CCJ Mortgages: Get Approved Despite a County Court Judgment
Yes — a CCJ does not automatically rule out a mortgage. Specialist lenders look at the age, value and satisfaction status of the judgment alongside your deposit and income, rather than declining on sight the way most high-street banks do.
Get Your Free CCJ Mortgage AssessmentA County Court Judgment is a court order issued when a creditor wins a case against you for unpaid debt. Once registered, it stays on your credit file for six years — but it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting a mortgage. Specialist lenders look at the full picture: when the CCJ was registered, how much it was for, whether it’s been satisfied, and what your financial behaviour has looked like since.
High-street banks tend to use automated credit-scoring systems that decline anyone with a CCJ outright, regardless of the amount or how long ago it was registered. That’s why so many borrowers with a perfectly manageable, years-old CCJ get an instant “no” from their own bank — it’s a system limitation, not a reflection of their actual risk.
We work with lenders across the specialist market who take a context-led approach instead, weighing the age, value and status of your CCJ against your deposit, income and current financial position.
What Lenders Look At
Age of the CCJ
A CCJ registered more than three years ago is generally viewed much more favourably than a recent one — and it drops off your file entirely after six years.
Satisfied vs unsatisfied
A satisfied CCJ (one that's been repaid) is significantly less damaging than an outstanding one. Some lenders only consider satisfied CCJs; others assess unsatisfied ones case by case.
Deposit & affordability
A larger deposit — typically 15% or more — reduces the lender's risk and broadens the range of products available, even with adverse credit.
Specialist lenders
High-street banks rarely approve applications with a CCJ on file. Specialist lenders use manual underwriting and different criteria entirely.
CCJ Mortgages FAQs
Can I get a mortgage with an unsatisfied CCJ?
Yes, though the options are narrower. Some specialist lenders will consider applications where a CCJ remains outstanding, particularly if the amount is small or the judgment is several years old. A lender may ask you to satisfy the CCJ before or at completion.
How long does a CCJ stay on my credit file?
A CCJ is automatically removed from your credit file six years after the judgment date, regardless of whether it has been paid.
Will a CCJ mean a higher interest rate?
Often, yes — specialist lending tends to carry a slightly higher rate than prime, high-street products. The gap is usually smaller than people expect, and it's often possible to remortgage onto a better deal once the CCJ is older.
What deposit do I need with a CCJ?
Most lenders ask for a 15-20% minimum deposit where the CCJ is recent. Older, satisfied judgments may open up options from 10-15%.
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