Home loans with bad credit or past defaults Home loans when your credit history isn't perfect

Defaults, late payments or a past hardship arrangement don't automatically rule you out. What matters is what happened, how long ago, and how you've managed since. We'll look at it honestly with you.

Who this suits

  • You have a paid or unpaid default
  • You've had late payments
  • You've been through a hardship arrangement
  • You have an ATO debt

How it works

  1. Get your credit reportsYou can request free copies from the credit reporting bodies. We'll show you how.
  2. Tell us the storyWhat happened and what's changed since.
  3. Match the lenderSome lenders, including specialist lenders, consider past credit issues.
  4. Plan the way backIf a specialist loan is the right start, we plan to move you to a standard loan once your history improves.

An example of how we help

Example scenario, for illustration

A paid default from a few years ago

The situation
A couple have a small default from an old phone bill, listed three years ago and since paid. Their finances have been steady ever since.
How we'd approach it
We'd get their credit reports, explain what happened to the lender upfront, and look at lenders that may consider a paid default before turning to specialist lenders.
What it can mean
Depending on the lender, a small paid default doesn't always rule out a standard home loan. If a specialist loan is the right start, we'd plan the path back to a standard one.

An illustrative example, not a real client. Every situation is different, and lenders make their own decisions.

What a client said

K.S.

Google review

★★★★★
“I had a genuinely excellent experience working with Rahul at Finmatter. From start to finish, he was honest, prompt, and incredibly hardworking in getting the best outcome for me. What stood out most was his transparency and commitment—he …”
Read the full review on Google ↗

A real Google review, shown with the client's initials. Their situation may differ from the example above.

Get in touch to talk about your situation.

Things worth knowing

Specialist loans cost more

Rates and fees are usually higher, so we look at standard lenders first.

Applying everywhere makes it worse

Each application leaves an enquiry on your file. Choose carefully before applying.

Errors happen

Check your reports. You can ask the credit reporting body to correct information that's wrong.

Documents you'll usually need

  • Your credit reports
  • A short explanation of what happened
  • Evidence that defaults have been paid, if they have
  • Your usual ID and income documents

We'll confirm exactly what your lender needs, so you don't gather anything twice.

Questions

Can I get a home loan with a default?

Sometimes. It depends on the amount, whether it's paid, how long ago it happened and your situation now.

How long does a default stay on my credit file?

Generally five years from when it was listed, even after it's paid.

Do specialist lenders always charge more?

Usually, yes. That's why the plan should include a path back to a standard loan.

General information only. It doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. Lending criteria, fees and charges apply.

Ready when you are.

Book a 20-minute call. We'll listen first, explain your options in plain English, and tell you what we'd do next.

Call 1300 130 341Book a call