What happens if I get a CCJ?

After you have been contacted about a CCJ, you should respond to either pay the debt or dispute it. You can explain your financial circumstances, which will be considered when a judgment is made. If you are in financial difficulties, the court may allow you to pay off the debt in instalments.[1] If you take no action, you will receive a County Court Claim Form. If you do not respond to this, you might be ordered to pay the amount in full, immediately. If the court decides there is a debt to pay, you will be sent a judgment detailing: How much you owe. How you should pay (in full or by instalments). The payment deadline. Who you should pay.

Getting a Mortgage with a CCJ

No judgement, just mortgages.

This guide explains when a County Court Judgement (CCJ) affects mortgage eligibility, what lenders assess, and how borrowers can improve approval chances based on real brokerage outcomes.

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Getting a Mortgage with a CCJ

No judgement, just mortgages.

This guide explains when a County Court Judgement (CCJ) affects mortgage eligibility, what lenders assess, and how borrowers can improve approval chances based on real brokerage outcomes.

Discover your borrowing power with NO credit checks, only takes a few minutes!

Are you eligible?

Speak to a broker

Author: Carl Shave CEO and co-founder

22 mins

Updated: February 16th, 2026

Mortgages with a CCJ: Key Takeaways

Is it possible?

Yes. Through our experience, we know it’s possible to get a mortgage with a CCJ. While high street banks usually reject recent cases, specialist lenders are available and routinely approve applicants with CCJs.

What do lenders look at?

Lenders focus on three critical factors regarding the CCJ:

Age: The older the CCJ (especially over 24 months), the better your options.
Status: A satisfied (paid off) CCJ is always viewed more favourably than an outstanding one.
Value: Lower value CCJs (e.g., typically under £2,500 increase your choice of lenders.

How can I improve my chances?

We recommend three key actions:

Use a specialist broker: Access “whole-of-market” deals and benefit from our expertise in presenting complex cases.
Provide a larger deposit: Aim for 15–20% LTV, as this reduces lender risk significantly, especially with recent CCJs.
Repair recent credit: Ensure all other payments are on time and work to satisfy any outstanding CCJs if possible.

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Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ?

The short answer is yes, even if you have a CCJ on your credit file. High street banks often decline recent CCJs through automated systems, but specialist lenders assess the story behind your credit history.

Lenders focus on four main areas:

The age of the CCJ: This is often the most important factor. A CCJ registered over three years ago carries much less weight than one registered in the last 12 months. As a CCJ ages, your choice of lenders, and the interest rates they offer, should improve.
The value of the debt: Small CCJs (typically under £1,000) are often viewed as minor slips. Larger debts (over £2,500) suggest a higher risk; while you can still get a mortgage, you may be asked for a larger deposit (often 25–35%) to offset that risk.
The number of CCJs: One CCJ is much easier to explain than three. Most lenders prefer to see no more than two CCJs within the last two years if you are looking for a mortgage with a smaller deposit.
Satisfied vs. unsatisfied: “Satisfied” means the debt is paid in full. While some lenders insist the CCJ must have been settled for at least 12 months, others are happy as long as it is paid off before your new mortgage starts. An unsatisfied CCJ isn’t an automatic “no,” but it will limit the number of lenders available to you.

Tip: A CCJ doesn’t automatically block you from all mortgages – specialist lenders can be far more flexible than high street banks.

"Many clients assume a CCJ will block them from getting a mortgage, but in our experience, lenders are often willing to consider applications if the borrower can demonstrate recent financial stability and a clear plan to manage credit responsibly."

Which lenders will consider me?

A common misconception is that a CCJ automatically bars you from the entire mortgage market. In reality, the market is split into two main categories:

High street lenders: These banks typically use automated credit-scoring systems. If your CCJ is recent, for a high value, or unsatisfied, these systems often result in an automatic decline. They generally only consider CCJs that are very small (typically under £500) or registered over three to six years ago.
Specialist lenders: These lenders (such as Pepper Money, Bluestone, or Precise Mortgages) focus on “credit profiling” rather than just a score. They employ human underwriters who look at the reasons behind your CCJ and your current financial stability. They are far more likely to approve applications with recent or multiple CCJs, provided the rest of the case is strong.

Did you know? CCJs under £500 or over six years old are usually less of a hurdle with most lenders.

Lender type vs typical CCJ scenarios

The table below illustrates how lenders often approach CCJs based on age and value, and the potential loan-to-value (LTV) range. Individual cases may vary.

Lender Type	CCJ Age	CCJ Value	Typical LTV Range	Notes / Likely Outcome
High Street	<12 months	<£500	60–80%	Recent CCJs often declined; only very small debts considered.
High Street	12–36 months	£500–£1,000	65–85%	Some lenders may consider; automated systems may still reject.
High Street	>36 months	Any (smaller amounts)	70–90%	Older CCJs have less impact; standard LTV possible.
Specialist	Any	Low–Medium	75–90%	Human underwriting; likely to consider context and repayment history.
Specialist	Any	High	60–80%	May require larger deposit; focus on overall financial reliability.

