Quick Quote
One simple enquiry form gives you fast access to quotes and rate comparisons from some of Australia's leading debt consolidation specialists.
All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.
Knowledgebase
Mortgage:
A loan in which the borrower (the mortgagor) offers a property and land as security to the lender (the mortgagee) until the loan is repaid. Repayments of the loan are usually made on a monthly basis over a long period of time, typically 25 years.
Debt Consolidation 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

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

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.

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

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.


Debt Consolidation Articles

How Debt Consolidation Loans Work in Australia
How Debt Consolidation Loans Work in Australia
Debt consolidation loans combine multiple eligible debts into one new loan, usually with one repayment schedule. This guide explains how they work in Australia, what lenders commonly assess, the costs and risks to compare, and what to consider before applying. - read more
Does Debt Consolidation Affect Your Ability to Borrow in Future?
Does Debt Consolidation Affect Your Ability to Borrow in Future?
Debt consolidation may affect your future borrowing capacity in both positive and negative ways. The outcome depends on how the new loan is structured, whether repayments are made on time, how credit card balances are managed and how lenders assess your overall financial position after consolidation. - read more
Debt Consolidation Myths: Debt Consolidation, Debt Reduction and What They Really Mean
Debt Consolidation Myths: Debt Consolidation, Debt Reduction and What They Really Mean
Debt consolidation can simplify multiple repayments, but it is often misunderstood. This guide explains the difference between debt consolidation, debt reduction and debt elimination, and addresses common myths about interest rates, credit scores, suitability, negotiation and alternatives in the Australian context. - read more
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Consolidating Debts
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Consolidating Debts
Welcome to our guide on avoiding common mistakes when consolidating debts. We're glad you're here, as taking the time to educate yourself is a crucial step towards financial well-being. - read more
The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Financial Freedom Through Debt Restructuring
The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Financial Freedom Through Debt Restructuring
Financial stability is a common aspiration, yet many Australians find themselves weighed down by the burden of debt. Whether it’s due to loans, credit cards, or unexpected financial emergencies, the struggle to stay afloat is a reality for countless individuals striving to achieve their dreams of a secure, debt-free future. - read more
Finance News

Why the Latest Refinancing Push Matters if You Have Multiple Debts
Why the Latest Refinancing Push Matters if You Have Multiple Debts
15 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
The latest lending updates point to a familiar pattern: many Australians are still reviewing their loans, refinancing where they can, and looking for ways to bring borrowing costs under control. With household budgets stretched by groceries, rent, utilities, insurance and transport, even a modest reduction in repayments can feel meaningful. But for people carrying several debts at once, the decision to refinance or consolidate needs more care than simply chasing the lowest advertised rate. - read more
Why Thin Savings Can Turn Everyday Bills into Debt Stress
Why Thin Savings Can Turn Everyday Bills into Debt Stress
08 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent consumer finance reporting has again highlighted a problem many Australians already feel in their weekly budget: emergency savings are not stretching far enough. When the cost of groceries, rent, mortgage repayments, utilities, fuel and insurance remains elevated, even a relatively ordinary surprise bill can push a household towards credit cards, buy now pay later, personal loans or payment extensions. - read more
Why Hardship Complaints Matter When Debt Feels Unmanageable
Why Hardship Complaints Matter When Debt Feels Unmanageable
01 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh financial complaints reporting has again highlighted a difficult reality for many Australian households: when repayments start to fall behind, the problem is rarely limited to one bill. Mortgage stress, credit card balances, personal loans, car finance, buy now pay later commitments and utility arrears can all collide at once, leaving borrowers unsure which creditor to call first or what support they are entitled to request. - read more
Why Buy Now Pay Later Can Become a Debt Stress Signal
Why Buy Now Pay Later Can Become a Debt Stress Signal
25 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent consumer finance reporting has put buy now pay later back in the spotlight, with more Australians appearing to use short-term credit to manage everyday costs such as groceries, utilities, fuel and household essentials. On the surface, splitting a purchase into smaller instalments can feel manageable. The concern is what happens when several small commitments land at the same time as rent, mortgage payments, credit card minimums, car finance and personal loan repayments. - read more
What the Latest RBA Hold Means for Australians Juggling Debt
What the Latest RBA Hold Means for Australians Juggling Debt
18 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest decision to leave the cash rate unchanged gives households a moment to breathe, but it does not remove the pressure many borrowers are already feeling. For Australians carrying credit card balances, personal loans, car finance or buy now pay later debt, a steady cash rate can feel like welcome news after a long period of higher borrowing costs. - read more