Adverse Credit
Getting a Mortgage With a CCJ
Yes, you can often get a mortgage with a County Court Judgment. Lenders look at how long ago it was, how much it was for and whether you have paid it. A small, satisfied CCJ from a few years ago is accepted by many specialist lenders and some mainstream ones.
Written and reviewed by Davi Thakar, CeMAP qualified mortgage and protection adviser Updated
Yes, you can often get a mortgage with a County Court Judgment (CCJ). Lenders look at how long ago it was, how much it was for and whether you have paid it.
A CCJ is a court order to repay a debt. It is recorded on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines and on your credit file, where it stays for six years from the date of judgment, unless you pay it in full within one month.
Many people only discover a CCJ when they apply for credit, often because court papers went to an old address. Whatever the history, a CCJ does not rule out a mortgage. It narrows the lenders and can raise the deposit and rate.
For how CCJs compare with other credit problems, see our bad credit mortgage guide.
Can you get a mortgage with a CCJ?
Often, yes, but it narrows your choice. A small, satisfied CCJ from a few years ago is accepted by many specialist lenders and some mainstream ones. A recent or unpaid CCJ usually means a specialist lender, a bigger deposit and a higher rate. Several CCJs, or one for unpaid rent or a loan, are harder to place.
What do lenders look at?
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Age | The most important factor. CCJs in the last 12 months narrow the choice sharply. Older ones open many more lenders |
| Amount | Small CCJs, under a few hundred pounds, are treated more leniently. Some lenders set a maximum total |
| Satisfied or not | A satisfied (paid) CCJ is viewed much more kindly. Some lenders only accept satisfied CCJs |
| Number | One CCJ is easier than several |
| Type of debt | A CCJ for a parking charge is viewed differently from one for unpaid rent or a loan |
How do lenders treat CCJs? (criteria checked October 2026)
We checked the criteria these lenders publish for brokers on 16 and 17 October 2026. Criteria change often, every lender also credit scores, and meeting a rule does not guarantee approval. Use this as a guide to where you might fit, not a promise.
| Lender (source) | What they publish |
|---|---|
| Virgin Money (high street) | No unsatisfied CCJs. None in the last 6 months. In the last 6 years, up to 1 satisfied CCJ of no more than £500 |
| TSB (high street) | Declines an unpaid CCJ over £100, or a satisfied CCJ over £500, in the last 6 years. Otherwise credit scored |
| Skipton (building society) | 1 CCJ in the last 3 years, total under £500, satisfied |
| Leeds (building society) | Up to 1 CCJ or default in 3 years, satisfied and no more than £500 |
| Accord (building society) | No more than 1 CCJ of £300 or less in the last 6 years |
| Kensington (specialist) | Satisfied CCJs older than 36 months on its top range (older than 6 years above 90% LTV), down to none in the last 6 months, max 1 in 24 months and £1,000 (85% LTV) |
| Bluestone (specialist) | Tiers from none in 36 months (90% LTV) to 3 in 36 months (75% LTV). CCJs under £500 ignored |
| Precise (specialist) | Up to 3 in the last 24 months, none in the last 3 months. Unsatisfied may be accepted |
What this tells you: one small, satisfied CCJ that is a few years old can still get you a high street mortgage. Recent, larger or unpaid CCJs usually mean a specialist lender and a bigger deposit.
Rules are summarised in plain English from each lender’s own published criteria. Lenders change them regularly, so we check again before recommending anything.
Real client case: declined by their bank because of a CCJ
Our client came to us after their high street bank turned down their mortgage because of a County Court Judgment on their credit file. The CCJ had been paid and was registered more than three years earlier, but they were worried the decline meant they could not get a mortgage at all.
We went through their credit history and circumstances before applying anywhere. Rather than try another mainstream bank with similar rules, we matched them to a specialist lender whose criteria fitted, and placed the case with that lender. The mortgage completed.
What this shows: even an older, paid CCJ can still lead to a decline, because high street lenders also credit score. A decline from your bank does not mean no lender will help. Applying again to a lender with the same rules risks another decline and another search on your file. Checking the CCJ against lender criteria first is what made the difference.
Which situations do lenders see most?
These are illustrative situations, not Option Finance client outcomes.
Old and satisfied
A small CCJ from a few years ago, paid and marked satisfied. Many specialists and some mainstream lenders will consider it.
The easiest CCJ to placeFound at application
A CCJ you never knew about, because the claim went to an old address. You may be able to have it set aside.
