Can You Get a Mortgage with a CCJ?
If you’ve had a County Court Judgment (CCJ) in the past, you might be worried it’s a dealbreaker for getting a mortgage. It’s one of the most common concerns we hear — and the good news is, having a CCJ doesn’t automatically mean you can’t get a mortgage.
At Mortgage Bridge, we help clients every day who’ve had CCJs, defaults, or other credit blips secure mortgages — sometimes just months after the issue occurred. The key is understanding how lenders view CCJs and what you can do to strengthen your application.
Let’s break down exactly what you need to know.
What Is a CCJ and How Does It Affect Getting a Mortgage?
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order issued when you don’t repay money you owe. It stays on your credit file for six years from the judgment date — even if you’ve paid it off.
When lenders see a CCJ on your file, they view it as a sign that you’ve had difficulty managing debt in the past. But they’ll also look closely at context — when it happened, how much it was for, and whether it’s been settled.
So while a CCJ can impact your options, it doesn’t have to stop you from buying a home.
We often help clients get approved for mortgages even while a CCJ is still visible on their credit file.
How Long After a CCJ Can You Get a Mortgage?
This is one of the most common questions we get. The answer depends on how long ago the CCJ was issued and whether it’s been settled.
Here’s a general guide to what most lenders look for:
- CCJ less than 12 months old: A few specialist lenders may still consider you, but you’ll likely need a larger deposit (20–30%) and proof that you’ve handled your finances well since.
- CCJ 1–3 years old: More lenders will consider you, especially if it’s been paid and no new issues have appeared.
- CCJ 3–6 years old: Many lenders will be open, often with better rates and lower deposit requirements.
- CCJ over 6 years old: It drops off your credit file completely, meaning most lenders won’t even see it.
If your CCJ has been satisfied (paid off), it can improve your options sooner — lenders like to see that you’ve taken responsibility and resolved the issue.
Can I Get a Mortgage If My CCJ Is Still Unpaid?
Yes, it’s possible, but your options will be more limited.
Some specialist lenders are willing to consider applications with unsatisfied CCJs, particularly if:
- The CCJ is small (usually under £1,000).
- It’s over 12 months old.
- You’ve had no further credit issues since.
- You have a strong income or larger deposit.
If your CCJ is recent and still unpaid, it may be worth waiting until it’s settled and your credit has stabilised. That said, we’ve seen clients succeed in securing mortgages even in these circumstances with the right preparation and lender choice.
Do All Lenders Accept Applicants with a CCJ?
No — most high street lenders will decline applications with active or recent CCJs.
However, there are many specialist lenders who are more flexible and look at the bigger picture. They’ll consider factors like:
- How long ago the CCJ was registered.
- Whether it’s been satisfied.
- Your income, affordability, and current financial stability.
- The size of your deposit.
These lenders aren’t usually accessible directly — you’ll need to go through a broker (like us) who works with them regularly.
At Mortgage Bridge, we know exactly which lenders are open to CCJ cases and how to present your application in the best possible light.
How Much Deposit Will I Need for a Mortgage with a CCJ?
Your deposit size plays a big role in your chances. The more you can put down, the safer you appear to lenders.
Here’s a rough guide:
- CCJ within the last year: Aim for at least 25–30% deposit.
- CCJ 1–3 years old: Around 15–20% may be enough.
- CCJ over 3 years old: You could qualify with as little as 10%, depending on your overall credit profile.
If you’re a first-time buyer or struggling to save a large deposit, we can explore family-assisted or shared ownership options that may help bridge the gap.
How Does a CCJ Affect Mortgage Rates?
You’ll likely face higher interest rates initially, as lenders view CCJs as higher risk.
However, these rates are often temporary. Once you’ve shown consistent repayments and improved your credit over time, you can remortgage later onto a lower, more competitive rate.
Think of it as a stepping-stone approach — getting a mortgage now, then moving to a better deal after you’ve rebuilt your credit standing.
