Checked by Connor Fitzgerald, Founding Director
Getting a mortgage with a CCJ understandably seems daunting. Indeed, a CCJ, or County Court Judgment, impacts your credit score, which in turn impacts your mortgage eligibility, so it makes complete sense why people doubt their chances.
However, ignore the myths and don’t lose hope because IT IS possible to obtain a mortgage even with a CCJ.
By understanding the process and learning what lenders look for when you have bad credit, you can significantly improve your chances of a successful mortgage application.
Fortunately, for you, this guide contains the 5 steps you need to know to navigate the mortgage process when you have bad credit from a CCJ.
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a type of court order in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that might be registered against you if you fail to repay money you owe.
If you pay off a CCJ in full within 30 days of receiving the judgment, you can apply through the court to have it removed; otherwise it will remain on the Register for six years.
This record can seriously affect your ability to get a mortgage as many lenders view it as a sign of past financial issues.
As of April 2025, approximately one in every 14 people in the UK had a judgment against them, showing that this isn’t a rare problem.
Despite these hurdles, it’s possible to improve your situation and ensure that your mortgage application is successful.
You may potentially be unaware of a CCJ against your name due to moving address or missing the notice, for example.
To check if one has been filed against your name, you can head over to Registry of Judgments, Orders and Fines website where you can pay £4 to perform a check on yourself. It will also be on your credit file, which you can check here.
The simple answer is yes, getting a mortgage with a CCJ is possible.
While this may be the case, it certainly isn’t as easy as a standard application.
When considering your application, lenders will look at:
Lenders often focus on the bigger financial picture. Demonstrating a stable income and improved credit behaviour can significantly boost your chances when looking at getting a mortgage with a CCJ.
Working with a specialist mortgage broker can save you a lot of time and stress. They’ve helped many clients with CCJs secure mortgages before, so know exactly what lenders are looking for.
You need to start by checking your credit report. It’s important to identify any errors that could be harming your credit score.
Next, focus on settling your CCJ if it’s still outstanding. A satisfied CCJ is understandably more favourable in lenders’ eyes.
At this stage, you should also look at paying off other debts as well to minimise your financial burdens. However, only do so if it is financially feasible.
Boost your credit score by adopting good habits:
Consider saving for a larger deposit. A substantial deposit reduces the lender’s risk, making you a more appealing candidate. It can also help secure better mortgage terms.
Consult with a mortgage broker who specialises in bad credit scenarios. They’ll know the lenders that are most likely to accept your application and they’ll also be able to support you with making your application stronger.
If you do decide to go with a mortgage broker, whether you’re getting a mortgage with a CCJ or not, make sure you’re completely honest with them about your financial history. Failing to do so will make your application far more difficult and stressful.
Using a mortgage broker with expert knowledge of securing mortgages for those with a CCJ can be a game changer, helping to maximise your chances of securing a mortgage on the home you have your eye on.
At The Levels Financial, our team of award-winning mortgage advisors know exactly what is needed to secure you a mortgage despite the fact you may have bad credit as a result of a CCJ. We’re on hand to help and only a call or email away!
Important information:
Because we always have your best interests at heart, you need to know that if you do not keep up with your mortgage repayments your home may be repossessed.
A fee may be included for mortgage advice. Fees can be up to 1%, but typically a fee is 0.3% of the borrowed amount.
Many mortgage lenders are willing to consider applicants looking at getting a mortgage with a CCJ. While it may not be a traditional high-street bank, there are plenty of lenders who take a more flexible view.
What really matters is the size of the CCJ, how long ago it was issued, and whether it’s been fully repaid.
The right lender for you will come down to details such as your deposit size, the age and value of the CCJ, and, crucially, having a broker who knows which lenders to approach. Get that match right from the start, and you can save yourself time, stress, and unnecessary rejections.
Typically, yes. Rates reflect higher perceived risk.
Yes, especially if the CCJ is older and your payment history has improved.
Your credit rating isn’t just a number, it’s a snapshot of how lenders see you. It’s built from several factors, like whether you pay bills on time and even whether you’re registered on the electoral roll. Missed payments can drag your score down, while good habits steadily build it up.
A higher credit score makes you far more appealing to lenders, showing you’re reliable and low-risk. On the flip side, a lower score can raise red flags and increase the chances of your application being declined. Simply put: the stronger your credit rating, the more doors it opens.
Yes. Lenders assess both applicants’ credit histories.
