short answer is YES, but it is not all that easy.

Unfortunately bad credit can haunt you for the rest of your life. If there are bankruptcies or foreclosures on your credit report, you know how hard it is to get any line of credit.

Lenders and creditors simply look to as a too big of risk to loan money to but we know that, even though mistakes were made in the past, your financial situation and behavior can be reformed.

Some lenders understand this as well, and the sub prime lending market has grown and become very competitive.

The Lending Market

The lending market can be broken up into two main segments, the prime, those with average to good credit who are not huge financial risks.

Insuring your most valuable asset
Image for Insuring your most valuable assetWhile many people would consider their home or their car to be their most valuable asset, it's your ability to earn an income that is most important in shaping your financial future. Statistically, two thirds of working Australians will suffer an injury or illness that will sideline them for 90 days or more. The majority of these people would not be able to pay their mortgage or meet car finance and other loan commitments without adequate income insurance.

Then there is the sub prime market, with those who have poor to very bad or no credit.

Lenders can give ratings to a certain sub prime client giving them a rating from A-D: A being the best rating and D being the worst.

When you fall into the C or D category, you are considered very high risk and more likely to default on a loan than that of a person with an A or B rating.

Sub Prime Lenders

Sub prime lenders generally give loans to even the highest of risk cases.

They look at the same information that a prime lender would look at to evaluate the type mortgage you can have.

They look at credit history, income, expenses and long term debt. If you do have foreclosures, bankruptcies, delinquent payments, and outstanding debt, they will take all of this into consideration.

If you can show steady employment, a good income, an effort to pay back the money you owe and are doing it in a timely fashion, you are more likely to get a better rate than that of someone who is not taking any steps to fix their credit.

Sub prime lenders can loan the money you need by protecting themselves. They do this through higher rates and fees that prime lenders would not charge.

A Word of Caution

Be careful, because some sub prime lenders have been known to take advantage of your poor credit history and charge a ridiculous amount in fees and charge you a too high of interest rate even for a poor credit case.

Fortunately for the consumer, this sub prime market is extremely competitive and you do not have to accept the first lender who offers to loan you money. You actually have the luxury to shop around and compare rates, even for the worst of credit cases!

So check online for tools that can aid you in finding and comparing sub prime lenders. The internet is a good place to start your research.

You can also ask for referrals from family, friends and even local bank. Don't allow credit mistakes in the past to dictate how you live your life today.

Buying a home is still an option regardless of your credit history. And, as long as the sub prime market continues to be competitive, you, the consumer is at a huge advantage.

It is always a good idea to take steps to repair your credit, and buying a home can aid in this.

If you make you mortgage payments on time every month, then you can watch your credit grow!

Sub prime lenders specialize in this area, so allow them you help you make your credit score even better!

Be sure the sub prime lender you use is trustworthy and qualified. There are sharks in the industry, so be sure to ask for references and look at licenses.

So, go buy your home and repair your credit at the same time! Take advantage of the opportunities you have at your fingertips.

Published: Monday, 23rd Aug 2021
Author: 9


Finance Articles

Maximizing Your Borrowing Power: Strategies for Home Loan Comparison
Maximizing Your Borrowing Power: Strategies for Home Loan Comparison
When you're on the journey to owning your dream home, securing the right home loan is as critical as choosing the perfect location. The benefits of using online home loan calculators can't be overstated, as they wield the power to illuminate the murky depths of mortgage rates, terms, and payments with surprising precision. - read more
An Insider's Guide to Enhancing Your Credit Profile for Any Loan
An Insider's Guide to Enhancing Your Credit Profile for Any Loan
Having a robust credit profile is one of the most critical factors for financial health, especially when seeking loans in Australia. Whether you're eyeing a new car, dreaming of a home or simply want to secure a personal loan for unexpected expenses, your credit score often dictates the outcome. Not only does it influence a lender's decision to offer you finance, but it also affects the interest rates you might be charged. - read more
The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Aussie Borrowers: Top Loan Comparison Strategies
The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Aussie Borrowers: Top Loan Comparison Strategies
In the dynamic world of Australian finance, securing a loan can be a pivotal move for individuals seeking to achieve their financial goals. Whether it's for purchasing a dream home, expanding a business, or simply consolidating debt, the importance of smart loan comparison cannot be overstated. With an array of lending products available, borrowers are often faced with a bewildering choice. That's why equipping yourself with powerful loan comparison strategies is not just important, it's essential. - read more

Finance News

RBA Holds Cash Rate Steady at 3.60%, Emphasizes Data-Driven Policy
RBA Holds Cash Rate Steady at 3.60%, Emphasizes Data-Driven Policy
15 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to maintain the cash rate at 3.60% during its September 2025 policy meeting. This decision follows three rate cuts earlier in the year and reflects the central bank's cautious approach in response to persistent inflation in the services sector and stable employment levels. - read more
Commonwealth Bank Achieves Record A$10.25 Billion Profit on Lending Surge
Commonwealth Bank Achieves Record A$10.25 Billion Profit on Lending Surge
15 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has announced a record full-year cash profit of A$10.25 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This milestone reflects a 4.2% increase from the previous year's profit of A$9.84 billion and surpasses analyst expectations. - read more
Australian Mortgage Market Sees 6.8% Growth in New Home Loans for FY25
Australian Mortgage Market Sees 6.8% Growth in New Home Loans for FY25
15 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian mortgage market experienced a significant uplift in the fiscal year 2025, with new property-backed loans increasing by 6.8% compared to the previous year. This growth is primarily attributed to recent interest rate cuts, improved housing affordability, and enhanced support for first-time homebuyers. - read more

Free Loan Eligibility Assessment

Loan Amount:
Postcode:
All quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Lien:
A legal claim against a property that must be paid off when the property is sold.