Compare leading IVA providers, see pros & cons, and find out why Fresh Start offers faster, more personal IVA support to help
write off unaffordable debt.
Reviewed by: Fresh Start Debt Support team • Last updated
Best IVA Companies UK — Compare Providers, Reviews & Real Support
✅ Quick answer: The best IVA company UK is the one that responds fast, gives you a named adviser, is transparent on fees, and applies the 2025 IVA Protocol correctly if you’re a homeowner.
Quick answer: Choosing the right IVA company matters. Compare how fast they respond, who supports you day-to-day, and how clearly they explain fees and risks. We’ll help you check eligibility, compare options, and get protection from creditors — free and confidential.
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a legally binding agreement to repay debt affordably, usually over 5–6 years. An IVA company (Insolvency Practitioner firm) prepares your proposal, liaises with creditors, manages payments, and supports you through any changes.
Wellbeing support: Check providers that offer mental health signposting, payment holiday guidance, and hardship reviews — not just sales calls.
Named case manager: Ask for a single point of contact and realistic caseload limits so you’re not repeating your story.
Resilience checks: Good firms run affordability stress-tests and explain risks before you commit.
Source for StepChange completion rate: see References.
Large firms handle high volumes, but that can mean slower replies and less personal service. Many people prefer smaller caseloads and a single point of contact.
2025 IVA Protocol Changes (What Homeowners Should Know)
From 1 July 2025, the revised Consumer IVA Protocol took effect to improve protections and service standards. Two key points for homeowners:
60 vs 72 months: Protocol IVAs are proposed for 60 months, or 72 months where there’s over £10,000 beneficial interest in a family home (calculated at 85% of value minus secured borrowing).
Reduced remortgage pressure: Where equity release isn’t suitable, extending the term is used instead of forcing remortgage — helping protect people’s homes.
See official updates in the References section below.
Transparent fees: Explained in plain English and built into your monthly payment.
Independent reviews: Read verified client feedback on our Testimonials page and Trustpilot.
Evidence-based guidance: We link to neutral sources (Citizens Advice, MoneyHelper, FCA) so you can double-check every claim.
Case study: Family home protected Homeowner with £28,400 unsecured debt; Protocol applied with 72-month term instead of remortgage. Affordable payments maintained through a 6-month income drop review.
Case study: Faster set-up Single parent, £16,200 debt. Proposal submitted in 7 business days; creditor contact reduced within 48 hours of proposal issue.
Case study: Wellbeing support Client experiencing anxiety supported with payment holiday and signposting to mental-health resources; plan successfully resumed.
We never publish fake testimonials. For real experiences, see Client Testimonials.
Best IVA Company UK — Plain-English Picks by Situation
There isn’t a single “best IVA company” for everyone — the right choice depends on your income stability, whether you’re a homeowner, and how quickly you need creditor contact to ease. Here’s how to match the provider to your situation:
If you’re a homeowner
Ask providers to confirm in writing how they apply the 2025 IVA Protocol (60 vs 72 months; term extension instead of remortgage).
Request an equity calculation walkthrough so there are no surprises later.
If you need fast setup
Ask for typical time to creditor vote and what they do to reduce contact during proposal.
Check you’ll have a named case manager (not a rotating call centre).
If you want strong completion support
Prioritise providers that publish outcomes. For example, StepChange has stated ~85% IVA completion in recent years (see References).
Ask about hardship policies, payment breaks, and variation success rates.
If you value personal guidance
Choose smaller caseloads, clear fee explanations, and regular affordability reviews.
We’ll benchmark options and advise if a DRO or DMP may be safer.
We don’t rank providers for payment. We’ll compare options objectively and help you choose what’s safest for your goals.
Yes. Before approval, switching is usually straightforward. After approval, it can be more complex but still possible. We’ll explain the pros and cons so you don’t lose protection or momentum.
An IVA is legally binding and can write off remaining debt on completion; a Debt Management Plan is informal and has no guaranteed write-off.
IVA vs DRO
A Debt Relief Order suits low income and debts under ~£30,000. IVAs can suit higher debts with steady income.
IVA vs Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy can be faster but may impact assets more. An IVA can be less disruptive and more flexible, depending on your situation.