What If I Have Multiple CCJs?
Having more than one CCJ can make things trickier, but it’s still not impossible.
Specialist lenders will want to see:
- How many CCJs you have.
- How old they are.
- The total combined value.
- Whether you’ve settled them.
If your CCJs are small, old, or already satisfied, lenders are often much more open. We’ve helped clients with two or even three CCJs successfully get approved — it’s about how the case is presented.
Will I Need to Explain My CCJ to a Lender?
Yes, most lenders will want to understand what caused the CCJ and what’s changed since.
Be honest — lenders appreciate transparency. If your CCJ came from something understandable (like redundancy, illness, or a temporary issue), we’ll help you frame that explanation clearly in your application.
What matters most is showing that those circumstances are behind you and that your current finances are stable.
Can I Get a Mortgage If My CCJ Is Satisfied?
Absolutely. In fact, a satisfied CCJ often makes a big difference.
Once the CCJ is marked as paid, lenders can see you’ve taken responsibility and cleared the debt. It also reduces your perceived risk level and can help lower the deposit required.
If possible, aim to settle any open CCJs before applying — even partial settlements can help demonstrate progress.
How Do I Check My CCJ and Credit History?
You can check your credit file for free with these agencies:
- Experian – via MSE Credit Club or Experian’s site.
- Equifax – via ClearScore.
- TransUnion – via Credit Karma.
These reports will show your CCJ details — including the date, amount, and whether it’s been satisfied.
If anything looks incorrect, you can raise a dispute with the agency to have it reviewed. Keeping your report accurate is an easy win before applying.
How Can I Improve My Chances of Mortgage Approval with a CCJ?
Even with a CCJ, there are plenty of ways to strengthen your case:
- Settle the CCJ if possible. It instantly improves your profile.
- Keep up with all current credit payments. Lenders love to see consistency.
- Register on the electoral roll. It helps confirm your identity and address stability.
- Save a bigger deposit. The larger it is, the more options you’ll have.
- Avoid new credit applications. Too many can lower your score temporarily.
- Work with a specialist mortgage broker. We know which lenders are most open to CCJ cases.
Even if your credit history isn’t perfect, these steps can make your application far more appealing.
Can I Remortgage If I Have a CCJ?
Yes, remortgaging with a CCJ is possible — especially if it’s older or satisfied.
Many clients come to us looking to remortgage to a better rate once their credit has improved. Lenders often view remortgages more positively than purchases since there’s already a proven track record of payments.
If your CCJ was recent, we might suggest waiting a few months or looking at specialist remortgage lenders in the meantime.
Can I Get a Mortgage with a CCJ and Bad Credit?
Yes — even if you’ve got other credit issues alongside a CCJ (like defaults, late payments, or a debt management plan), it’s still achievable.
Specialist lenders look at your full story, not just your credit file. If your situation has improved — stable income, no new issues, and a reasonable deposit — you’ve got a strong case.
At Mortgage Bridge, we specialise in bad credit and complex mortgage cases, so we know exactly which lenders to approach and how to position your application.
What Happens If I’m Declined for a Mortgage Because of My CCJ?
If your bank has already said no, don’t panic — it’s not the end of the road.
High street lenders have strict, automated rules, but specialist lenders review applications manually. That means there’s room for explanation, context, and flexibility.
We’ll help you understand why your application was declined and prepare a stronger one for a more suitable lender.
Final Thoughts: You Can Still Get a Mortgage After a CCJ
A CCJ might make things more challenging, but it’s far from the end of your mortgage journey.
With the right guidance, preparation, and lender match, you can absolutely get a mortgage after a CCJ — even if it’s recent or still showing on your file.
At Mortgage Bridge, we’re here to help you rebuild confidence and take the next step toward homeownership.
If you’d like to see what’s possible for your situation, let’s explore your options together. We’ll review your credit, explain your choices clearly, and find a lender who’ll see your potential — not just your past.