In this guide
Can you get a mortgage with a DMP?
Yes. Whether your debt management plan is still active or has been completed, there are UK lenders who will consider your mortgage application. The options available to you depend primarily on whether the DMP is active or completed, and how long ago it was settled.
A DMP is an informal debt repayment arrangement — unlike an IVA or bankruptcy, it is not a formal insolvency procedure. Some lenders view this distinction positively, recognising that you chose to manage your debts proactively rather than defaulting or being taken to court. That said, a DMP does signal to lenders that you experienced financial difficulty, so your options will be more limited than someone with a clean credit history.
The important thing to know is that options exist, and they improve over time. Even with an active DMP, a small number of specialist lenders may consider your application under the right circumstances.
Active DMP vs completed DMP
The difference between an active and completed DMP makes a significant difference to your mortgage options.
Active DMP: Very few lenders will consider a mortgage while you are still making reduced payments through a DMP. Bluestone requires the DMP to have been caused by a life event (redundancy, illness, divorce) rather than overspending, and the Debt Arrangement Scheme must be repaid. Precise will consider active DMPs with at least 12 months of consistent payments, but caps LTV at 85%. Most other lenders will decline outright.
Completed DMP: Once your DMP is fully settled, your options expand considerably. Several lenders accept completed DMPs from as little as 2 years after settlement, including Beverley Building Society and Leek Building Society (for BTL). After 3 years, Hodge and Saffron BS become available. The full range of options opens up after 6 years.
It is worth noting that Together explicitly does not accept DMPs, whether active or completed. Always check current lender criteria before applying, as policies can change.
How lenders assess DMPs
When reviewing a mortgage application from someone with a DMP, lenders typically consider the following factors:
- Completion status: Is the DMP active or fully completed? This is the most important factor. An active DMP dramatically limits your options.
- Time since completion: For completed DMPs, how long ago was it settled? Options improve at the 2-year, 3-year, and 6-year marks.
- Reason for the DMP: Some lenders, particularly Bluestone, distinguish between DMPs caused by a life event (redundancy, illness, relationship breakdown) and those caused by general overspending. A life-event DMP is viewed more sympathetically.
- Total debt managed: The total value of debt included in the DMP can affect lender appetite. Lower total debt figures are generally viewed more favourably.
- Credit behaviour since: Have you maintained a clean credit record since the DMP? Any new adverse credit while on a DMP or after completing one will significantly reduce your options.
Which lenders accept a DMP?
The table below shows real, published lender criteria for applicants with a debt management plan. Criteria can change — always verify with the lender or a broker before applying.
| Lender | Active DMP? | Min Years Since Completion | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluestone | Yes (active) | Any | Must be due to life event; DAS must be repaid |
| Precise | Yes (12m+ payments) | Any | Active: max 85% LTV; Completed 36m+: up to 95% LTV |
| Beverley BS | No | 2 years | Shortest completion requirement for residential |
| Leek BS (BTL) | No | 2 years | Cleared at least 2 years; BTL product only |
| Hodge | No | 3 years | Discharged at least 3 years |
| Saffron BS (BTL) | No | 3 years | Settled minimum 3 years; BTL product only |
| Accord | No | 6 years | Must be satisfied with documentation |
| Together | No | N/A | DMPs not accepted — active or completed |
Can I get a mortgage while on a DMP?
Getting a mortgage with an active DMP is difficult, but not impossible. Two lenders currently have published criteria that accommodate active DMPs:
Bluestone will consider applicants currently on a DMP, but with strict conditions. The DMP must have been caused by a genuine life event — redundancy, serious illness, divorce, or bereavement — rather than general overspending or poor financial management. The Debt Arrangement Scheme must also be repaid as part of the mortgage transaction.
Precise takes a different approach. They will consider an active DMP provided you have made at least 12 months of consecutive, on-time payments. However, they cap the maximum LTV at 85% for active DMPs, meaning you need at least a 15% deposit. Once the DMP has been completed for 36 months or more, Precise offers up to 95% LTV.
If neither of these options works for your situation, the practical advice is to focus on completing your DMP as quickly as possible. Even just 2 years after completion, your options expand to include lenders like Beverley Building Society.
Deposit requirements
Your deposit requirements depend on whether your DMP is active or completed, and how long ago it was settled.
Active DMP: Expect to need at least a 15% deposit. Precise caps active DMP applications at 85% LTV, and Bluestone's rates improve significantly with lower LTV. A 20-25% deposit will give you the best chance of approval and competitive rates.
Completed DMP (under 3 years): Beverley BS offers standard LTV terms after 2 years, but a 10-15% deposit will strengthen your application and improve your rate options.
Completed DMP (3+ years): With more lenders available, including Hodge and Saffron BS, your deposit requirements align more closely with standard products. Precise offers up to 95% LTV after 36 months, meaning you could potentially buy with just a 5% deposit — though a larger deposit will always secure better terms.
A bigger deposit is always advantageous with adverse credit. It reduces lender risk, opens up more options, and improves your interest rate. Even an extra 5% can make a meaningful difference.
Steps to getting a mortgage with a DMP
- Gather your DMP documentation. Get written confirmation from your DMP provider showing the start date, completion date (if applicable), total debt managed, and current status. If your DMP is active, get a statement showing your payment history.
- Check your credit report. Get copies from all three UK credit reference agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Check that all DMP-related entries are recorded correctly and look for any errors that could be corrected.
- Understand your current position. Work out your total income, regular outgoings, and available deposit. If your DMP is active, include your DMP payments in your outgoings — some lenders will factor this into their affordability assessment.
- Rebuild your credit where possible. If your DMP is completed, work on building a positive credit history. Being on the electoral roll, using a credit builder card responsibly, and keeping all current accounts up to date all help demonstrate improved financial management.
- Check which lenders match your situation. Use our calculator to see which lenders' criteria match your specific circumstances — it checks 60+ lenders in minutes without affecting your credit score.
- Speak to a specialist broker. A whole-of-market mortgage broker experienced with adverse credit will know which lenders are most receptive to DMP applicants and can present your case in the best possible light.
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