The good news is, having a CCJ doesn’t necessarily mean your chances of getting a mortgage are over.
It does make things more complex, but there are specialist options available, even if your credit isn’t perfect.
What is a CCJ and how does it affect your mortgage chances?
A County Court Judgment is a type of court order that can be issued when you fail to repay money you owe.
It will appear on your credit file and can stay there for six years, which may affect your ability to borrow.
Lenders use your credit history to decide how risky it is to offer you a mortgage, so anything like a CCJ, default, or missed payment can raise a red flag.
That said, lenders don’t all treat CCJs the same way.
Some will automatically decline an application if there’s any record of serious credit issues, while others will take a more flexible approach, particularly if the CCJ was registered a few years ago or has already been satisfied.
It also depends on how much the CCJ was for, how many you’ve had, and whether you’ve had other issues like defaults or late payments.
Can you still get a mortgage with a CCJ?
Yes, it’s possible to get a mortgage with a CCJ, especially if you work with the right mortgage broker in Derby, such as ourselves.
High street banks may not be as open to applicants with bad credit, but there are specialist lenders who focus specifically on helping people who’ve had credit problems in the past.
These lenders look at the full picture. They’ll consider when the CCJ was registered, whether it’s been paid off, and what your current financial situation looks like.
If your income is stable, your recent credit behaviour is responsible, and the CCJ is either old or settled, you might still be in a strong position to apply.
If the CCJ is more recent or you’ve had multiple credit issues, you may need to look at mortgages with slightly higher interest rates.
This is because lenders see it as a higher-risk application.
Even then, it’s not a closed door, and in time, you may be able to remortgage to a better deal once your credit has improved.
How long after a CCJ can you apply for a mortgage?
The timing of your CCJ is an important factor. Lenders are generally more concerned about recent issues.
A CCJ that was registered 2 or 3 years ago will be seen very differently from one that was added to your credit file last month.
Some lenders may consider your application as soon as 12 months after a CCJ, particularly if it’s been paid off and there have been no other problems since.
Others prefer to wait until the CCJ is at least 3 years old.
Once it reaches 6 years, it will usually drop off your credit file altogether, which could make things easier.
As a general rule, the older the CCJ and the cleaner your credit record since then, the better your chances.
The exact timeframe varies between lenders, so working with a mortgage broker in Derby who understands these policies can make all the difference.
What if you have defaults, missed payments, or other credit issues?
CCJs are just one type of adverse credit.
If you’ve had other issues like defaults, missed payments, or debt management plans, your options may still be open.
Many lenders will assess the full history, rather than focus on one issue in isolation.
For example, if you had a default at the same time as your CCJ but everything has been stable since then, that could still work in your favour.
It helps if you’ve built up a good payment track record, since even if that’s only for smaller bills like mobile contracts or utility payments.
A history of multiple missed payments or payday loans can make things harder, but it’s still not impossible.
Every lender has their own criteria, so it’s about finding the one that fits your situation best.
What types of mortgages are available with bad credit?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to bad credit mortgages.
Some people look to buy their first home, while others may be remortgaging or moving house.
In each case, the right mortgage will depend on your credit file, deposit amount, income, and affordability.
Specialist lenders often offer fixed rate products to give you more stability with your monthly payments.
You might be asked to provide a larger deposit than someone with a clean credit file, though this isn’t always the case.
Some lenders may also allow gifted deposits or help from family.
In certain situations, it may be possible to use a guarantor or add a second applicant to strengthen the application.
These kinds of arrangements can be helpful if one person has stronger credit than the other.
Why use a mortgage broker in Derby if you have a CCJ?
Getting a mortgage with a CCJ can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure where to start.
Our team of mortgage advisors in Derby have plenty of experience dealing with bad credit applications.
We know which lenders are more likely to consider your case and what kind of documentation they’ll need.
Applying directly to a bank that doesn’t deal with adverse credit could lead to a rejection, which can damage your credit score further.
That’s why it’s so important to have the right people on your side from the beginning.
Our mortgage advisors in Derby take the time to understand your full financial background and find options that match your circumstances, not just your credit score.
Even if you’ve already been declined elsewhere, it’s worth getting in touch.
Many of our clients come to us after being turned down, only to find that they still have options available through lenders they’d never have found on their own.
Date Last Edited: September 2, 2025
