Mortgage after an IVA (remortgage guide)

Getting a mortgage after an IVA (remortgage guide)

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) doesn’t automatically stop you from remortgaging. However, it can narrow the range of lenders willing to consider your application, and the options you see may depend on whether your IVA is still active or has been completed.

This guide explains what usually matters to lenders, how timing can affect your remortgage choices, and what the process can look like when an IVA is on your record.

How lenders typically assess an IVA

Every lender has its own internal policy, but most will focus on a similar set of facts about your IVA and your wider mortgage affordability.

Key IVA details lenders look at

IVA start date (registered date): how long it has been since the IVA began.
IVA status: whether it is still active or has been settled/discharged.
IVA settlement date: when the IVA was completed and the arrangement ended.
Reason for the IVA: lenders may consider the circumstances behind the IVA.
Payment history: whether you have complied with the IVA terms.
Current commitments: your monthly outgoings and overall affordability remain central to the decision.

Why timing can make a big difference

Two borrowers can have similar IVA outcomes but still see different remortgage options, because lender policies can be sensitive to dates.

In practice, lenders may become more comfortable gradually over time. That means the time since your IVA was registered and the time since it was satisfied may not be the same.

If your IVA is still active

Remortgaging while an IVA is ongoing can be possible, but it’s usually more restricted because fewer lenders may consider live arrangements.

Permission and IVA terms

If you want to proceed during an active IVA, you’ll typically need to follow the terms set out in your IVA agreement. In many cases, this means seeking approval from your IVA supervisor/insolvency practitioner before applying—particularly where the remortgage would involve new borrowing.

What this can mean for your remortgage

Fewer lender options: the market is often narrower for active IVAs.
More emphasis on deposit/equity: some lenders may require a larger contribution to reduce perceived risk.
Affordability scrutiny still applies: lenders will still assess income, expenditure, and whether you can comfortably meet the new mortgage payments.

When can you apply for a remortgage?

There isn’t one universal answer, because lender criteria vary. But the general principle is consistent: the longer it has been since your IVA ended, the more likely you are to find options.

Consider your remortgage purpose

Your reason for remortgaging can influence the type of product you’re looking for and the evidence lenders expect.

Common remortgage purposes include:

Lowering monthly payments (for example, by changing rate/term)
Switching to a different lender
Releasing equity (subject to affordability and lender limits)

The remortgage process with an IVA on your record

The overall process is broadly similar to a standard remortgage, but preparation can be more important because lenders’ IVA policies are often specific.

1) Review what lenders will see

Before you apply, it’s sensible to understand what will appear on your credit file and what dates are recorded.

Focus on:

the IVA entry and its registered and settled dates
whether any information appears inaccurate
whether there are other adverse markers alongside the IVA

2) Align your application with lender policy

With an IVA, the “fit” with lender criteria can make a noticeable difference. Lenders may look closely at:

the relevant IVA dates (start vs settlement)
your current affordability and commitments
the loan-to-value (LTV) you’re aiming for and your equity position

3) Agreement in principle (AIP)

An AIP is often used to confirm whether a lender is likely to consider your application and what you may be able to borrow.

4) Full application and valuation

If you proceed, the lender will typically carry out:

income and expenditure checks
a further credit assessment
a property valuation

If the valuation and underwriting are satisfactory, the lender will move to a formal offer.

Remortgaging vs other options (when appropriate)

For some borrowers, a standard remortgage may be difficult to arrange due to IVA-related lender restrictions. In those situations, some people explore alternatives.

Second-charge borrowing (secured loans)

A second-charge mortgage/secured loan is borrowing against the property without replacing the existing main mortgage.

This can sometimes widen the range of options because second-charge lenders may apply different criteria. Suitability depends on your goals, costs, and affordability.

What else lenders consider alongside the IVA

Even where an IVA is the main adverse marker, lenders still assess the overall mortgage picture.

Common factors include:

Affordability based on income and outgoings
Employment status and stability of income
Existing debts and commitments
Property value and LTV
Mortgage term and product type
How your credit behaviour looks now (after the IVA started or after it ended)

Practical points to consider before you apply

Get your IVA dates clear: registered/start and settled/completed dates can be treated differently.
Don’t focus on the IVA alone: affordability and LTV can be just as important.
Prepare supporting documents: lenders will expect evidence of income, expenditure, and identity/address information.
Avoid unnecessary repeat applications: multiple submissions can reduce the chance of a smooth outcome.

Summary

A mortgage after an IVA is often possible, but the range of lenders and the terms available can depend on:

whether the IVA is active or settled
the time since the IVA started and ended
your current affordability and overall credit profile
the property equity/LTV available for the remortgage

As time passes after settlement, options can improve—often gradually—so understanding your exact dates and preparing your application carefully can make a meaningful difference to what’s available.