How to Secure a Mortgage with a CCJ: Overcome Credit Challenges
The mortgage market can be challenging, especially when you have a County Court Judgment (CCJ) on your credit report.
A CCJ may feel like a significant barrier to getting a mortgage, but it doesn’t always have to be the end of the road.
At Kerr & Watson, we specialise in providing tailored mortgage and protection advice, helping clients find the right mortgage despite a less-than-perfect credit history.
We guide you through the essentials of getting a mortgage with a CCJ, offering insights into the process and practical advice to improve your chances of obtaining the funding you require.
What is a CCJ?
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a legal ruling made against you if you fail to repay a debt. It’s a formal decision by a court, often registered after you’ve missed payments on credit agreements or a private debt.
The presence of a CCJ on your credit file indicates to lenders that you’ve struggled with debt management in the past or chosen not to pay someone after a judge has ruled that you do, which can make securing a mortgage more difficult.
However, it’s important to understand that while a CCJ can complicate your mortgage application, it doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from getting one as lenders have their own criteria and there are other things to factor in.
Can You Get a Mortgage with a CCJ?
The short answer is yes, it’s possible, you can get a mortgage with a CCJ, but it comes with certain caveats. The success of your mortgage application will depend on several factors, including:
- The age of the CCJ: The older the CCJ, the less impact it has on your mortgage application. Most lenders are more lenient if the CCJ was registered over three years ago.
- Whether the CCJ is satisfied or unsatisfied: A satisfied CCJ (one that has been paid off) is viewed more favourably by lenders. Some lenders may require that the CCJ has been satisfied for a specific period, often at least 12 months, before considering your application, rather than one that has just been satisfied to try and immediately help the chance of getting a mortgage.
- The size of the CCJ: Larger CCJs, especially those over £2,500, may pose more significant challenges. Smaller CCJs (for example, £250 parking ticket fines) may be less of a hurdle, particularly if they have been satisfied.
- Number of CCJs: Having multiple CCJs can further complicate the process, but it’s not impossible to secure a mortgage with more than one CCJ, particularly with specialist lenders that specialise in clients with adverse credit.
Find out Your Options
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Mortgage with a CCJ
While a CCJ can make obtaining a mortgage more difficult, there are steps you can take to improve your chances:
Satisfy the CCJ
If possible, pay off the CCJ. Satisfying a CCJ won’t remove it from your credit file immediately, but it will improve your credit score over time and may open up more lending options. It may not immediately get you a mortgage but paying someone back always looks better than not doing so.
Maintain a Good Repayment History
Lenders want to see that your financial difficulties are in the past. Keeping up with your current credit commitments and showing consistent debt management can help reassure lenders that adverse credit is behind you and your credit file is recovering. You can find out your credit rating by going to Check My File.
Save a Larger Deposit
A larger deposit can significantly improve your chances of securing a mortgage when you have adverse credit. Lenders may be more willing to offer you a mortgage if you can put down a substantial deposit, as it reduces their risk. Talk to your mortgage adviser to find out what size deposit would be needed with your credit file.
Get Professional Advice
The mortgage market can be daunting. Consulting a specialist mortgage advisor, like the experts at Kerr & Watson, can make a significant difference.
We understand the complexities of mortgages with adverse credit and can guide you towards lenders who may be more likely to approve your application.
Conclusion
Getting a mortgage with a CCJ is undoubtedly more challenging, but with the right approach for suitable applications, it is not impossible.
At Kerr & Watson, we pride ourselves on offering expert, personalised advice to clients with diverse financial backgrounds.
If you’re struggling with adverse credit and want to explore your mortgage options, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experienced team is here to help you secure the best possible deal for your circumstances.
