Advice on mortgage with a history

Northern_Chris

Hi folks, first time posting so advice is welcome.

Hoping that someone can offer some advice regarding getting a mortgage whilst having/had a poor credit background.

A few years ago I ended a relationship where I ended up in debt, which through speaking to the bank (not sure if its relevant to name the bank), they closed the accounts and through a plan I was able to have everything paid off by Sept 2016. The last default was issued in April 2015 (38 months ago). The bank who I had the account with signed the accounts as 'satisfied' in January 2017 - 4 months after they had been paid off.

A couple of years ago, my wife and I spoke to an independent mortgage adviser in an estate agent and they said that it would be best to wait 36 months from the last default date. However I recently spoke to a building society (recommended through MSE) about applying for a mortgage, and they are now advising it to be 36 months since the bank signed the account as 'satisfied'.

So in short, we have had one piece of advice saying its best 36 months since the last default, and another saying 36 months since the account was signed as 'satisfied'.

My wife and I are first time buyers and have a 10% deposit for the value of house we're looking at, which also falls below our total available borrowing amount.

Thank in advance for any advice.
Chris