Hi steve1984.

I cannot answer your question from an experience point of view, but once the trust deed has gone from your file then I cannot see how any "rottenness" could lurk unless creditors haven't properly updated the accounts that were included in a trust deed.

So... there might be nothing especially bad on the credit report, but will there be much that's especially good? A solid mortgage payment record for example might be a good thing.

Then there's other factors that might not seem immediately obvious. For example, if you are (or have been) making use of high cost short term loans or high interest credit cards then some mainstream lenders might see that as a warning flag that puts them off from offering you the best interest rates.

Also, if you've built up a new credit balance of any size it might affect a new lenders perception of the affordability of providing you with new credit, and especially so if your existing credit is at high interest rates.

Regards getting a loan to pay off the DAS, if you cannot afford to save the money for this are you confident that the new loan repayments will be affordable? Are you sure you want to swap interest free debt (in the DAS) for interest-bearing debt with a replacement loan?

Another factor is that a new mortgage lender will have to take into account your new loan repayment, which could diminish the amount that they're prepared to lend to you. If you're struggling to save much at the moment, this could become an obstacle to getting the new mortgage you want that replaces the credit rating obstacle you currently have.

Anyway, just general thoughts. I don't know to what extent any of these factors might (or might not) be relevant to you.