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
- ✔️ 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
How CCJs Affect Affordability Checks
Affordability is largely the same as standard residential mortgages, but lenders will look more closely at:
- ✔️ Current income and employment stability
- ✔️ Bank statements for evidence of stable spending
- ✔️ Other outstanding credit issues
- ✔️ Whether the CCJ relates to an ongoing problem
For a full breakdown of affordability, see: How Much Can I Borrow?
Multiple CCJs
Some lenders allow one small historical CCJ, but multiple CCJs may push you into specialist lending only.
Lenders consider:
- ✔️ combined value of CCJs
- ✔️ how close together they were registered
- ✔️ whether they have been repaid
Other Adverse Credit Lenders Consider
CCJs are rarely viewed in isolation. Lenders also consider:
- ✔️ Defaults (see our guide: Mortgages After Defaults)
- ✔️ Payday loans (Payday Loans & Mortgages)
- ✔️ Arrears
- ✔️ Missed payments
- ✔️ Debt management plans
Can You Get a Mortgage With a Large CCJ?
Yes, but the higher the value, the fewer lenders will consider it.
General guidance:
- ✔️ 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
- ✔️ 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.