A mortgage with an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) can be difficult to obtain, particularly while the arrangement is active. Completing an IVA may improve the position over time, but it does not mean every lender will immediately consider an application.
The first distinction is whether the IVA is active, successfully completed or terminated without completion. Lenders can treat those situations differently. Before making applications, establish the exact dates and gather the relevant documents.
Can I get a mortgage during an active IVA?
An active IVA substantially limits mortgage options. Your arrangement also places obligations on you, so discuss proposed borrowing and any deposit funds with your insolvency practitioner before making commitments. Do not assume that a mortgage broker can override the IVA terms.
Why a deposit does not guarantee acceptance
A larger deposit reduces the amount borrowed against the property, but a lender still needs acceptable credit conduct and affordable repayments. Having equity or family assistance does not remove an active insolvency issue.
How long after an IVA can I apply?
There is no single waiting period applying to every lender. Some policies measure time since completion or discharge, while the credit record and other circumstances are assessed separately.
A published lender example
Nationwide’s published outgoings criteria say it cannot accept an applicant with an IVA and may consider applicants once the insolvency has been discharged for at least three years. That is one lender’s policy, not a universal rule or a promise of acceptance. The wording and evidence requirements should be checked before an application.
When does the IVA leave my credit file?
Government guidance states that an IVA appears on your credit file for six years from its start date. That date is not necessarily the same as the completion date. A credit entry disappearing does not remove your duty to answer a lender’s application questions accurately.
What will lenders want to understand?
- When the IVA began and when it successfully finished.
- Whether a completion certificate has been issued.
- Any defaults, missed payments or other adverse credit.
- Your income, employment position and regular commitments.
- The deposit amount and where it came from.
- How your finances have been managed since the arrangement.
Provide the complete credit history rather than selecting only the parts you think a lender will see. If an IVA failed or was cancelled, say so: this is different from completing the agreed arrangement.
Should I apply now or wait?
Compare readiness rather than chasing an approval
A useful review separates three questions: whether any suitable lender might consider the history, whether the borrowing is affordable and whether buying now is sensible for your budget. Waiting can sometimes improve the position, but an adviser needs the actual dates and finances to assess that.
Keep the purchase costs realistic
Alongside the deposit, allow for legal costs, survey costs, moving expenses and a cash reserve. If available products have higher rates or fees, compare the full cost rather than focusing only on getting an offer.
What should I do before speaking to a broker?
Locate the IVA proposal, completion certificate and recent credit reports. Write down what caused the original difficulties and what has changed. A straightforward explanation supported by evidence is more useful than repeated speculative applications.
Our adverse credit and complex mortgage service and CCJ and default guide explain related issues. If you are still struggling with repayments, seek free debt advice and speak to your insolvency practitioner; a mortgage enquiry is not a substitute for resolving an active debt problem.
Ask TLA Finance to review your mortgage position after an IVA. We can assess the history before deciding whether an application is appropriate.
Sources: GOV.UK: IVA key facts; Nationwide: insolvency criteria; GOV.UK: individual voluntary arrangements.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
This is general information, not a personal recommendation. Mortgage availability, affordability and lending criteria depend on your circumstances and can change. Information checked on 3 November 2026.
