A CCJ (County Court Judgement) is a court order issued when you fail to repay a debt. Having a CCJ on your credit file does not automatically prevent you from getting a mortgage — specialist lenders consider applicants with both satisfied and unsatisfied CCJs.
What Is a CCJ?
A County Court Judgement (CCJ) is a court order that can be registered against you if you fail to repay money you owe. It stays on your credit file for 6 years from the date of the judgement, whether you pay it or not.
Common reasons for CCJs include unpaid credit cards, personal loans, utility bills, or mobile phone contracts.
What Lenders Look At
When assessing a mortgage application with a CCJ, lenders consider:
- Age of the CCJ: Older = better. Most lenders prefer 2+ years old
- Size of the CCJ: Under £500 is treated more leniently
- Satisfied or unsatisfied: Paying it off significantly improves options
- Number of CCJs: One small CCJ is very different from multiple large ones
- Your deposit: Larger deposits offset the risk in the lender's eyes
Your Options by CCJ Status
| CCJ Status | Typical Deposit | Lender Options |
|---|---|---|
| Satisfied, 3+ years | 10–15% | Some mainstream + specialist |
| Satisfied, 1–3 years | 15–20% | Specialist lenders |
| Satisfied, under 1 year | 20–25% | Limited specialist |
| Unsatisfied | 25%+ | Very limited |
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ?
- Yes. Many specialist lenders and some mainstream lenders accept applicants with CCJs, particularly if they're satisfied and over 12 months old.
- How long does a CCJ affect a mortgage?
- CCJs stay on your credit file for 6 years. After 6 years they're removed and won't affect your application. The older the CCJ, the more lenders will consider you.
- Does it matter if my CCJ is satisfied or unsatisfied?
- Yes — a satisfied (paid) CCJ gives you far more options. Some lenders won't consider unsatisfied CCJs at all, while others will if the amount is small.
- What deposit do I need with a CCJ?
- Typically 15–25% depending on the severity and age of the CCJ. Some specialist lenders may accept 10% for small, old, satisfied CCJs.
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