How To Get a Mortgage With a CCJ

Having a County Court Judgment (CCJ) doesn’t have to put the brakes on your homeownership plans. Yes, it might add a bump or two on the road, but with the right approach and our help, you can still secure the mortgage you need. 

In this guide, we’ll explain what a CCJ is, how it could affect your mortgage application, and—most importantly—how to give yourself the best chance of being approved. Whether you’ve just received a CCJ or it’s been on your record for a while, there are routes available to you. 

Can You Get a Mortgage with a CCJ?

Yes, it’s possible. Having a CCJ on your Credit Report might make a few high-street mortgage lenders raise an eyebrow, but there are plenty of specialist lenders available who understand that these things can happen and will consider the bigger picture, rather than just your credit score.  

Specialist lenders don’t really have much of a presence on the high street, so the key here is to work with a mortgage broker - like us! - who know who they are and where to find them. 

What Is a County Court Judgment (CCJ)?

A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a type of court order issued when someone fails to repay money they owe. It typically follows multiple unsuccessful attempts by a creditor to recover a debt.

A CCJ will be recorded on your credit file for six years unless you pay the full amount within one month of the judgment. If you settle it after one month, it will still remain on your record but will be marked as ‘satisfied’.

How Do You Find Out if You Have a CCJ?

If you've received a CCJ, the court will have sent you a letter detailing the amount owed, how to pay it, and by when. But if you’ve moved address or missed the letter, there are two ways you can find out:

• Check your credit report via a service like Checkmyfile* or any of the main credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).

• Search the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines, which publicly lists CCJs (a small fee applies, usually up to £10).

*When you click through to our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission. We only recommend sites we trust and believe in.

How Does It Affect Your Mortgage Application?

When lenders check a mortgage application, they’re looking to see how much of a risk they could be taking, and one of the main factors in reaching a conclusion will be your credit history. 

Seeing a CCJ will most definitely make them pause for thought as it could signify a risk of missing repayments during the mortgage term. But not all CCJs are equal and their impact will vary depending on: 

• When the CCJ was registered. Older CCJs are seen as less risky.

• Whether it’s been paid. A satisfied CCJ is more acceptable than an outstanding one.

• How many CCJs you have. Multiple CCJs may further reduce your options.

• The size of the debt. Smaller CCJs are easier to explain and may be overlooked by some lenders.
  

Generally, the newer or larger the CCJ, the fewer lenders will consider your application, and the more stringent the deposit and interest rate terms may be.

Where Can You Get a Mortgage with a CCJ?

You’re unlikely to get approved by a mainstream bank if you have a recent or unsatisfied CCJ. Even older, satisfied CCJs may make some lenders wince. But there could be more options available than you think - and this is where we can help! 

Through our sister brand, Haysto, we’ve made mortgages possible for thousands of people with a whole range of complex mortgage needs, including those with this type of adverse credit. 

We’ve done this by building close working relationships with many of the U.K.’s most respected specialist mortgage lenders, such as United Trust Bank, Vida Homeloans, Aldermore, Bluestone Mortgages and West One Loans. 

All of the above lenders (and many others) will happily consider applicants who have a CCJ recorded on their credit history. Rather than adopt a ‘computer says no’ approach, they review applications on a case-by-case basis, meaning they’ll be looked at by a real person, rather than a computer, who’ll take into account more than just your credit report. 

How to Boost Your Chances!

There are several proactive steps you can take to give yourself a better opportunity of getting the mortgage approval you need when you have a CCJ. 

• Settle the CCJ. A ‘satisfied’ CCJ shows that you’ve taken responsibility for the debt and it is now cleared - this will stand you in better favour with mortgage lenders.

• Check your credit report. Make sure all the information recorded is accurate and up to date. Contact the relevant credit agency, if any outdated information needs to be removed. 

• Improve your credit score. Pay all your bills on time, reduce any reliance on short-term credit facilities, and avoid making any new credit applications.

• Save a larger deposit. A bigger deposit reduces the risk for lenders and increases the number of lenders willing to consider your application. 

• Use a mortgage broker. A broker who specialises in adverse credit cases - like our sister brand, Haysto! - can guide you to lenders who are open to considering applicants with CCJs.

Can You Have a CCJ Removed?

You can only have a CCJ removed from your Credit Report in the following circumstances:

• If you pay the full amount within one month of the judgment, it won’t be recorded on your credit file.

• If you believe the judgment was made in error, you can apply to have it ‘set aside’ by the court using form N244. You’ll need solid evidence and may have to pay a court fee of up to £275.
  

Otherwise, the CCJ will remain on your credit report for six years from the date of judgment, even if it’s paid.