The research found that 15% of respondents, or 7.86m* people, have experienced credit problems, including missed payments, CCJs, defaults, unsecured arrears and secured arrears, in the last three years.

Of these, 16% of people are thinking about buying a property in the next 12 months, which means 1.26m people may need the support from a broker.

These statistics demonstrate that there is a great opportunity for brokers to help borrowers to buy a home or to help refinance.

Paul Adams, Sales Director at Pepper Money, says:

“This research shows that the potential adverse credit mortgage market is larger than probably anybody had assumed. With growing levels of unsecured debt and increasing numbers of missed payments, CCJs and defaults, more people are finding that they have a record of adverse credit on their credit file. But they also still have ambitions to take the next steps in their lives – to purchase a new home and apply for a mortgage, and many of those are the people who require an adverse credit mortgage.

“The good news is that there are plenty of competitive options from lenders like Pepper Money, where decisions are made by underwriters who will take a pragmatic view of the customer’s previous circumstances and future ability to maintain payments on a mortgage. The not so good news is that many of these potential borrowers are writing off their own chance of getting a mortgage before they even speak to a broker. Our research proves that we all need to work harder to spread the message that previous credit problems do not have to mean future mortgage problems and professional advice can help people to find the right mortgage for their requirements.”

Visit www.pepper.money to learn more about the findings from Pepper Money’s Autumn 2019 Adverse Credit Study.

Editors Notes:

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 4,163 adults, of which 600 have experienced negative finance in the last 3 years. Fieldwork was undertaken between 11th – 15th July 2019.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

*based on UK adult population of 52.4m, according to the ONS

For further information, journalists can contact:

PR Consultant

Alex Hammond, Also Communications

E: [email protected]

T: 07855 303448

About Pepper Money

Pepper Money is the brand name used globally by all Pepper Group companies to market consumer finance products.

In the UK, Pepper Money offers a range of residential and buy to let mortgages to borrowers who may be experiencing difficulties obtaining a mortgage from a high street bank or building society.

We only lend via intermediaries and our systems and service have been specifically developed for use by mortgage brokers.

Pepper Money is part of the Pepper Group, a diversified, global financial services business. Our senior management team are some of the most experienced in the UK mortgage industry and they have built a long-lasting reputation for creating innovative, flexible home loan products and services.

Pepper Money is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Further information can be found at www.pepper.money