Can You Still Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit in Tauranga?
Having bad credit doesn’t have to end your home-ownership plans. At Best Mortgages Tauranga, we regularly help clients across Greerton, Pyes Pa, and the wider Bay of Plenty who were turned away by their bank.
Your credit file records every application and repayment. If you’ve missed payments on a card, loan or utility by 30+ days, a default is created and can remain for up to five years—even after it’s paid. That’s why many banks hesitate.
How We Can Help
Independent mortgage brokers in Tauranga like us compare options from specialist and non-bank lenders who assess things differently. We structure your application so lenders focus on your current income, savings and stability — not just old mistakes.
We can also help tidy reports and explain minor, one-off issues so they’re not a barrier. For example, a client in Greerton had an old phone-bill default from 2019. We documented the circumstances, placed the file with a suitable lender, and they settled their first home — now rebuilding credit with on-time repayments.
If you’ve been told “no” or don’t want to wait five years for a default to drop off, talk to our team. We’ll review your situation confidentially and outline a practical pathway to finance — whether that’s a purchase, refinance, or debt consolidation.
Talk to Best Mortgages
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation chat. Whether you’re applying for your first loan or starting over, we’ll help you get expert advice without judgment.
Our friendly team at Best Mortgages is based right here in Tauranga and helps Kiwis across the Bay of Plenty make sense of the lending process. We speak plain English (and a bit of Kiwi slang when needed) and work for you – not the banks – to find the right solution.
See our reviews to know why we’re called the best. Or browse our latest news for practical tips and case studies.
Best Mortgages — Operated by Ewald Biesenbach (FSP 320426) under The Best Limited (FSP 724451 – NZBN 9429043352067). Licensed under the Financial Services Legislation Act 2019.
Can I still get a home loan with bad credit in Tauranga?
Yes. Many Tauranga clients come to us after their bank says no. As independent mortgage brokers, we work with specialist and non-bank lenders that consider your full situation — not just past defaults — to help you secure the right home loan.
Will a small default stop me getting a mortgage?
Often not. If the default is minor and you can explain the reason, we can help present your application so lenders see it in context. Some banks and second-tier lenders will still approve loans if income and savings are stable.
How long do bad credit marks stay on my record?
Defaults normally stay for five years from the missed-payment date. However, you don’t have to wait that long. We can match you with lenders who’ll consider older or low-value defaults once they’re repaid.
Do specialist lenders charge higher interest rates?
Usually yes, slightly higher to offset risk — but terms are often flexible and short-term. Once your credit improves, we can refinance you back to a mainstream bank at lower rates.
Can you help if I’m self-employed with bad credit?
Absolutely. We regularly help self-employed Tauranga clients in suburbs like Pyes Pa, Matua, and Greerton who need low-doc or alternative-income options. We’ll tailor a structure that suits your business cash-flow and helps rebuild credit.
