How Long After a CCJ You Can Qualify for a Mortgage: Clear, Practical Guidance

County Court Judgments (CCJs) are one of the most significant types of adverse credit in the UK. Many people worry that a CCJ automatically stops mortgage approval — but this is not the case. Your options depend heavily on when the CCJ was registered, whether it is settled, and your more recent financial behaviour.

This guide explains how long after a CCJ you can qualify for a mortgage, how different lenders assess CCJs at various ages, and what you can do to strengthen your profile. This article provides general information only and does not offer regulated mortgage advice.

---

Key Fact: CCJs Stay on Your Credit File for Six Years

A CCJ remains on your credit report for six years from the date it was issued, regardless of whether you settle it. During this time, lenders can see:

• The amount owed
• The date registered
• Whether it has been satisfied
• Whether any further action was taken

Once six years pass, the CCJ drops off your file completely.
But crucially, many applicants qualify long before the six-year mark.

---

How Lenders Assess CCJs Based on Age

The age of the CCJ is one of the strongest factors in a lender’s decision.

---

CCJs Under 6 Months Old

Most restrictive period.

• Very few lenders will consider your application.
• Specialist lenders may consider depending on size, context and affordability.
• A larger deposit is often required.

---

CCJs 6–12 Months Old

Options begin to open slightly.

• Specialist lenders may accept if the CCJ is satisfied.
• Unsettled CCJs remain challenging but not impossible.
• Affordability and bank statement conduct become crucial.

---

CCJs 1–2 Years Old

This is a more flexible period.

• Several specialist lenders will consider applicants.
• Settled CCJs are viewed much more positively than unsettled ones.
• Some mainstream lenders may consider small, older CCJs.

---

CCJs 2–3 Years Old

A major improvement in most cases.

• Many specialist lenders and some high-street lenders are open to applications.
• Deposit requirements may reduce.
• Strong credit behaviour since the CCJ makes a big difference.

---

CCJs 3–6 Years Old

Often considered “historic” if settled and no new issues exist.

• More high-street lenders may consider, depending on the amount and context.
• Good bank conduct and affordability strengthen the case.
• Even larger CCJs may be acceptable after 3–4 years.

---

CCJs Over 6 Years Old

The CCJ disappears from your credit file.

• Most lenders will no longer see or ask about it.
• Some may still ask if you’ve ever had a CCJ, but it is usually not a barrier.
• You may qualify for standard mortgage products if the rest of your profile is clean.

---

Does the Size of the CCJ Matter?

Yes — significantly.
Lenders categorise CCJs by risk:

Small CCJs (£300 or less)

Often telecom or utility-related.
More lenders accept these, even when only 1–3 years old.

Moderate CCJs (£300–£1,000)

Accepted by many specialist lenders after 12+ months, especially if settled.

Large CCJs (£1,000+)

Require stronger explanations, longer time periods and often a larger deposit.

Very large CCJs (£5,000+)

Typically need specialist underwriting and evidence of improved financial behaviour.

---

Settled vs Unsettled CCJs: What’s the Difference?

Settled CCJ

A settled CCJ shows lenders that you addressed the issue. This improves your profile even though the CCJ remains visible.

Unsettled CCJ

Unsettled CCJs reduce lender confidence. Options may still exist, but:

• Fewer lenders accept
• Higher deposit may be required
• Rates may reflect the risk

Settling the CCJ — even partially — can widen options.

---

What Lenders Check When You Have a CCJ

Lenders look beyond the CCJ itself to understand your financial stability.

1. Recency of the CCJ

Recent CCJs carry the most weight.

2. Reason for the CCJ

Context matters, such as:

• Disputes
• Administrative errors
• Unexpected hardship
• Temporary financial issues

Clear explanations help manual underwriters.

3. Number of CCJs

Multiple CCJs are considered higher risk but not impossible with specialist lenders.

4. Your Overall Credit Behaviour

Lenders assess:

• Recent repayments
• Utilisation levels
• Any missed payments since the CCJ
• Pattern of financial improvement

5. Bank Statement Conduct

Underwriters review:

• Regular bill payments
• No unarranged overdrafts
• No recent returned direct debits
• Stable spending behaviour

6. Deposit Size (LTV)

Lower LTVs reduce risk.
Examples:

• 10% deposit → limited options if CCJ recent
• 15–25% deposit → specialist lenders more flexible
• 25%+ deposit → wider acceptance, even with more recent CCJs

---

Typical Applicant Scenarios and Lender Responses

Scenario 1: CCJ registered 4 years ago, now settled

Many lenders may consider this, including some high-street options.

---

Scenario 2: CCJ from 18 months ago, still unsettled

Specialist lenders likely required.

---

Scenario 3: Two CCJs from the same period 3½ years ago

Some lenders treat clustered CCJs as one event depending on amounts.

---

Scenario 4: CCJ removed from credit file but bank statements show instability

CCJ no longer visible, but lender may still decline due to current conduct.

---

Scenario 5: CCJ settled within one month of being issued

Some lenders treat this more positively.

---

How to Improve Your Chances of Approval

(General Information Only)

1. Settle the CCJ if possible

Even partial settlement shows improvement.

2. Keep 12 months of perfect payment conduct

This is one of the strongest positive signals.

3. Reduce credit utilisation

Lower utilisation boosts your profile quickly.

4. Avoid new credit applications before applying

Too many checks reduce lender confidence.

5. Keep bank statements stable

Avoid unarranged overdrafts and returned payments.

6. Improve deposit if you can

A larger deposit widens lender choices significantly.

7. Prepare clear explanations

Especially if the CCJ was due to error, dispute or unexpected financial difficulty.

---

Summary

Understanding how long after a CCJ you can qualify for a mortgage helps set realistic expectations and plan effectively.

Lender attitudes generally follow this pattern:

• 0–6 months: Very limited options
• 6–12 months: Specialist lenders only
• 1–3 years: Many specialist lenders; some flexibility
• 3–6 years: Increasing access to mainstream lenders
• 6+ years: CCJ no longer on your credit file; options widen significantly

With the right preparation, applicants with CCJs — even multiple or historic ones — regularly secure mortgage approval.

This article provides general information only. For personalised support, regulated mortgage advice is required.