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Mortgages With CCJs

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Can You Get Approved & What Lenders Look For?

Having a County Court Judgment (CCJ) on your credit file doesn’t automatically stop you from getting a mortgage — but it does change the lenders available, deposit requirements and how your application is assessed. Many mainstream banks may decline, but specialist lenders can still consider CCJs depending on date, amount, repayment status and your overall financial profile.

This guide explains how CCJs affect mortgage eligibility, what lenders check, typical deposit requirements, how to improve your chances, and the situations where approval is still possible.

What Is a CCJ?

A CCJ (County Court Judgment) is issued when you fail to repay a debt. It remains on your credit report for six years unless paid and set aside by the court. Lenders view CCJs as a sign of past financial difficulty — but not all CCJs are treated the same.

Important CCJ factors:

  • The date it was registered
  • Whether it is satisfied or unsatisfied
  • The amount owed
  • The number of CCJs registered
  • Any other adverse credit (defaults, missed payments, payday loans, etc.)

If you also have defaults, see: Mortgages After Defaults

Can You Get a Mortgage With a CCJ?

Yes — many borrowers secure mortgages with CCJs every year, especially through specialist lenders. Approval depends heavily on how old the CCJ is and whether it has been satisfied.

General lender approach:

  • CCJs registered over 3 years ago: Commonly accepted
  • CCJs 1–3 years old: Possible with higher deposit
  • CCJs under 12 months old: Specialist lenders only

Satisfied vs Unsatisfied CCJs

Most lenders prefer satisfied CCJs, but some will still consider unsatisfied ones depending on the age and size.

  • Satisfied CCJs: More lender choice, lower deposit requirements, and stronger credit score recovery.
  • Unsatisfied CCJs: Fewer lenders, but still possible. Higher deposits (20–30%) often required. Lenders check for recent financial stability.

How Old Is Your CCJ?

  • CCJs under 6 months old: Very limited lender choice; often require larger deposits.
  • CCJs 6–12 months old: Specialist lenders may consider; higher deposit still required.
  • CCJs 12–36 months old: Wider choice of lenders; satisfied CCJs preferred.
  • CCJs older than 3 years: Often treated more leniently; mainstream lenders may consider, depending on amount.

How Much Deposit Do You Need With a CCJ?

Deposit requirements vary depending on the severity of the credit issue:

  • Clean credit: 5–10%
  • CCJs 3+ years old: 10–15%
  • CCJs 1–3 years old: 15–25%
  • CCJs under 12 months old: 25–30%+

For general deposit rules, see our guide: Mortgage Deposit Requirements.

Multiple CCJs & Large Amounts

Some lenders allow one small historical CCJ, but multiple CCJs may push you into specialist lending only. Lenders consider the combined value, how close together they were registered, and whether they have been repaid.

General guidance on CCJ value:

  • CCJs under £500: Widely accepted
  • CCJs £500–£2,500: Needs specialist lender
  • CCJs £2,500+: Possible, but heavily depends on age and repayment

Improving Your Chances of Approval

You can increase your chances significantly by:

  • Satisfying the CCJ (paying it off)
  • Ensuring no recent missed payments
  • Lowering existing debts to improve affordability
  • Saving a higher deposit
  • Avoiding new credit applications before applying

Remortgaging With a CCJ

Remortgaging with a CCJ is possible, but depends on the age of the CCJ, your current LTV, whether the CCJ is satisfied, and your recent credit behaviour. For timelines, see our Remortgage Timeline Guide.

Next Steps

If you have CCJs and are looking to purchase or remortgage, it’s still possible to secure a mortgage — especially with specialist lenders. Understanding where your profile fits lender criteria is the key to improving your chances.

You can also explore related guides such as Mortgages After Defaults, Payday Loans & Mortgages and use our mortgage calculators to estimate borrowing power.

All mortgage advice is provided by FCA-regulated advisers. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

FAQs

How long does a CCJ stay on your file? Six years, unless paid and removed by the court.

Do I need a bigger deposit with a CCJ? Often yes — depending on the CCJ age and amount.

Can I get a mortgage with multiple CCJs? Yes, but you will likely need a specialist lender and a higher deposit.

Does a satisfied CCJ improve your chances? Yes — many lenders insist CCJs are satisfied before approval.

Can first-time buyers get a mortgage with a CCJ? Yes, depending on the CCJ date, value and overall credit profile.

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