How the Electoral Roll Helps Your Mortgage Application
When mortgage lenders assess your application, one of the first things they check is whether you're registered on the electoral roll at your current address. This registration serves as a straightforward way to confirm your identity and verify that you live where you say you do.
Being on the electoral roll doesn't just help with identity verification — it's also one of the factors used to calculate your credit score. All three main UK credit reference agencies consider electoral roll registration, and being registered can add a noticeable amount to your score.
What Happens If You're Not on the Electoral Roll?
If you're not registered on the electoral roll, lenders may struggle to confirm your address, which can lead to delays or even outright rejection of your mortgage application. Some lenders have a firm policy of declining applicants who aren't on the electoral register.
Without electoral roll registration, your credit score will also be lower than it otherwise would be. This could push you into a lower credit band, reducing the range of deals available to you or resulting in a higher interest rate.
How to Register on the Electoral Roll
Registering is quick and free. You can do it online at the GOV.UK website. You'll need your National Insurance number and your current address. The whole process takes about five minutes.
After registering, it can take a few weeks for your details to appear on credit reference agency records. If you're planning to remortgage, register as early as possible to ensure the information is on your file before you apply. If you've recently moved, update your registration to your new address promptly.
Open Register vs Full Register
When you register to vote, you're automatically added to both the full electoral register and the open register. The full register is used for elections and is the one that credit reference agencies access. The open register is a publicly available version that can be bought by businesses for marketing purposes.
You can opt out of the open register without affecting your credit score or mortgage prospects. It's the full register that matters for credit checks, and you'll be included on that regardless of your open register preference.
Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. There will be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual rate available will depend on your circumstances. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.