Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ?
Yes, very possibly. A CCJ doesn't automatically stop you getting a mortgage. Specialist lenders regularly accept applicants with CCJs, what matters most is how long ago it was registered, how large it was, and whether it has been satisfied (paid).
What lenders actually look at
High-street banks tend to decline recent CCJs outright, but a large part of the market takes a more nuanced view. The key factors are:
- Age: a CCJ registered over 24 months ago opens far more doors than one from last month. Some specialist lenders consider CCJs registered just 12 months ago, occasionally less.
- Size: a £250 CCJ from a phone contract is treated very differently to a £10,000 judgment.
- Satisfied or not: paying the judgment ('satisfying' it) helps, though some lenders accept unsatisfied CCJs in certain circumstances.
- Everything else: a clean record since, stable income and a reasonable deposit all strengthen the case.
What it might cost you
Expect specialist deals to carry higher rates than high-street products, and some lenders will want a larger deposit, often 10 to 15% rather than 5%. As the CCJ ages and eventually drops off your credit file (after six years), remortgaging back to mainstream rates is usually the plan.
What to do first
Get your credit reports (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion all hold separate files) so you know exactly what's recorded, including the registration date and amount. Don't apply anywhere until you know which lenders fit your situation, declined applications make things worse.
"A CCJ is a fact to work around, not a verdict on you. Tell me the date, the amount and whether it's paid, and I'll tell you honestly what's realistic, including whether waiting three months would get you a meaningfully better deal."
Related questions
This page is general information, not personal advice. Whether a mortgage is available and suitable depends on your individual circumstances. Lender criteria and rates change regularly. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Quick answers
Will a satisfied CCJ improve my mortgage options?
Generally yes. Satisfying a CCJ widens your lender options and can improve pricing, though the registration date matters more to most lenders. Keep the certificate of satisfaction as evidence.
How long does a CCJ stay on my credit file?
Six years from the date of judgment, even if satisfied. If you pay within one calendar month of the judgment you can apply to have it removed from the register entirely.
Do I need a bigger deposit with a CCJ?
Often, but not always. Recent or larger CCJs typically need 10-15% deposits with specialist lenders; older, smaller, satisfied CCJs may be workable at higher loan-to-values.
See your credit file the way lenders see it
Check My File shows your data from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion in one report, the same picture a lender builds when they assess you. Spotting an error or an old default before an application is worth a lot more than discovering it during one. Free for the first 7 days. Cancel within the 7 days to avoid the £14.99 a month subscription fee.
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