Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ in the UK?

Yes, it is possible. While most mainstream lenders will decline you, specialist adverse-credit lenders specifically cater for applicants with CCJs. Your options depend on the age, value and satisfaction status of the CCJ. Expect to pay a higher interest rate, and a larger deposit may be required — typically 15% to 25% or more.

How long does a CCJ stay on my credit file?

A CCJ remains on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines — and therefore on your credit report — for six years from the date of issue. If you pay the full amount within one calendar month of the judgement date, you can apply to have it set aside and removed.

Does a satisfied CCJ look better to mortgage lenders?

Yes. Lenders view a satisfied CCJ more favourably than an unsatisfied one because it shows you have repaid the debt. Some specialist lenders require CCJs to be satisfied before they will consider your application, and satisfying a CCJ typically opens up more competitive rates.

What is a CCJ (County Court Judgement)? Meaning Explained

A County Court Judgement (CCJ) is a legal ruling that a court issues when a creditor takes you to court for an unpaid debt and the court finds in their favour. It sets out how much you owe and by when you must pay. CCJs are recorded on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines and appear on your credit report.

A CCJ stays on your credit file for six years from the date it was issued. If you pay the full amount within one calendar month of the judgement, you can apply to have it removed from the register entirely. If you pay after one month but before the six years are up, the entry is marked as "satisfied" but remains visible.

Having a CCJ on your credit file does not automatically prevent you from getting a mortgage, but it significantly limits your options. Most high-street lenders will decline applications with recent or unsatisfied CCJs. Specialist adverse-credit lenders may consider your application, particularly if the CCJ is older, has been satisfied, or was for a small amount.

A mortgage broker experienced in adverse credit can help you understand which lenders are most likely to accept your application, and what interest rate premium you should expect.

Example

Tom had a CCJ registered against him two years ago for an unpaid credit card debt of £1,800. He paid it in full three months after it was issued, so it shows as "satisfied" on his credit report. His mortgage broker finds a specialist lender willing to offer Tom a two-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6.2%, compared with the 4.5% a borrower without adverse credit might pay. After two years, if no further issues arise, Tom plans to remortgage onto a cheaper deal.

Key Points

A CCJ remains on your credit file for six years from the date of issue
Paying within one calendar month allows you to have the CCJ removed from the register
Specialist lenders may still offer mortgages to applicants with CCJs, usually at higher rates
The size, age and satisfaction status of the CCJ all affect how lenders view it
A mortgage broker can identify lenders whose criteria match your circumstances