Many people have experienced financial difficulties. Often, relationship breakdowns, redundancy or illness can be the trigger for a financial hiccup. Estimates suggest one in five people in the UK have been turned down for a mortgage because of past problems.

Payments for household bills and credit cards can easily be overlooked, resulting in CCJs being issued against your name or arrears showing on your credit file. In the past you may have fallen behind on your mortgage payments or even had your home repossessed.

Whatever the problem, there may well be a mortgage lender willing to take you on. It is worth trying a mainstream lender first as these tend to have keener rates than more specialist organisations. If, however, standard lenders turn you down, you could try one of the lenders listed below. Known as sub-prime, nonconforming or credit repair lenders, they look at your circumstances and ability to pay rather than your past credit problems.

As a general rule, the worse your credit history, the higher the interest you pay.

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