CCJ Mortgage Advice

Can you get a mortgage with a CCJ?

Yes. A CCJ will limit the number of lenders who can consider you, but it does not automatically prevent you from getting a mortgage. The key factors are the date of the CCJ, the amount, whether it is settled, and your overall credit profile.

At Mortgage Bridge, we work with lenders who assess CCJs on a case-by-case basis rather than relying on high credit scores. This means you may still have options even if the CCJ is recent or unsettled.

How lenders assess CCJs

Lenders will look at the following points when reviewing your case:

1. How old the CCJ is

This is one of the most important criteria.

Under 12 months old: Higher difficulty, but not impossible

12 to 24 months old: Broader choice of lenders

Over 3 years old: Considered less severe by most specialist lenders

Over 6 years old: Automatically removed from your credit file

2. Whether the CCJ is settled

Settled CCJs normally open more options.

Settled within 3 months: Some lenders treat this more favourably

Settled after 3 months: Still acceptable with many specialist lenders

Unsettled CCJs: Fewer lenders, but still possible depending on date and amount

3. The CCJ amount

Lower-value CCJs give lenders more confidence, especially if settled.

Under £500: Usually not a major barrier

£500 to £2,500: Possible with specialist lenders

Over £2,500: Limited options unless older or settled

4. How many CCJs you have

Multiple CCJs are still acceptable, but options decrease as the number increases.

5. Your current financial stability

Lenders also consider:

Recent bank statements

Current debt levels

Affordability

Missed payments in the last 12 months

Can you get a mortgage with a recent CCJ?

Yes. Even CCJs registered within the last 12 months can be accepted, although:

You may need a higher deposit

Interest rates may be higher

Only specialist lenders will consider it

Many clients are surprised at how flexible these lenders can be once the rest of the case is strong.

Deposit requirements when you have a CCJ

Your deposit requirement depends on the date and value of the CCJ.

General guidance:

CCJ within 12 months: 15 to 30 percent deposit

CCJ older than 12 months: 10 to 20 percent deposit

CCJ older than 3 years: From 5 to 15 percent depending on circumstances

If you are combining CCJs with other adverse items (defaults, arrears, missed payments), we will factor the full picture in when advising you.

Improving your chances of being approved

The following steps can make a noticeable difference:

Check your credit files

Download your full report from:

Experian

Equifax

TransUnion

We recommend the combined multi-agency report from Check My File for convenience.

Settle any small CCJs if possible

Even settling a CCJ shortly before an application can open more lender options.

Avoid new missed payments

The last 6 months of your credit behaviour is key.

Strengthen your bank statements

Reduce gambling transactions, returned payments, and unarranged overdrafts where possible.

How Mortgage Bridge can help

Specialist lenders take a more practical view of CCJs, focusing on:

The age of the CCJ

Whether the issue has been resolved

Your current financial position

Your affordability

We work with these lenders every day, so we understand their requirements and how to present your case correctly. Many clients come to us after being declined elsewhere because the lender they approached simply does not accept CCJs.

When to speak to us

You should get advice if:

Your CCJ is under 6 years old

You have more than one CCJ

The CCJ is recent or unsettled

You have CCJs combined with defaults or arrears

You are unsure what deposit is required

You need an honest assessment before proceeding

A short conversation allows us to review your CCJ, assess your credit file, and outline which lenders may consider you.

Common questions

Will a satisfied CCJ help my chances?

Yes. Many lenders prefer the CCJ to be settled, even if it was paid recently.

Will a CCJ stop me from getting a mortgage altogether?

No. It may limit the choice of lenders, but it does not automatically block your application.

Do I need a larger deposit because of a CCJ?

Often yes, especially if the CCJ is recent. We will confirm the exact deposit needed based on your circumstances.

Can I get a mortgage with multiple CCJs?

Yes, depending on dates, amounts, and whether they are settled.

Next steps

If you have a CCJ and want clear, straightforward advice, we can review your full credit position and show you which lenders may consider your application.

At Mortgage Bridge, we help clients with CCJs every day and will guide you to lenders who understand complex credit histories and affordability.

Contact us today for your free consultation.

As a mortgage is secured against your home, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments.

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