Can You Get a Mortgage with a CCJ?

A County Court Judgment (CCJ) can feel like a major obstacle when applying for a mortgage — but it doesn’t always mean your application will be declined. Many lenders, particularly specialist ones, consider applications involving CCJs if the case is well presented and recent financial behaviour is strong.

This guide explains whether you can get a mortgage with a CCJ, how lenders analyse the circumstances, and what steps can strengthen your chances. This article provides general information only and does not offer regulated mortgage advice.

---

What Is a CCJ?

A County Court Judgment is a court order issued when a debt has not been repaid. A CCJ remains on your credit file for six years unless paid within 30 days of issue (in which case it is removed entirely).

Key details lenders examine include:

• The date of the CCJ
• The amount owed
• Whether it was satisfied or unsatisfied
• Whether there are multiple CCJs
• How your credit behaviour looks since it was registered

A CCJ is one of the more serious forms of adverse credit, but context matters.

---

Can You Get a Mortgage with a CCJ?

Yes — you can get a mortgage with a CCJ, depending on:

• How long ago the CCJ was registered
• Whether it has been repaid
• The number and size of CCJs
• Your deposit
• Your income and affordability
• Bank statement conduct
• Overall risk profile

High-street lenders tend to be strict, while specialist lenders may consider more complex cases.

---

How Lenders Assess CCJs

1. Age of the CCJ

This is one of the most important factors.

Within 12 months:
Most mainstream lenders decline. Specialist lenders may consider the case with a higher deposit.

1–3 years old:
Some specialist lenders may approve depending on affordability and conduct.

3–6 years old:
Wider lender choice. CCJs lose impact as they age.

6+ years old:
The CCJ no longer appears on your credit file, so lenders may not consider it.

---

2. Whether the CCJ Is Satisfied

A satisfied CCJ is better than an unsatisfied one.

Lenders often prefer:

• CCJs paid before an application
• Evidence of settlement
• No new negative credit since settlement

Some lenders allow unsatisfied CCJs within limits, but options are narrower.

---

3. Size of the CCJ

Small CCJs (e.g., under £500) may be treated differently from larger ones.

Higher-value CCJs can signal greater financial instability.

---

4. Number of CCJs

One CCJ may be acceptable to several lenders.
Multiple CCJs reduce options significantly, particularly if they are recent.

---

5. Your Deposit Size

Deposit is a major factor in getting a mortgage with a CCJ.

Typical patterns:

• 5% deposit: only possible with older or small CCJs
• 10% deposit: moderate lender availability
• 15%+ deposit: significantly improves options with recent or larger CCJs
• 25% deposit: most specialist lenders become accessible

Higher deposits reduce lender risk.

---

6. Recent Financial Conduct

Lenders want to see stability and improved behaviour.

They examine:

• No recent missed payments
• Controlled credit use
• No reliance on overdraft
• Clean bank statements

Your most recent 6–12 months matter more than the score itself.

---

Can You Get a Mortgage with an Unsatisfied CCJ?

Yes — some specialist lenders accept unsatisfied CCJs, depending on:

• How old the CCJ is
• The amount
• How many CCJs appear
• Deposit size
• Income stability

However, settling a CCJ usually helps increase lender choice.

---

How CCJs Affect First-Time Buyers

First-time buyers with CCJs often face:

• Fewer lender options
• Higher deposit requirements
• More detailed underwriting
• The need for stronger bank conduct evidence

However, many lenders specialise in helping first-time buyers with historic adverse credit.

---

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Mortgage with a CCJ

(General Information Only)

1. Pay the CCJ If You Can

If paid within 30 days:
→ It may be removed completely.

If paid after 30 days:
→ It will remain but marked as “satisfied,” which lenders prefer.

---

2. Build 6–12 Months of Clean Conduct

Lenders prioritise:

• No overdraft reliance
• No late payments
• Predictable, stable spending

---

3. Increase Your Deposit

A larger deposit widens lender choice and may reduce interest rates.

---

4. Avoid New Credit Before Applying

New borrowing raises affordability concerns and may limit options.

---

5. Check All Three Credit Files Are Correct

Ensure:

• Correct CCJ registration date
• Correct settlement status
• No duplicate CCJs
• No old accounts marked incorrectly

Credit file errors are common.

---

6. Prepare a Clear Explanation

Short, factual explanations can help underwriters understand:

• Why the CCJ occurred
• What has changed since
• How your financial situation is now stable

---

Common CCJ Scenarios and How Lenders Respond

Scenario 1: CCJ issued over 3 years ago, now satisfied

Often acceptable with a moderate deposit.

Scenario 2: Multiple small CCJs over 2 years old

Specialist lenders may consider depending on income and behaviour.

Scenario 3: Recent CCJ within 12 months

Options may be limited, but not impossible with a strong deposit.

Scenario 4: CCJ from a utility company or mobile provider

Lenders may treat this differently if the amount was small and circumstances were genuine.

Scenario 5: CCJ over 6 years old

It no longer appears on your credit file, restoring wider lender choice.

---

Summary

You can get a mortgage with a CCJ, and many borrowers do so successfully. Your chances depend on:

• Age, size and number of CCJs
• Whether the CCJ is satisfied
• Deposit strength
• Income stability
• Recent bank statement and credit behaviour

With strong preparation and a clear understanding of lender expectations, securing a mortgage with a CCJ is achievable.

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