Can you get a mortgage with a CCJ? Eligibility, deposits & options

You can get a mortgage with a CCJ, but it usually depends on the level of risk.


A CCJ (County Court Judgment) indicates to lenders that you have previously defaulted on a debt and the matter was taken to court. Consequently, the lender may request a larger deposit, offer products at a higher interest rate than usual, or apply stricter criteria. You can often plan a route to approval once you understand what lenders care about. This includes things like date registered, status (outstanding or satisfied), amount, and how many in general.

1. What is a CCJ and why does it affect mortgages?

A CCJ is a court order issued in England and Wales that requires you to repay a debt. When a CCJ is issued, it is recorded on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines, as well as on your credit file where it typically remains showing for six years. 

Since mortgage lenders use this data along with your wider credit file history to predict your  risk of getting into arrears on the mortgage, a CCJ can reduce the number of mainstream mortgage deals available to you and may require you  to contribute a higher percentage towards the deposit or equity.

2. Can you still get a mortgage with a CCJ?

Yes, in many cases — especially if the CCJ is old, has been paid, and is small. However, if the CCJ is recent, unpaid or large, or you have multiple CCJs, you will probably need a CCJ mortgage from a specialist lender or a longer ‘repair period’ before applying.

Most lenders will consider the full picture, including why the CCJ occurred (e.g. a one-off administrative error versus repeated missed payments), whether you have since paid all your bills on time, and whether you can afford the mortgage today.

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3. What matters most to lenders

How old the CCJ is (0–12 months, 1–3 years, 3–6 years, over 6 years)

The CCJ age mortgage rules vary by lender, but age is often the biggest factor in determining how strict the terms are.

• The 0–12 month segment is the hardest. Expect fewer options and more emphasis on a high deposit or equity and clean recent conduct.
• 1–3 years: improving, but many lenders are still cautious and will want strong evidence that you have stabilised.
• 3–6 years: more lenders may consider you if the CCJ has been settled and your credit history since then is clean.
• If the CCJ is over 6 years old, it will generally drop off your credit report and the public register, which can materially improve your access to deals.

If you’re wondering how long a CCJ affects your ability to get a mortgage, the practical answer is that it tends to have the greatest impact in the first few years, but this will fade if you rebuild your credit profile in parallel.

Whether the CCJ is satisfied (paid) or unsatisfied (unpaid)

A satisfied CCJ mortgage is usually easier to obtain than an unpaid one. Once you have paid it off, the register and credit file can be updated to show that the CCJ has been settled. This may make some lenders feel more comfortable, even though the CCJ will remain visible until 6 years have elapsed.

How much the CCJ was for (small vs large amounts)

Lenders often treat small CCJs differently from large judgements because the amount can indicate severity. A low-value CCJ that’s clearly a one-off and has been paid is easier to explain than a large CCJ, which suggests broader financial stress. This can affect the deposit/LTV ratio you’ll be offered.

How many CCJs you have

Mortgage applications with multiple CCJs are tougher: repetition suggests a pattern rather than a one off mishap. Even if each CCJ is small, having several judgments against you can mean you need to go to a specialist lender with a higher deposit/equity and at a higher interest rate than a more mainstream deal.

4. How much deposit do you need with a CCJ?

The size of the CCJ mortgage deposit is not fixed — it depends on the “risk mix” above. Generally speaking, the more recent or serious the CCJ, the larger the deposit you should expect to need. Some lenders may consider higher LTV cases (for example, in the 90–95% range) in certain circumstances, but availability is highly dependent on the situation and the criteria.

If your CCJ is recent or remains unsatisfied, lenders will typically require a larger deposit and stronger evidence of stable finances.

5. How to improve your chances of mortgage approval

Check your credit report and fix errors

Start by checking the details of your credit files to make sure the CCJ information is correct. If they are incorrect, duplicate or unnecessary, you may be able to challenge them and, where appropriate, pursue their removal (see below).

Rebuild your credit profile (payments, utilisation, electoral roll)

Prioritise the following:

• On-time payments across all accounts.
• Low and stable credit utilisation (don’t use credit cards close to their limits or take out unnecessary buy now, pay later agreements).
• Being on the electoral register (where possible).
• Avoiding taking on new debt just before applying.

Avoid common mistakes before applying (too many applications, missing docs)

One way to make getting a mortgage with a CCJ more difficult is to apply to multiple lenders in a hurry. Too many applications can create extra footprints and confusion, and a single rejection can make subsequent lenders more cautious. Organize your documents (income proof, bank statements and deposit source) and seek the help of a broker who should be able to research and apply for your mortgage more strategically.

6. Can a CCJ be removed from your credit file?

Paid within 30 days

If you pay the CCJ in full within one month, you can apply to the courts with proof to have it cancelled. This removes it from the public register (and, in practice, from your credit record once it has been updated).

Dispute

Prioritise thIf you dispute the claim, don’t owe the money or the process wasn’t followed properly, you may be able to ask the court to set aside the judgment. If successful, this treats the CCJ as if it never happened and can remove it from public records and credit files.e following:

After 6 years

A CCJ typically stays on the register and your credit report for six years from the judgment date, then drops off.

7. Mortgage options by situation

First-time buyer with a CCJ

First-time buyers usually have a smaller deposit and a weaker credit history, so a CCJ can have a greater impact. The key is to focus on  satisfying the CCJ where possible,  building a clean, recent credit history and strengthening the deposit — even a modest increase can widen your options.

Remortgage with a CCJ

If you’re already a homeowner, remortgaging with a CCJ may be possible, especially if you have equity and the CCJ is old or has been settled. However, timing is important: if your fixed-rate mortgage is coming to an end soon, you should speak to your lender or broker early, as you may need to transfer to a different product while you rebuild your eligibility for wider remortgage deals.

Joint mortgage with a CCJ

When it comes to a joint mortgage and a CCJ, many lenders will assess both applicants, but price according to the weaker profile. You may still be considered if the other applicant has a strong profile and the affordability assessment is positive, but you should assume that the CCJ will affect the terms offered.

Shared ownership mortgage with a CCJ

If you have a CCJ, you may face two layers of checks when applying for a shared ownership mortgage (mortgage lender + housing association eligibility). While the smaller loan size can improve affordability, the credit risk assessment (based on age, status and number of CCJs) still applies.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a CCJ last?

Typically, six years on the register and on your credit report from the date of the judgment.

Can lenders see CCJs after six years?

Generally, they won’t show on your credit report or the public register after six years.

Can I get a mortgage with an unsatisfied CCJ?

Sometimes, but it’s more difficult and often means fewer lenders, higher deposit expectations and specialist underwriting. Updating it to ‘satisfied’ could improve your situation.

How much can I borrow with a CCJ?

It depends on affordability, as well as how your CCJ affects the lender’s maximum loan-to-value ratio (LTV) and product range. Older, satisfied, low-value CCJs usually unlock more borrowing options than recent, unsatisfied or multiple CCJs.

Which lenders accept CCJs?

There isn’t a universal list as criteria changes depending on the age, status, value and count of the CCJ, as well as your wider credit and affordability. This is where a broker can save you time and help you avoid unnecessary rejections.