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Applications and affordability

What is Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)?

A formal insolvency agreement to repay creditors under agreed terms.

Definition

An IVA is supervised by an insolvency practitioner and normally appears on the public insolvency register while active. Credit-file entries and lender criteria can continue to affect mortgage options after completion. There is no single waiting period used by every lender.

Practical example

A lender may ask for the completion certificate, credit reports and evidence of subsequent account conduct.

Why it matters

Take insolvency and mortgage advice before applying or changing an IVA to pursue borrowing.

Bad-credit mortgage guide

Source and review

Reviewed 16 July 2026. Product criteria and rules can change.

GOV.UK: individual insolvency register

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