What percentage of mortgage applications are denied?

Asked by: Kyle Bartell PhD  |  Last update: August 27, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (13 votes)

Overall, 9.1% of home purchase applications among all applicants were denied in 2022, the consumer watchdog agency reported, higher than 8.3% in 2021 but a marginal decrease from 9.3% in 2020. Refinance applications were more frequently rejected, at a rate of 24.7% in 2022 — up sharply from 14.2% in 2021.

How common is it to get denied for a mortgage?

Federal Housing Administration loans: 14.4% denial rate. Jumbo loans: 17.8% denial rate. Conventional conforming loans: 7.6% denial rate. Refinance loans: 24.7% denial rate.

What is the denial rate for mortgage applications?

The average rejection rate for mortgage refinance applications increased to a decade-plus high of 25.6% this year, a jump from 15.5% last year. Meanwhile, rejections for overall mortgage applications rose to 22.6% in Oct., up from 13% in Oct. 2023 and 17.4% in Oct. 2022.

How common is a declined mortgage?

One in six (16%) mortgage holders have overcome being rejected for a mortgage in the past, highlighting that getting a home loan is not something to be complacent about. Research found that over half (54%) of homeowners who were rejected took longer than three months to be accepted for another mortgage.

What are the odds of getting denied in underwriting?

You may be wondering how often underwriters denies loans? According to the mortgage data firm HSH.com, about 8% of mortgage applications are denied, though denial rates vary by location and loan type. For example, FHA loans have different requirements that may make getting the loan easier than other loan types.

What to do next if your application for a mortgage loan is denied

39 related questions found

How likely is it to be denied a mortgage after pre-approval?

Simply, if you're preapproved for a mortgage there is still a possibility you could be denied after. In fact, approximately 5,741 VA loans were preapproved but not accepted according to 2022 HMDA data. Let's explore more about what it means to be preapproved for a home loan and why you could be denied after.

How worried should I be about underwriting?

There's no reason for a borrower to worry or stress during the underwriting process if they get prequalified. They should keep in contact with their lender and try not to make any major changes that could have a negative impact on this critical process. That includes taking out new debt or making a big purchase.

Will I lose my deposit if I am denied a mortgage?

Can My Security Deposit Be Returned If My Mortgage Is Denied At Closing? If you have a contingency in place that includes an offer and purchase contract, you may be able to get your earnest money back. However, if you don't have it, you could lose it.

What hurts your chances of getting a mortgage?

If you are currently repaying other debts that limit the amount of cash available for future payments, you can get denied even if you have a good credit score. Multiple credit cards with high balances or large loans with more than half the total balance remaining will not help you in your mortgage-seeking endeavors.

Does being denied a mortgage hurt credit?

No, denied credit applications won't appear on your credit report. Lenders don't report whether your applications were approved or denied because even approved applications don't necessarily result in a new account.

What is the biggest factor for mortgage approval?

Mortgage lenders consider various factors during the application process, including an overall positive credit history, a low amount of debt and steady income.
  1. Your Credit History. ...
  2. Your Income and Savings. ...
  3. Your Debt-to-Income Ratio. ...
  4. Your Down Payment. ...
  5. Your Loan Type.

Do underwriters pull credit again?

And of course, they will require a credit check. I am often asked if we pull credit more than once. The answer is yes. Keep in mind that within a 45-day window, multiple credit checks from mortgage lenders only affects your credit rating as if it were a single pull.

What is the 28 36 rule in evaluating mortgage applications?

Lenders prefer you spend 28% or less of your gross monthly income on housing expenses. Ideally, you'd spend 36% or less of your gross monthly income on all debts, but you may qualify with a higher ratio.

What will make an underwriter deny a loan?

Underwriters can't approve a loan application with missing or unverifiable information. Although this might seem obvious, it was one of the top reasons for loan denial in 2020. You can't prove your income or employment history is stable. Most loan programs require a two-year history of steady earnings and employment.

How do you increase your chances of getting approved for a mortgage?

8 Tips To Help You Get Approved For A Higher Mortgage Loan
  1. Improve Your Credit Score.
  2. Generate More Income.
  3. Pay Off Debts.
  4. Find A Different Lender.
  5. Make A Down Payment Of 20%
  6. Apply For A Longer Loan Term.
  7. Find A Co-Signer.
  8. Find A More Affordable Property.

Do underwriters check bank statements before closing?

Do mortgage lenders look at bank statements before closing? Your loan officer will typically not re-check your bank statements right before closing. Mortgage lenders only check those when you initially submit your loan application and begin the underwriting approval process.

At what age is it harder to get a mortgage?

All of this creates an atmosphere of risk around older borrowers. The upshot is that if you're over the age of 62, you're almost 30% more likely to get rejected for a standard mortgage.

What percent of income is safe for mortgage?

The traditional rule of thumb is that no more than 28 percent of your monthly gross income or 25 percent of your net income should go to your mortgage payment.

What disqualifies a home loan?

High debt-to-income (DTI)

Before approving you for a mortgage, lenders review your monthly income in relation to your monthly debt, or your debt-to-income (DTI). A good rule of thumb: your mortgage payment should not be more than 28% of your monthly gross income. Similarly, your DTI should not be more than 36%.

Can you be denied on closing day?

If there are any changes to your credit score or employment status, your loan can be denied during the final countdown.

Do mortgages look at your bank account?

Generally, yes. You'll almost certainly be required to submit bank statements to be considered for a mortgage loan — at least one to two months' worth.

How often does an underwriter deny a loan after pre-approval?

How often does an underwriter deny a loan? A mortgage underwriter typically denies about 1 in 10 mortgage loan applications. A mortgage loan application can be denied for many reasons, including a borrower's low credit score, recent employment change or high debt-to-income ratio.

How long does it take an underwriter to decide?

Each situation is different, but underwriting can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Missing signatures or documents, and issues with the appraisal or title insurance are some of the things that can hold up the process.

What not to do during underwriting?

5 Mistakes to Avoid During the Underwriting Process
  • Not responding to emails from the lender. ...
  • Buying an improperly valued home. ...
  • Exceeding loan limitations. ...
  • Lying to your lender. ...
  • Frivolous purchases while your home is pending.