How Long a CCJ Remains on Your Credit File
A county court judgement (CCJ) stays on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines for six years from the date it was issued. During this time, it's visible on your credit file and accessible to any lender who checks it. After six years, it's automatically removed.
There is one exception: if you pay the CCJ in full within one calendar month of the judgement date, you can apply to have it removed from the register entirely. This is known as having the judgement 'set aside', and it effectively means the CCJ won't appear on your credit file at all.
Satisfied vs Unsatisfied CCJs
If you pay the CCJ in full after the one-month window but before the six-year period ends, the register is updated to show the CCJ as 'satisfied'. This is significantly better than an unsatisfied CCJ, as it shows lenders you've taken responsibility for the debt.
An unsatisfied CCJ — one where the debt remains unpaid — is viewed very seriously by mortgage lenders. It suggests an ongoing unwillingness or inability to pay debts. If you have an unsatisfied CCJ, paying it off should be a priority before applying for a mortgage, even though the CCJ itself won't be removed from your file.
How CCJs Affect Mortgage Applications
CCJs have a significant impact on mortgage applications. Most mainstream high street lenders will decline any applicant with a CCJ registered in the last six years, regardless of whether it's been satisfied. This means you'll typically need to use specialist or adverse credit lenders, who charge higher interest rates to reflect the additional risk.
The severity of the impact depends on several factors: the age of the CCJ, the amount, whether it's satisfied or unsatisfied, and how many you have. A single satisfied CCJ for a small amount from four years ago is viewed very differently from multiple unsatisfied CCJs from the last 12 months.
Getting a Mortgage with a CCJ
While challenging, getting a mortgage with a CCJ is possible. Specialist lenders consider applicants with CCJs, and some will even accept unsatisfied judgements in certain circumstances. Key factors that improve your chances include:
- Having the CCJ satisfied (paid in full)
- Time since the CCJ was registered — the older, the better
- A clean credit record since the CCJ
- A larger deposit or more equity in your property
- Stable employment and good income
A mortgage broker who specialises in adverse credit is essential. They'll know which lenders are most likely to approve your application and can negotiate on your behalf. Don't waste time and credit searches applying to lenders who won't consider CCJs.
Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. There will be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual rate available will depend on your circumstances. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.