What is a CCJ?
A County Court Judgement (CCJ) is issued when you fail to repay money you owe and the creditor takes you to court. It's recorded on the Register of Judgements, Orders and Fines for six years from the date it was issued, regardless of whether you later pay it off.
CCJs are one of the most common credit issues mortgage applicants face. Around 750,000 CCJs are issued in England and Wales each year, so you're far from alone if you have one on your record.
How a CCJ affects your mortgage application
A CCJ signals to lenders that you've previously failed to manage a debt. Most high-street lenders will automatically decline applications from borrowers with recent CCJs. However, the impact depends on several key factors:
- Satisfied vs unsatisfied: A satisfied (paid) CCJ is viewed far more favourably than an unpaid one. If you pay within one month of the judgement, you can have it removed from the register entirely
- Time since the CCJ: The older the CCJ, the less impact it has. Most specialist lenders want to see at least 12 months since a satisfied CCJ
- Amount of the CCJ: Small CCJs (under £500) are treated more leniently than large ones
- Number of CCJs: Multiple CCJs suggest a pattern of poor debt management and make lending riskier
💡 If your CCJ is less than one month old, pay it immediately and apply to have it removed from the register. This costs £15 and can save you thousands in higher mortgage rates.
How long should you wait to apply?
There's no fixed rule, but as a general guide: with a satisfied CCJ over 12 months old and for a small amount, several specialist lenders will consider you. With a satisfied CCJ over 2–3 years old, your options widen significantly.
If your CCJ is unsatisfied, your options are extremely limited. Most specialist lenders require CCJs to be satisfied before they'll consider lending. The exception may be if the CCJ is very old (4–5 years) and for a small amount.
Specialist lenders who accept CCJs
Several lenders specialise in adverse credit mortgages. These include names like Pepper Money, Kensington Mortgages, Bluestone, and The Mortgage Lender. They charge higher interest rates than mainstream lenders — typically 1–3% more — but they provide a route onto the property ladder.
A specialist mortgage broker is essential here. They know which lenders are most likely to accept your specific circumstances and can present your application in the best possible light. Going directly to a lender without broker guidance often leads to unnecessary declines.
⚠️ Never ignore a CCJ. An unsatisfied judgement makes getting a mortgage almost impossible and stays on the register for six years. Pay it off as soon as you can and keep proof of payment.
Deposits and rates to expect
With a CCJ on your record, expect to need a larger deposit — typically 15–25% of the property value, compared to 5–10% for mainstream borrowers. The larger your deposit, the better your rate will be.
Interest rates for borrowers with CCJs typically range from 4–8% depending on the severity and age of the CCJ, your deposit size, and overall credit profile. While higher than mainstream rates, these can be refinanced to a cheaper deal once your credit improves.
Steps to improve your chances
Before applying for a mortgage with a CCJ, take these practical steps to strengthen your position:
- Satisfy all outstanding CCJs and get proof of payment
- Register on the electoral roll at your current address
- Build a positive credit history with a credit builder card
- Save the largest deposit you can — 20%+ gives the best options
- Avoid any new credit applications in the months before applying
- Get a copy of your credit report and correct any errors
Get expert help with your application
Getting a mortgage with a CCJ is absolutely possible, but it requires specialist knowledge. A broker who understands adverse credit lending can match you with the right lender first time, avoiding damaging multiple declines on your credit file.
Nesto matches you with FCA-regulated brokers who specialise in bad credit mortgages. It's free, takes under two minutes, and there's no obligation. Find your specialist broker today.