I have no credit record. Can I get a mortgage?

Q I am self-employed, have never had a credit card, haven't run up any debts and have no Experian record. As a result, I have been refused a mortgage. Are there any specialist mortgage companies that will take this kind of customer on?

CR

A Building a credit record can be tricky, but it's not impossible. Credit card issuers are often picky about customers but store card issuers are less so - small wonder given the exorbitant rates of interest they charge. However, you could take one out and use it to buy some stuff. But make sure you pay the balance off every month or you'll find yourself paying a fortune in interest.

Another avenue is to apply for an overdraft on your current account, use it briefly and then pay it off. Any of these would kick off your credit history.

As a self-employed person, your best bet is a self-certification mortgage, which doesn't require you to prove your income. You just need to sign a declaration confirming that your income is as stated. Several mortgage lenders offer self-certification loans, including Northern Rock, Skipton Building Society, Alliance & Leicester, Abbey, Halifax and Nationwide.