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First time buyers: credit scores explained

by Leeds Building Society

Your property could be repossessed if you don't keep up your mortgage repayments.

Your guide to credit scores

When assessing your mortgage application, one of the main things lenders will look at is your credit score.

What's a credit score?

A credit score tells potential lenders how reliably you've paid back credit in the past. It's calculated based on all the credit you've previously had.

The main bit of your credit report lists all your credit accounts. It includes bank accounts and credit cards, as well as loan agreements and any debts you have to utility companies.

This section also states whether you've missed credit repayments, or made them late. Late payments stay on your credit report for at least six years.

Your credit report also includes:

  • Name and date of birth
  • Address history
  • Status on the electoral register
  • Details of people with whom you've taken out joint credit
  • Public record information, such as bankruptcies and house repossession

How to check your credit score

For £2, you can get a copy of your credit score from any of the three main credit reference agencies. These are:

  • Equifax
  • Experian
  • Callcredit

Other services offer free access to your credit report, such as:

  • Noddle
  • ClearScore

Some credit card providers will give you free access to your credit report, too.

How do credit scores work?

The three main credit references agencies - ExperianEquifax and Callcredit - have different ways of displaying your credit score. Experian and Equifax give you a score out of 999. Callcredit give you a score out of 5.

The higher the number, the better your credit rating.

What should a first time buyer's credit score be?

Your credit score is just one part of a lender's assessment, so there's no fixed threshold you need to meet to be eligible for a mortgage.

What constitutes a "good score" depends on the credit reference agency you're using, because they have different scoring methods.

So make sure your credit score is as good as it can be, but focus on the other parts of your application as well.

How can I improve my credit score?

Credit scores can be improved by:

  • Paying bills on time - including internet subscriptions and phone contracts
  • Paying off existing debts
  • Living in one home for an extended period of time
  • Registering on the electoral roll

You should also keep an eye out for incorrect information or fraudulent activity. By checking your credit report on a fairly regular basis, you can flag up anything that doesn't look right.

Getting your credit score sorted out is really important for first time buyers. Read our First Time Buyers Guide for more tips on taking that first step onto the property ladder.

This guide is intended as a summary only and does not constitute legal or financial advice from Leeds Building Society. No reliance should be placed on this guide. We recommend that you seek independent legal and/or financial advice if you have any questions or queries.