Tip: These ranges are indicative. Your broker can assess which lender types best match your CCJ profile and LTV needs.

How a specialist broker can help

Finding the right lender on your own can be difficult for two main reasons. Firstly, many specialist lenders are “broker-only,” meaning they do not deal with the public directly; you can only access their products through a qualified intermediary ^[1].

Secondly, a specialist broker knows how to “package” your application. Instead of just submitting numbers, we present the context of your CCJ directly to underwriters, highlighting your improved credit habits and stable income to build a compelling case for approval. This tailored approach is often the difference between a rejection from a high street bank and a formal offer from a specialist lender.

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How to get a mortgage with a CCJ: step-by-step

1. Understand your situation and review your credit

Before applying for a mortgage with a CCJ, take a clear look at your financial profile. Key things to check:

Age of the CCJ: Older CCJs are generally easier for lenders to accept.
Amount owed: Smaller debts may give you more lender options.
Status: Satisfied CCJs (paid in full) are always viewed more favourably.

Review your credit report carefully and begin addressing any outstanding issues to strengthen your application.

2. Speak to a specialist mortgage broker

A broker experienced with bad credit and CCJs is often essential. We can:

Identify specialist lenders willing to consider your case.
Present your application in the best light, explaining context behind your CCJ.
Save you time by narrowing down suitable mortgage options.

3. Research lender options

With your broker’s guidance, explore the mortgage market for products suited to your circumstances. Specialist lenders often require more detailed consideration than high street banks, so thorough research is important. Once you and your broker are confident, you can move on to preparing your application.

4. Gather the required documentation

Lenders will need full documentation before considering your application. Typical requirements include:

- Proof of income and deposit: bank statements, payslips, or tax returns ^[2].

Identification: passport or driving licence.
Address verification: utility bills or official correspondence dated within the last 3 months.
CCJ-specific documents: court letters or evidence of payment if satisfied ^[3].

5. Submit your mortgage application

Once your documents are ready, your broker will submit your application to the chosen lender. After submission, the lender reviews your case and makes a decision, which may involve further questions or clarifications.

6. Complete the mortgage process

If approved, the lender will issue a formal offer. From there, you can move forward with your property purchase and complete the necessary steps to finalise your mortgage.

Case Studies

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Securing a competitive high street mortgage with a past CCJ

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Can I get a mortgage with a satisfied CCJ?

A satisfied CCJ means the debt has been paid in full and is officially settled. Lenders generally view a satisfied CCJ more favourably than one that is still outstanding.

While having a satisfied CCJ can improve your mortgage options and potentially give access to a broader pool of lenders, it does not guarantee approval. The fact that the CCJ existed will still be considered as part of your overall financial profile.

Some lenders require a satisfied CCJ to have been:

Paid off for at least 12 months before applying.
Or simply settled prior to the mortgage application.

Finding a mortgage in these circumstances usually involves specialist lenders, which is why expert mortgage brokers are often involved.

How a CCJ affects your mortgage options

Below we have highlighted how your options can be affected when looking to get a mortgage with a CCJ.

Age of CCJ	Possible LTV Effect
Less than 12 months	If the CCJ was registered within the last twelve months, then it should be a maximum of £1,000 for you to be considered for a 90–95% LTV mortgage.
12–24 months	If the CCJ was registered within the last twelve to twenty-four months, then it should be a maximum of £2,500 for you to be considered for an 85% LTV mortgage.
+2 Years	If the CCJ is more than two years old then the amount will have little effect. If it is more recent, however, the value will have an impact on any possible loan offer.

Why choose a specialist fee-charging broker for your mortgage?

At Just Mortgage Brokers, we understand that for clients with a CCJ or complex credit, the journey to a mortgage starts long before the application. We operate on a model where our reputation is on the line with every case; we only earn a fee if we successfully navigate the market for you.

Education & pre-application coaching: A major part of our service involves preparing you for success. We invest heavily in coaching our clients on document readiness and credit positioning. This “pre-application” work is included in our service, and we only charge once we have demonstrated that we can secure the outcome you need.
Personal advocacy: When a situation isn’t “computer-says-yes,” you need a human advocate. Our fee allows us to provide a high-touch service where we spend time fighting for your application and communicating directly with specialist lenders to ensure your real-life story is heard.
A dedicated partnership: Because we don’t rely on high-volume automated processing, we can focus on the attention to detail that complex cases require. This investment in your success is only rewarded when you are satisfied and moving forward with your mortgage deal.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A CCJ is a judgment placed on your credit record if you fail to make your agreed repayments. Both individuals and companies can be issued with County Court Judgements.

