Settled CCJ Mortgage
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Settled CCJ Mortgage
Lewis Shaw explains how the mortgage process works if you have a settled County Court Judgment (CCJ).
Can I get a mortgage with a settled CCJ? How long after a settled CCJ can I get a mortgage?
Yes, you can get a mortgage with a settled CCJ, but it depends on several factors—when it was settled, when it was registered, and the amount involved.
The smaller and older the CCJ, and the longer it has been settled, the less impact it will have on your mortgage application. A larger or more recent CCJ, even if settled, will have a greater effect on your options.
There’s no definitive timeframe for how soon after a settled CCJ you can get a mortgage. Some lenders may even approve a mortgage while a CCJ is still unsettled. Generally, after three years, a CCJ becomes less of an issue. However, if you settled a CCJ one or two years ago, some lenders will still consider your application.
In these cases, lenders may require a higher deposit. The impact on your mortgage options depends on the size of the CCJ, when it was registered, and when it was repaid—all of which influence which lenders may accept your application.
How will a settled CCJ affect my mortgage application?
If you’ve had a CCJ, repaid it, and now want to buy a home or remortgage, the impact will depend on your specific circumstances. In some cases, it may have little to no effect, while in others, you may need a specialist lender.
A settled CCJ might mean you’ll face a slightly higher interest rate for a set period. However, there’s no single answer—it depends on your credit profile, the reason for the CCJ, and how long ago it was repaid. A mortgage broker will assess these factors to determine the most suitable lender for your situation.
How does a settled CCJ affect your credit score when applying for a mortgage?
A CCJ negatively affects your credit score, but once settled, your score will begin to recover—though it won’t immediately return to its original level.
A CCJ remains on your credit report for up to six years, regardless of whether it has been repaid. During this time, lenders may want to understand the circumstances that led to the CCJ and whether any other financial risks are present.
A settled CCJ could also affect your Loan-to-Value (LTV), meaning lenders may require a higher deposit.
To put it into context, a CCJ could be for £250 or it could be for £10,000 or more. It could have happened last year or five years ago. Your options are so dependent upon the specific circumstances that it’s almost impossible to give a definitive answer.
How much deposit do I need for a mortgage if I have a settled CCJ?
A settled CCJ can affect the deposit amount required for a mortgage.
Some lenders may still consider you with a 5% deposit—the minimum generally accepted. This is more likely if the CCJ was for a small amount and was settled some time ago.
For example:
- If you had a £250 CCJ five years ago and settled it immediately, you may still qualify for a 5% deposit mortgage.
- If you had a £5,000 CCJ last year, even if settled, you’ll likely need a 10% or higher deposit.
The nature of the CCJ can also make a difference. Some lenders ignore CCJs from telecom providers (e.g., mobile phone contracts), while others consider all CCJs equally. Each lender has different policies, making it essential to explore your options.
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How much can you borrow for a mortgage with a settled CCJ?
Your borrowing capacity with a settled CCJ is generally the same as without a CCJ, as affordability is based on:
- Income
- Outgoings
- Deposit size
- Mortgage term length (e.g., 10, 25, or 30 years)
Your household setup also plays a role—whether you’re buying alone or with a partner and if you have children or other financial dependents.
While a CCJ impacts your credit profile, it does not directly reduce affordability—lenders still assess how much you can borrow based on income and expenditure.
Can I get a settled CCJ removed to improve my mortgage application?
A CCJ can only be removed from your credit file if paid within one month of being issued. If you settle it within this timeframe, it won’t appear on your credit record, meaning it won’t impact a mortgage application.
If a CCJ was settled after one month, it will stay on your credit report for six years and may influence mortgage eligibility. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get a mortgage—it just may require a higher deposit or different lender selection.
Even if your CCJ was recent or for a large amount, it won’t permanently block you from getting a mortgage—it may just mean delaying your application while your credit profile improves.
Which mortgage lenders accept settled CCJs?
Most lenders have specific policies on settled CCJs. They assess applications based on:
- CCJ amount
- Date registered
- Date repaid
- Overall credit profile
While some lenders are stricter, many will accept applicants with a settled CCJ under the right conditions. The key is finding a lender that matches your circumstances.
How do I improve my chances of getting a mortgage with a settled CCJ?
Once your CCJ is settled, the best way to boost your mortgage prospects is to improve your overall credit profile. Steps to take include:
- Review your credit report to check for any errors
- Repay other debts where possible to lower overall credit risk
- Maintain a stable address history
- Ensure you’re registered on the electoral roll
- Demonstrate a consistent employment record
These steps can improve lender confidence, increasing your chances of mortgage approval, even with a settled CCJ.
How can a mortgage broker help?
By now, it’s clear that getting a mortgage with a settled CCJ depends entirely on the details of your case. A mortgage broker can:
- Assess your situation and determine your mortgage options
- Identify suitable lenders (since lenders don’t openly publish CCJ policies)
- Improve your chances of approval by guiding you through the process
Because brokers deal with CCJ cases regularly, they can quickly interpret your credit report and match you with lenders willing to accept your application.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP WITH YOUR MORTGAGE REPAYMENTS.