Act quickly once you find itRecent and unpaid
A judgment in the last year that is still outstanding. Usually a specialist lender and a bigger deposit.
Pay it and get it markedMore than one CCJ
Two or more judgments from the same bad patch. Lenders look at the total and how recent the latest one is.
Show a clean record sinceIllustration only
A buyer has a £420 CCJ for an old utility bill, registered three years ago and paid 18 months ago. Several lenders would consider them with a 10% deposit, some at mainstream rates. A buyer with two unsatisfied CCJs totalling £3,500 in the last year would usually need a specialist lender and a deposit of 15% to 25%.
What happens if you pay within a month?
If you pay the full amount within one month of the judgment, you can get it removed from the register. You write to the court with proof of payment from the person you owed and ask for a certificate of cancellation. GOV.UK explains the process and fee in its guide to CCJs and your credit rating. If you have just received a judgment, this is the single most valuable thing you can do.
What if you pay after the first month?
If you pay after the first month, the CCJ stays on your file for six years from the judgment date but is marked satisfied. To make sure that happens:
- Pay the person or company you owe.
- Ask them to confirm payment to the court, or apply to the court yourself with proof of payment for a certificate of satisfaction (form N443).
- Check your credit files a few weeks later to confirm the status has changed.
Can you challenge a CCJ?
If you did not receive the original claim, for example because papers went to an old address, or you do not owe the money, you may be able to apply to the court to have the judgment set aside. If successful, it is removed from the register. GOV.UK covers this in setting aside a county court judgment. You need to act promptly once you find out.
How do you find a CCJ you did not know about?
Your credit files from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion should show any CCJ. You can also search the official Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines through Trust Online, run by Registry Trust. There is a small fee for each search. Do this before you apply, not after a lender has found it.
How much deposit will you need?
- Older, small, satisfied CCJs: some lenders accept a 5% to 10% deposit.
- Recent or unsatisfied CCJs: often 15% or more.
- Several recent CCJs: often 20% to 25%.
What will a lender ask you for?
- The certificate of satisfaction or cancellation, or proof of payment if it is still being processed
- Your credit reports, showing the date, amount and status of each CCJ
- A short explanation of the debt and why it went to court
- Recent bank statements showing your accounts are run well now
What if you have CCJs and other problems?
CCJs often follow defaults and missed payments on the same debt. Lenders look at the whole picture, and the most recent problem usually counts most.
Already own your home? Read remortgaging with bad credit. Self-employed? See our self-employed bad credit guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ?
Often, yes. Lenders look at its age, amount and whether it is satisfied. Older, smaller and satisfied CCJs are accepted by many specialist lenders and some mainstream ones.
How long does a CCJ stay on my credit file?
Six years from the date of judgment. If you pay it in full within one month, it is removed from the register.
Does paying off a CCJ remove it?
Only if paid within one month of the judgment. After that it stays for six years but is marked satisfied, which lenders view much more favourably.
Can a CCJ be removed if I did not know about it?
You may be able to apply to the court to set it aside, for example if the claim went to an old address. If successful, it is removed.
How much deposit do I need with a CCJ?
Some lenders accept 5% to 10% for older, small, satisfied CCJs. Recent or unsatisfied CCJs often need 15% or more.
Can I remortgage with a CCJ?
Usually. A product transfer with your current lender may not involve a credit check. Moving lender means meeting that lender’s CCJ criteria.
How do I check if I have a CCJ?
Check all three credit files, and search the official register through Trust Online for a small fee.
Does a CCJ affect a joint mortgage application?
Yes. Lenders check both applicants, so a CCJ in either name counts towards the decision.
Speak to Option Finance about a mortgage with a CCJ
Send us your credit files and the details of the judgment. We will tell you straight which lenders would consider you, what deposit you would need and what to sort out before you apply.
Book a free initial consultation using the enquiry form below. See our adverse credit mortgage advice, and read our guides to mortgages with a default and joint mortgages with bad credit.
Talk through your mortgage options
Tell us about your plans and circumstances. Your initial consultation is free.
Talk through your mortgage options
Tell us about your plans and circumstances. Your initial consultation is free.
Written and reviewed by Davi Thakar
Director & Senior Mortgage Broker
CeMAP Qualified Mortgage and Protection Adviser
Davi founded Option Finance with a vision to deliver transparent mortgage advice from a wide panel of lenders. With over 10 years in financial services, he specialises in complex cases including adverse credit, self-employed borrowers with limited trading history, and large buy-to-let portfolios. He works directly on complex cases and explains each option clearly.
Meet Davi Thakar