If you get to this stage, you will be contacted by the creditor attempting to issue the CCJ. Repayment or contact for payment arrangements is required to avoid legal action. The letter of claim will outline steps you can take to stop proceedings from going ahead.

In the UK, a CCJ stays on your credit report for 6 years ^[4].

A CCJ will be marked as satisfied after 30 days if you pay the debt ^[5]. Any company checking your credit score will see that you have paid

Most people will receive written communication from the courts outlining the details of a CCJ. If you’re wondering how to check if you have a CCJ, you can do a CCJ register search. There is a small fee – each search costs between £6 and £10 ^[6].

You can also request a copy of the information held about you from credit reference agencies.

After you have been contacted about a CCJ, you should respond to either pay the debt or dispute it. You can explain your financial circumstances, which will be considered when a judgment is made. If you are in financial difficulties, the court may allow you to pay off the debt in instalments.

If you take no action, you will receive a County Court Claim Form.

If you do not respond to this, you might be ordered to pay the amount in full, immediately. If the court decides there is a debt to pay, you will be sent a judgment detailing:

How much you owe.
How you should pay (in full or by instalments).
The payment deadline.
Who you should pay.

A CCJ can have a serious negative impact on your credit. It can affect your chances of getting a credit card, opening a bank account, or finding a mortgage.

You don’t have to wait for bad credit marks to be removed from your credit file before applying for a mortgage. With the right expertise and guidance, it’s possible for you to get a mortgage sooner than you might have expected.

Pay debt in full within 30 days to avoid a CCJ. This includes any interest and court fees. If paid within 30 days, the judgement will not be recorded against you ^[7].

If you do not pay, or plan to pay in instalments, it will be entered on the register. It will also show on your credit record.

If you are unable to pay the full amount, you may request an additional 14 days to respond. If you do not respond in time however, you may need to pay more or receive a judgement.

A discharged CCJ is a County Court Judgment that has been paid in full. It will still be visible to the court and other creditors for 6 years.

A CCJ may be discharged early if you can prove circumstances beyond your control.

Having a discharged CCJ will still have a negative impact on your credit score. However, it will be less severe than if the CCJ was not discharged. As time passes, the negative impact of the CCJ will gradually decrease, and your credit score will improve.

When you pay off a debt, you should receive a letter confirming the debt is cleared and the creditor will notify the court, so the public register can be updated. This can take a few weeks to show.

If the CCJ still isn’t showing as ‘satisfied’ after this time, contact the court for advice (have the details of the judgment handy). For a small fee they can provide a certificate of satisfaction which you can show to a prospective lender while you sort out your credit report details ^[8].

Make sure you have proof of payments made to your creditor so you can prove you have cleared the debt. If you paid by standing order, use bank statements ^[9].

In principle, most lenders will consider accepting an application for someone with CCJs. The most critical elements in being accepted, however, is when the CCJs were registered and how much they are for. If they are deemed too recent, then most high street lenders will likely decline you.

Specialist lenders will take a more pragmatic view and have specific criteria to cater for CCJs. The lenders listed below usually consider those with CCJs. We regularly use these, but our overall reach is much wider. Their criteria can be very exacting, so we strongly recommend using a broker.

Precise
Pepper Money
Aldermore
Kensington
Bluestone

If you have a CCJ and have been declined for a mortgage, you may need advice from a specialist mortgage advisor. Typically, a mortgage broker who regularly deals with these types of mortgages are best placed to provide this advice.

Our specially trained and qualified CCJ mortgage brokers are here to help you, contact us today for your free advice.

You can also try our bad credit calculator to check your eligibility.

References

FCA Handbook, MCOB 4.7A (Advised Sales and Suitability).
FCA Handbook, MCOB 4.7A.4(1) and MCOB 4.7A.5(2). (Advised Sales and Suitability).
FCA Handbook, MCOB 4.7A.25(1)(a) (Advised Sales and Suitability).
The Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines Regulations 2005, SI 2005/3595, Regulation 26(a).
The Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines Regulations 2005, SI 2005/3595, Regulation 11(3).
TrustOnline, ‘Our Fees Explained’, Main Register Search Fees (2025).
The Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines Regulations 2005, SI 2005/3595, Regulation 11(2)(a).
The Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines Regulations 2005, SI 2005/3595, Regulation 17.
The Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines Regulations 2005, Regulation 18(1).

About the author

Carl Shave: CEO and co-founder

Carl Shave has been involved in the mortgage & finance industry since leaving education and is one of the co-founders of Just Mortgage Brokers. He has written guest posts and provided journalist comments for companies such as The Times, FT Adviser, Mortgage Strategy, Mortgage Solutions and others, demonstrating his extensive industry knowledge.

Qualifications:
Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CEMAP): Year Attained: 2001

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Getting a Mortgage with a CCJ

Getting a Mortgage with a CCJ

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