Best IVA Companies 2025 — What to Look For (Without the Hype)
Pages titled “Best IVA Companies 2025” can look like rankings — but the best firm depends on your budget, stability of income, and whether you’re a homeowner. Use this quick matrix to shortlist:
If you want rigorous advice & high completion support: Look at charities and providers that publish audited outcomes (e.g., StepChange states ~85% completions in recent years).
If you need rapid set-up: Ask each firm for time to creditor vote and time to stop contact — and what happens if income drops within 6 months.
If you’re a homeowner: Confirm how the 2025 Protocol is applied to avoid unsuitable remortgage expectations.
We don’t do “pay-to-rank”. We’ll compare options and tell you when a different solution (like DRO or DMP) may be safer.
Where a provider publishes data (e.g., completion %), we link to it in References. If not, we ask them to provide it before making any claim.
Search Intent Coverage — Queries This Page Answers
To help you (and searchers) faster, these are the common questions we cover:
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People Also Ask — “Best IVA Company UK”
Who is the best IVA company in the UK?
There’s no single “best” for everyone. Match provider strengths to your needs: audited outcomes and clear hardship policies, fast set-up and reduced contact, and correct homeowner treatment under the 2025 Protocol. Use our checklist to compare.
Which IVA companies have high completion rates?
Some charities publish outcomes — for example, StepChange has stated ~85% completion in recent years (see References). Ask any provider to share their latest audited figures and how they support clients through income shocks.
What matters most when choosing an IVA provider?
Speed of response, a named case manager, transparent fees, and homeowner safeguards. Also check how quickly they reduce creditor contact and how they handle payment breaks or variations.
Are rankings paid for?
Some comparison pages are sponsored. We do not accept payment to rank firms. Instead, we explain trade-offs and tell you if a DRO or DMP could be safer.
Answer these quick questions to see likely options:
IVA Repayment vs Write-Off Calculator
Estimate how long repayments might take without help, versus using an IVA:
Neutral Best Practices (Before You Choose)
Citizens Advice: What an IVA is, risks, and alternatives — creditors should stop interest/charges once approved. Read guidance.
MoneyHelper: How IVAs work and typical affordability expectations. View overview.
Insolvency Service (gov.uk):IVA Protocol 2025 and July 2025 update to improve protections and standards. Protocol • News release.
FCA: Ban on debt-packager referral fees to reduce mis-selling incentives; check you receive impartial, suitable advice. Policy statement.
We summarise external sources for convenience — follow the links above to read the full official guidance.
IVA Companies — Frequently Asked Questions
Do IVA companies charge fees?
Yes, but fees are agreed with creditors and built into your IVA payments — no upfront charges.
How long does an IVA last?
Typically 5–6 years. If you complete the plan, remaining eligible debt is written off.
What changed in 2025 for homeowners?
The revised Protocol (from 1 July 2025) clarifies that where equity release isn’t suitable, a term extension is used instead of remortgaging, with Protocol IVAs set at 60 months or 72 months if there’s over £10,000 beneficial interest in a family home.
Will an IVA stop calls and bailiffs?
Once approved, an IVA is legally binding and usually stops enforcement and freezes interest/charges.
Can I check my IVA reference number?
Yes. Your IVA firm will provide your IVA reference — keep it for creditor communications.
Which IVA company is best?
The “best” firm is the one that responds quickly, explains trade-offs clearly, and supports you personally — not just the biggest brand.
Are IVA companies regulated?
Insolvency Practitioners (IPs) are authorised by professional bodies (e.g., IPA/ICAEW). Marketing and advice rules also exist — see the FCA and ASA resources linked above.
What should I avoid when choosing?
Avoid upfront fees, pressure to sign quickly, and providers who won’t explain the 2025 homeowner rules in writing.
How fast can an IVA be set up?
It varies. Ask each provider for their typical time to creditor vote and how quickly they reduce creditor contact during the proposal stage.
What if my income drops during an IVA?
Responsible providers have hardship policies (payment holidays, variations, affordability reviews). Ask for these in writing before you choose.
Do the 2025 rules change equity release?
Yes. The 2025 Protocol reduces pressure to remortgage. If you have over £10,000 beneficial interest, a 72-month term may be used instead.
