How Long After a CCJ Can You Get a Mortgage?

If you’ve had a County Court Judgment (CCJ), it’s normal to wonder how long it will affect your mortgage prospects. The good news is that getting a mortgage after a CCJ is possible, and the required waiting time depends on a mix of factors: how old the CCJ is, whether it’s been satisfied, the size of your deposit, and your recent credit behaviour.

In this guide, we break everything down clearly so you know what to expect and how to put yourself in the strongest position.

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How long after a CCJ can you get a mortgage?

Here’s the straightforward answer:
You can potentially get a mortgage even with a very recent CCJ — sometimes as soon as it appears on your credit file.
However, the number of lenders available increases the older the CCJ is.

Typical lender timeframes

• 0–12 months old
  Only specialist lenders will consider you. You’ll likely need a larger deposit (often 15–25%) and clean recent credit behaviour.
• 12–24 months old
  More specialist lenders open up. Deposit requirements may start to reduce depending on your overall credit profile.
• 2–3 years old
  A mix of specialist and some mainstream lenders may consider you — especially if the CCJ is satisfied and no new issues have appeared.
• 3–6 years old
  Most lenders that accept credit issues will consider applications, provided your credit is stable since the CCJ.
• 6+ years old
  The CCJ drops off your credit file entirely, and you’ll usually be treated like any other applicant (assuming no new issues).

If your CCJ is recent, don’t worry — there are still options. This is something we deal with regularly at Mortgage Bridge.

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Does the CCJ need to be satisfied?

It helps — but it isn’t always essential.

Mortgage options with a satisfied CCJ

Lenders view satisfied CCJs far more positively. Paying it off shows you have taken steps to resolve the debt, and it can improve both rates and deposit requirements.

Mortgage options with an unsatisfied CCJ

Some specialist lenders still consider unsatisfied CCJs, particularly if:

• The CCJ is more than 12 months old
• You have a strong, stable income
• The deposit is larger
• Everything else on your credit file looks stable

If you’re not sure whether to satisfy a CCJ before applying, we can talk you through the pros and cons.

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How does the size of the CCJ affect your mortgage?

Lenders pay close attention to the value of the CCJ.

Under £500

Many specialist lenders are more relaxed about smaller CCJs, especially if they are over a year old.

£500–£2,500

Considered moderate. More lenders will want the CCJ to be satisfied.

£2,500+

Considered high risk. A larger deposit and a longer waiting period are usually required.

Every lender handles this differently — which is why choosing the right one matters.

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Will a CCJ stop you getting a mortgage with a high-street lender?

In many cases, yes — at least for now.

Most high-street lenders decline applications automatically if:

• The CCJ is less than 3–6 years old
• The CCJ is unsatisfied
• There is more than one CCJ
• There are other credit issues alongside it

However, specialist lenders are far more flexible and look at the full picture, not just your credit score.

If a bank has already said no, it does not mean you can’t get a mortgage.
Lots of our clients come to us after being declined elsewhere.

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How much deposit do you need after a CCJ?

Deposit requirements vary depending on how old the CCJ is and how satisfied your overall credit profile looks.

Common deposit ranges

• CCJ within 12 months: 15–25%
• CCJ 1–3 years old: 10–20%
• CCJ over 3 years old: 5–10%

Your income, credit behaviour and general financial picture can reduce or increase these ranges.
A bigger deposit almost always widens your lender options and improves the rates available.

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Can you get a mortgage with multiple CCJs?

Yes — but it depends on:

• How recent they are
• Whether they’re satisfied
• The total combined value
• Your deposit
• How stable the rest of your credit file is

Specialist lenders often consider complex credit backgrounds, especially when the applicant has shown improvement over time.
We can talk you through which lenders will look at your specific situation.

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How does a CCJ affect your credit score and mortgage rates?

A CCJ usually lowers your score significantly, especially within the first two years.
Rates tend to be higher when:

• The CCJ is recent
• It’s unsatisfied
• There are multiple issues
• Other credit blips also appear on the file

As time passes and your record improves, it’s often possible to remortgage onto a better deal later.

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Do you need to wait six years before applying?

No — you do not need to wait the full six years.

Many people secure a mortgage long before the CCJ drops off.
Six years is simply when the CCJ disappears from your credit file.

If your CCJ is several years old and you’ve had clean credit since, your options are already much stronger.

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Can you get a mortgage with a CCJ and other credit issues?

Yes — though your lender pool will be more limited.

Examples include:

• Defaults
• Missed payments
• Payday loans
• Debt Management Plans
• Previous bankruptcy

We help clients in these situations all the time. The key is building a clear case that your circumstances have improved.
You’ll find more on this in our guides on DMPs and bankruptcy.

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What documents do lenders look at if you have a CCJ?

Expect lenders to take a closer look at:

• Bank statements (3–6 months)
• Payslips or self-employed accounts
• Your credit file from all main agencies
• Proof of deposit
• ID and proof of address

If your income is complex, we’ll help prepare the right documents before anything goes to a lender.

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How to improve your chances of approval after a CCJ

Here are some practical steps:

• Keep all active commitments paid on time
• Avoid new borrowing before applying
• Build a larger deposit if possible
• Review your credit report for errors
• Reduce overdraft usage
• Clear or satisfy old credit issues where possible

These changes strengthen your application quickly.

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Key Takeaways

• You can get a mortgage immediately after a CCJ, but options increase as it gets older
• Most specialist lenders prefer CCJs older than 12 months
• Satisfied CCJs provide more options and often better rates
• Deposit requirements range from 10–25% depending on age and severity
• Being declined by a high-street lender doesn’t mean you can’t get a mortgage

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Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage after a CCJ is absolutely possible — you just need the right lender and a clear, well-prepared application.
At Mortgage Bridge, we specialise in helping people with credit challenges, complex income and situations that fall outside high-street criteria.
We’ll guide you through every step with clarity and confidence.