CCJ Mortgages: Getting a Mortgage With a CCJ

A county court judgment makes a mortgage harder to get, but it doesn't rule it out. We work with over 90 lenders, many of whom specialise in adverse credit and will consider an application a mainstream bank might decline outright.

What Is a CCJ?

A county court judgment (CCJ) can be issued when someone takes legal action claiming you owe them money and the court rules that you're liable. If the full amount isn't paid within 30 days of the judgment, it's recorded and stays on your record for six years.

Will a CCJ Affect My Mortgage Application?

Yes. Lenders may run a more detailed affordability assessment, ask for additional bank statements, charge a higher interest rate, or require a larger deposit to offset the perceived risk.

How Do I Know If I Have a CCJ?

The court sends a letter confirming the amount, the payee, and repayment details. You can also search the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines, or check your credit report. You can check your file for free through our own free credit check rather than paying for a third-party service.

Can You Get a Mortgage With a CCJ?

Yes, though it's harder than with a clean credit report. Lenders generally weigh six factors:

• Recency: a CCJ over three years old with no later problems is treated more leniently than one from the last 12 months.
• Satisfaction: a debt paid within 30 days of the judgment doesn't appear on your credit history, though a related default might. If it wasn't paid within 30 days, fewer lenders will consider the application.
• Number: a single CCJ may be seen as a one-off. Most lenders won't approve an application with more than two in the last few years.
• Amount: high-value judgments raise more concern and can affect the loan-to-value a lender offers. A small, settled CCJ, for example under £1,000, is generally seen as lower risk.
• Other credit issues: missed payments or bankruptcy elsewhere on your file can deter a lender even if they'd otherwise overlook the CCJ.
• Deposit: a larger deposit reduces the amount you need to borrow and improves your chances of approval.

How Much Can You Borrow for a Mortgage With a CCJ?

As with any mortgage, lenders typically offer around 4 times your salary, so a £30,000 income could support borrowing of up to roughly £120,000, before your deposit is added. Some lenders cap the loan-to-value they'll offer to applicants with a CCJ, which can reduce the amount available even if your income would otherwise support more.

How to Get a Mortgage With a CCJ

Keep your credit as clean as possible from here on: pay everything on time and avoid new credit applications, since recent credit searches can suggest financial strain to a lender. Beyond that, the biggest factor is applying to a lender who's actually comfortable with your specific situation, rather than risking a rejection with one who isn't. A broker experienced with adverse credit cases can match you to the right lender first time.

How Long Does a CCJ Stay on Your Credit File?

A CCJ stays on your file for six years from the date it was issued, then it's removed automatically. Paying it off sooner, even within six months, doesn't remove it from your file any earlier, though it does mark it as satisfied.

Can You Remove a CCJ From Your Credit File?

It depends on when and how it was paid. If you paid within 30 days of the judgment, you can apply for a certificate of cancellation using Form N443, with proof of payment, to have it removed from both the register and your credit file. If you paid after 30 days, you can apply for a certificate of satisfaction instead; the CCJ still appears on your file, but it's shown as satisfied rather than outstanding.

What If the CCJ Was Issued in Error?

If a CCJ was issued in error, for example because a claim was sent to an old address and you never saw it, you can apply to have the judgment set aside using Form N244. This requires a court hearing and evidence that you didn't receive the claim, or that you had a valid defence against it at the time.

How Long After a CCJ Can I Get a Mortgage?

This depends on your credit history and deposit size. With an otherwise clean report and a 5% deposit, the CCJ will likely need to be at least three years old. With a larger 25% deposit, many lenders may accept a CCJ under 12 months old, since the bigger deposit offsets some of the risk.

A CCJ doesn't have to be the end of the road. We'll look at the full picture, its age, value and whether it's satisfied, and match you with lenders who are genuinely likely to consider your application rather than risk a decline on your file. Speak to one of our advisers, or use our mortgage calculators to see what you could borrow. Call us on 0191 580 9890 or message us on WhatsApp to get started.

The above blog has information contained within which was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.

This information is a guide only and should not be relied on as a recommendation or advice that any particular mortgage is suitable for you. All mortgages are subject to the applicant(s) meeting the eligibility criteria of the specific lender. You should make an appointment to receive mortgage advice which will based on your needs and circumstances.