If you’ve received a County Court Judgement (CCJ) and are now thinking about applying for a mortgage, it’s natural to be concerned about your chances. Many people assume that having a CCJ means you won’t be approved, but this isn’t always the case. While it can limit your options, some lenders will still consider your application, especially with the right support.
At Sheffieldmoneyman, we regularly help customers who have experienced credit issues, including those with CCJs or defaults. Whether the judgement is recent or several years old, we’ll look at your credit file in detail, explain what’s possible, and help you find a lender that’s open to your circumstances.
What is a CCJ and how does it affect your mortgage?
A County Court Judgement is issued when you fail to repay money you owe and the creditor takes legal action through the courts. Once a CCJ is recorded, it appears on your credit file for six years, even if you repay the debt in full.
From a lender’s point of view, a CCJ is seen as a sign of past financial difficulty, which can affect your creditworthiness. That said, not all lenders view it the same way. Some mainstream banks may decline an application with a CCJ on record, but there are specialist mortgage lenders who take a more flexible approach, especially if the rest of your financial profile is strong.
Can you still get a mortgage with a CCJ?
Yes, in many cases it is still possible to get a mortgage with a CCJ. The outcome depends on a few key factors, including how recent the judgement is, the amount involved, whether it’s been satisfied, and how your credit history looks since then.
Some lenders are more comfortable with older CCJs that have already been paid off, especially if you’ve kept your finances stable since then. If the CCJ is still unpaid, your options may be more limited, but some lenders will still consider your application depending on your income, deposit size, and overall credit profile.
We’ll help you understand which lenders are likely to be open to your situation and what steps you may need to take before applying.
Will I need a larger deposit with a CCJ?
Lenders may ask for a higher deposit if you’ve had a CCJ or other bad credit in the past. This is because they see the application as higher risk. While some providers may accept as little as 5% for applicants with a clean credit file, someone with a CCJ might be asked to put down 10% to 25%, depending on the lender’s criteria.
The more deposit you can put forward, the better your chances of being approved. A higher deposit reduces the lender’s risk and may give you access to better rates, even with a CCJ on your credit report. If you’re unsure how much you’ll need, our mortgage advisors can assess your situation and let you know what’s realistic based on the lenders we work with.
Do specialist CCJ mortgage lenders work differently?
Specialist lenders are used to dealing with more complex cases, including customers with bad credit, missed payments, defaults, and CCJs. They assess applications based on the full picture, not just your credit score. This includes looking at your current income, how long ago the CCJ occurred, whether you’ve made efforts to repay the debt, and whether there have been any other issues since.
These lenders may not appear on the high street or comparison sites, but as a mortgage broker in Sheffield, we have access to a wide panel that includes both mainstream and specialist providers. We can help match you with a lender whose criteria align with your circumstances.
What can I do to strengthen my application?
If you’re applying for a mortgage with a CCJ, the key is preparation. The more organised and transparent you are, the easier it is for the lender to make a decision. We always recommend checking your full credit report before applying and making sure all your financial information is accurate and up to date.
It’s also a good idea to register on the electoral roll, keep your address history consistent, and avoid applying for new credit in the months leading up to your mortgage application. Even if your CCJ is still visible on your file, showing responsible behaviour since it was issued can help reassure lenders.
We’ll guide you through all of this and help you put your best case forward when applying.
Speak to a mortgage advisor in Sheffield about your CCJ
Applying for a mortgage with a CCJ doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. With the right advice and the right lender, it’s often possible to secure a deal that works for you. Our team at Sheffieldmoneyman has experience in helping people with all types of credit issues, including bad credit, defaults, and CCJ mortgages.
We’ll take the time to understand your situation, check your credit file, and explore the lenders most likely to support your application. From your first enquiry to mortgage completion, we’ll be on hand to answer your questions and keep the process moving.
Date Last Edited: October 31, 2025
