What Is a County Court Judgment (CCJ)?
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order that confirms you owe money to a person or company. This can happen if you fail to keep up with agreed payments or ignore attempts to resolve a debt.
You may receive a CCJ if you:
• Don’t pay bills or invoices, such as home repairs or utility costs
• Fall behind on payments for electricity, water or other services
• Ignore letters, emails or calls from creditors
• Fail to stick to a repayment agreement
• Miss payments on credit cards, loans, mortgages or other borrowing
If you don’t respond to a claim by the deadline given, the court can issue a CCJ without a hearing. This is known as a default judgment. Once issued, you’ll receive a notice explaining how much you owe and when it must be paid.
A CCJ will remain on your credit file for 6 years, which can make it harder to borrow money. Creditors may also take further action to recover the debt, including deductions from your wages, taking money from your bank account, or instructing bailiffs.
Can You Get a CCJ Removed from Your Credit File?
CCJs usually stay on your credit file for 6 years, but in some cases they can be removed sooner:
• If the CCJ was issued in error, you can challenge it with the court or credit reference agency
• If you pay the full amount within 30 days, you can apply to have it removed immediately
• If it’s over 6 years old, it should automatically be removed
• If you successfully dispute the CCJ in court, it will be taken off your record
How Do You Rebuild Your Credit Score After a CCJ?
Improving your credit score after a CCJ takes time, but it’s absolutely possible with the right approach. Paying off the CCJ as soon as you can is a strong first step.
You can also improve your credit profile by:
• Checking your credit report regularly and correcting any errors
• Making all payments on time
• Keeping credit card balances low (ideally below 30% of your limit)
• Paying more than the minimum on debts where possible
• Registering on the electoral roll
• Avoiding multiple credit applications in a short time
• Keeping older credit accounts open and active
Following these steps can help rebuild your credit score and improve your chances of getting a mortgage in the future.
How Do You Know if You Have a CCJ?
You might have a CCJ if a creditor has taken legal action against you and the court has ruled in their favour—especially if you didn’t respond to the claim.
The easiest way to check is by reviewing your credit report with agencies such as Experian, Equifax or TransUnion. You can also search the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines for a small fee.
Can You Get a Mortgage with a CCJ?
Yes, it is possible to get a mortgage with a CCJ, but lenders will assess your situation carefully. Key factors include:
• How long ago the CCJ was issued
• How many CCJs you have
• The amount owed
• Whether the CCJ has been paid (satisfied) or not
In general, the older and smaller the CCJ—and especially if it’s been paid—the better your chances.
How Can You Improve Your Chances of Getting a Mortgage with a CCJ?
There are practical steps you can take to strengthen your application:
• Save for a larger deposit to reduce lender risk
• Improve your credit score with consistent financial behaviour
• Work with a specialist mortgage broker
• Maintain stable employment and income
At Premier Mortgage Services, we specialise in helping clients with complex credit histories find suitable mortgage options.
Can You Get a Mortgage with a Paid CCJ?
Yes. A satisfied CCJ is viewed more positively by lenders because it shows you’ve taken steps to repay your debt. This can improve both your chances of approval and the range of deals available.
Can You Get a Mortgage with an Unpaid CCJ?
This is more challenging. Many lenders will require the CCJ to be settled before considering your application, or for it to be at least 2 years old. However, some specialist lenders may still consider your case.
Other Mortgage Options with a CCJ
You may still have options depending on your circumstances:
• Joint mortgages – applying with someone else, though your credit will still be considered
• Shared ownership – allowing you to buy a portion of a property and pay rent on the rest
How Much Can You Borrow with a CCJ?
The amount you can borrow depends on your income, deposit, and the details of your CCJ. A mortgage advisor can help assess your situation and provide a realistic borrowing estimate.
Applying for a Mortgage with a CCJ
Getting a mortgage with a CCJ can be more difficult through high street lenders, but there are still options available through specialist providers.
Premier Mortgage Services has access to a wide range of lenders and can help you find a mortgage suited to your circumstances. We’ll guide you through the process and work to secure the best possible outcome.
Speak to an Expert
If you’re looking to get a mortgage with a CCJ, contact Premier Mortgage Services today on 0115 949 9988 and speak to one of our experienced advisors.
