Yes, it’s possible to get a mortgage with a County Court Judgment (CCJ), although your options may be more limited depending on your circumstances.

A CCJ is a court order that can be issued if you fail to repay money that you owe.

Because a CCJ forms part of your credit history, mortgage lenders will usually take it into account when assessing your application.

Having a CCJ doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be declined. Many lenders treat a CCJ as one part of your overall credit profile, and there are still mortgage options available for some borrowers with bad credit.

Lenders will also consider when the CCJ was registered, whether it’s been paid, and how you’ve managed your finances since.

If you’re hoping to buy your first property in Manchester, understanding how lenders assess CCJs can help you decide whether you’re ready to apply for a mortgage.

Does Every Lender Accept Applicants With a CCJ?

No two mortgage lenders assess CCJs in exactly the same way.

Some lenders have stricter criteria and may not accept applications if you have a recent or unpaid CCJ. Others may be prepared to consider your application, particularly if the CCJ was for a smaller amount or was registered several years ago.

Because every lender has different criteria, being declined by one doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be declined by another.

What Do Mortgage Lenders Look At?

A CCJ is only one part of your mortgage application.

Lenders will usually look at:

  • How long ago the CCJ was registered.
  • Whether the CCJ has been satisfied (paid).
  • The amount of the CCJ.
  • How many CCJs you have.
  • Your credit history since the CCJ.
  • Your income and affordability.
  • Your deposit.

Rather than focusing on one piece of information, lenders want to understand your overall financial situation.

This may include reviewing your bank statements alongside your income, credit history, and other financial commitments as part of their affordability checks.

Is It Easier to Get a Mortgage if the CCJ Has Been Paid?

Paying a CCJ doesn’t remove it from your credit file, but it can improve how some lenders view your application.

A satisfied CCJ shows that you’ve repaid the debt, which may give lenders more confidence than an outstanding judgment.

Even if your CCJ hasn’t been paid, there may still be mortgage options available depending on the lender’s criteria and your wider financial circumstances.

Does an Older CCJ Matter Less?

In many cases, yes. A CCJ that was registered several years ago is often viewed differently to one that’s only a few months old, particularly if you’ve maintained a good credit history since.

Lenders generally like to see that any financial difficulties were isolated rather than ongoing, so demonstrating responsible borrowing over time can strengthen your application.

Will You Need a Larger Deposit?

Some lenders may ask for a larger deposit if you have a CCJ.

For buyers across Manchester, a larger deposit may also widen the range of lenders and mortgage products available, even if you have a CCJ on your credit record.

Can You Improve Your Chances of Getting a Mortgage?

Although you can’t always remove a CCJ from your credit record straight away, there are steps that may improve your application over time.

These include:

  • Paying your bills on time.
  • Reducing existing debts where possible.
  • Registering on the electoral roll.
  • Avoiding multiple credit applications in a short period.
  • Saving a larger deposit.
  • Checking your credit report for any errors.

Small improvements across your finances can make a difference, particularly if you’re not planning to apply immediately.

What to Do Before You Apply

If you have a CCJ and you’re thinking about applying for a mortgage, it’s worth understanding how lenders are likely to view your circumstances before you submit an application.

The age of your CCJ, whether it’s been satisfied, and the rest of your financial situation can all influence which lenders may be prepared to consider you.

Applying without knowing where you stand could result in unnecessary credit checks or a declined application.

Our mortgage advisors in Manchester can review your circumstances, explain how your CCJ may affect your mortgage options, and let you know whether now is a good time to apply or if waiting could improve your chances.

Date Last Edited: September 3, 2026