Dealing with bad credit (applying for mortgage)

ejt

Around five years ago, I changed jobs and moved the the Netherlands. At that time I had a credit card balance in the UK, a loan with the Halifax, and a credit agreement with Creation Finance for a computer. Soon after my move, I paid off my credit card and loan, but I forgot about the credit agreement with Creation. I had made arrangements for mail to be forwarded from my old address, but did not receive anything from Creation regarding this debt (not sure if the problem was with them or with the mail forwarding).

After I returned in summer of 2015, I did a credit check on myself, and realised that the Creation Finance debt was still outstanding. I immediately called and paid the balance that was due (around 900 pounds). The debt was not defaulted, so I have approx 30 months of arrears against this account, from January 2013 to July 2015.

I am now in a very good state financially. Both me and my partner have good steady jobs, with a combined pre tax income over 100k per year. I am hoping to buy a house, but the stain left on my credit report looks like it will prevent me from getting a mortgage. I have a credit card with American Express (I was a customer of theirs in the Netherlands, and they gave me a card here with no problem because of my perfect record in the Netherlands).

Is there anything I can do to mitigate the damage done to my credit rating, so we can hopefully be approved for a mortgage?

Thanks,
Edward

[Deleted User]

Engage a broker - don't try a DIY solution. A large deposit will also help to overcome some of the negative credit issues.