If you’ve got a County Court Judgment (CCJ) or a default on your credit file, the idea of getting a mortgage might feel out of reach. But don’t give up just yet. It is possible to get a mortgage with a CCJ and default – though it might take a bit more effort and the right guidance. This guide explains how it works in the UK, what lenders look for, and what steps you can take to improve your chances.
What Is a CCJ and a Default?
Let’s quickly clear up the basics.
- CCJ (County Court Judgment): This is issued when you’ve failed to repay a debt and the lender takes legal action. It stays on your credit report for six years unless you pay it off within 30 days.
- Default: This shows up when you’ve missed several payments on a credit agreement. Like a CCJ, it sticks around on your credit file for six years.
Both can harm your credit score and make lenders cautious. But they don’t automatically mean a mortgage is off the table.
Can You Get a Mortgage with a CCJ and Default?
Yes, you can – but it’s not always straightforward.
Some mainstream lenders might turn you down. But there are plenty of specialist mortgage lenders in the UK who deal with bad credit cases, including CCJs and defaults.
Whether or not you’re approved will depend on several things, like:
- How old the CCJ or default is
- Whether the debts have been paid
- The size of the deposit you can offer
- Your current financial situation
- The number of CCJs/defaults you have
Let’s look at each of these in more detail.
1. How Old Are the CCJ and Default?
Lenders generally care more about recent credit problems. If your CCJ or default is over two or three years old, it might not count against you as much – especially if your financial situation has improved since.
If they’re still fresh (less than a year old), your choices might be more limited, but you could still qualify with a specialist lender.
2. Have You Paid Them Off?
A satisfied CCJ or default is better than one that’s still outstanding.
If you’ve paid off the debt – even if it was late – some lenders will be more open to lending. It shows you’ve taken responsibility and cleared what you owed.
If they’re still unpaid, your options are fewer, but not impossible – though you might need a larger deposit or pay a higher interest rate.
3. How Big Is Your Deposit?
The bigger your deposit, the lower the risk for the lender.
If you’ve got a 15%–25% deposit, you’ll likely have more mortgage products available – even with bad credit. With just 5%–10%, lenders may be more strict, especially if your credit issues are recent.
Saving a bigger deposit can make a huge difference.
4. What’s Your Current Financial Position?
Lenders will look at your overall situation, not just your past mistakes.
That includes:
- Your income and job stability
- Other debts you’ve got
- Your monthly outgoings
- Any improvements to your credit behaviour
If you can show you’re managing your money well now, that’ll work in your favour.
5. How Many CCJs or Defaults Do You Have?
One CCJ or default might be manageable. But if you’ve got several – or if they’re for large amounts – it gets trickier.
Still, some lenders are willing to work with borrowers who have multiple credit issues, especially if they’re older or settled.
Can a Mortgage Broker Help?
Yes – and it’s often a smart move.
Specialist mortgage brokers have access to lenders who don’t advertise directly to the public. They know which lenders are open to applicants with bad credit and can help match you with the right deal.
They’ll also help you understand how much you could borrow and what steps to take to boost your chances.
How to Improve Your Mortgage Chances with a CCJ or Default
Here are some quick tips to help:
- Check your credit report – Make sure everything is accurate and up to date.
- Pay off any remaining debts – Clear what you can, especially old CCJs or defaults.
- Save a bigger deposit – Even an extra 5% can open more doors.
- Keep up with current payments – Show you’re managing your money responsibly now.
- Avoid new credit – Taking out more loans or credit cards can weaken your position.
FAQs
Not necessarily. While both can make it harder, especially with high street banks, there are mortgage options available through lenders who specialise in complex credit situations.
You don’t have to wait the full six years for them to disappear. Some lenders will consider you after 12–24 months, depending on your current financial circumstances and credit behaviour since.
Yes, your options will be narrower – particularly with mainstream banks. But there are many specialist lenders in the UK market who are open to applicants with bad credit history.
Some lenders may be more understanding if the issue was due to life events like redundancy, illness, or divorce – especially if you’ve recovered financially. It helps to provide a clear explanation and any proof you have.
It depends on your goals. If you’re in no rush, waiting could mean better rates and more lenders to choose from. But if you’re ready now and can afford a suitable deposit, you could still move forward with a bad credit mortgage.
Yes – even if only one applicant has the bad credit. Lenders will assess the application as a whole, but the person with adverse history could reduce the number of mortgage deals available.
You’ll usually need proof of ID, address, income (payslips or accounts if self-employed), bank statements, and full credit reports. Some lenders may ask for details about the CCJ or default.
It’s trickier, as government schemes often have stricter lending criteria. But it’s not completely ruled out – some housing associations and lenders may still consider you on a case-by-case basis.
Yes – lenders may offer you a lower loan-to-income ratio, or cap the borrowing amount to reduce their risk. A larger deposit and stable income can help you qualify for more.
Absolutely. A broker with experience in adverse credit cases can connect you with lenders who are more likely to say yes – saving you from unnecessary rejections that could hurt your credit further.
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