The honest version most people are not told

If you have got a CCJ and have been told you need a 10% or 15% deposit, you are not alone. A lot of people hear that after speaking to a bank or being declined elsewhere.

The truth is more nuanced. Some lenders are very strict and will say no straight away. Others take a more common sense view and may still consider you with a 5% deposit, depending on the age of the CCJ, your recent conduct, and the overall strength of the case.

Why most people with a CCJ get told no

High street lenders are often quite rigid when it comes to CCJs. As soon as one appears on the credit file, especially if it is recent or unsatisfied, the application can fall outside policy immediately.

That is why many people are told to wait a few years, save a bigger deposit, or just improve their credit score. The problem is that this advice is often too general and does not reflect what specialist lenders may still accept.

A decline from one lender does not mean every lender will say no.

Can a 5% deposit still work if you have a CCJ?

Yes, sometimes it can. There are lenders who may consider a mortgage with just a 5% deposit, even if you have a CCJ on file.

In some cases, lenders may look more favourably once a CCJ is over 6 months old. Some may even consider unsatisfied CCJs if the rest of the application is strong enough.

This can apply to both first time buyers and home movers. So a CCJ does not automatically mean you need a bigger deposit.

What lenders really look at

A lot of people worry about their credit score, but lenders do not make decisions based on score alone. In adverse credit cases, they usually care far more about the detail behind the situation.

1. How old the CCJ is

• Very recent CCJs are harder to place
• Once a CCJ is older, more options may open up
• Older historic issues are often viewed more sympathetically

2. Whether your recent conduct is clean

• No recent missed payments helps
• No new defaults strengthens the case
• A clean last 6 months can make a major difference

3. Whether the CCJ is satisfied

• Satisfied CCJs can be easier with some lenders
• Unsatisfied CCJs are not always a deal breaker
• The lender and full case profile matter

4. Your income and affordability

• Stable income is important
• Affordable monthly payments matter just as much as deposit size
• Strong affordability can offset some credit concerns

5. The overall story

Lenders want to see whether things have settled down. Two applicants with similar CCJs can get very different outcomes depending on what has happened since.

When your chances are usually stronger

You may be in a better position if:

• Your CCJ is over 6 months old
• Your last 6 months of credit conduct are clean
• You have at least a 5% deposit
• Your income and affordability are solid

This does not guarantee approval, but it does usually put you in a stronger position with the right lender.

When it may be better to wait

Sometimes waiting a little can improve the outcome significantly. You may be better off holding off for now if:

• You have had recent missed payments
• You have picked up new defaults or arrears recently
• Your finances still feel unstable month to month
• Your deposit is not yet quite there

Timing matters. In some cases, waiting a few months and getting everything settled can open far better options.

A real example

We recently helped a client with 3 CCJs totalling just over £8,000, all from early 2025, with a 5% deposit.

They had already been told no elsewhere. Once the case was packaged properly and placed with the right lender, it was agreed and offered within 2 weeks at a rate just under 8%.

It was not the cheapest deal on the market, but it meant they could move forward now rather than waiting years.

The key point is not that every case will look like this, but that the right lender and the right presentation can change the outcome completely.

Do you need a specialist broker for a CCJ mortgage?

In many cases, yes. A specialist broker can look beyond the headline issue and match your profile to lenders that are actually open to this type of case.

• Avoid wasted applications with lenders who are very unlikely to say yes
• Explain the credit issue clearly and properly
• Match your deposit level to the right lender criteria
• Give you a realistic answer on whether to apply now or wait

That can save you time, stress, and unnecessary damage to your credit file.

Final thoughts before you apply

Having a CCJ does not mean you are stuck. It does mean you need to be a bit more careful about timing, lender choice, and how the case is presented.

A 5% deposit mortgage may still be possible, but you need a realistic assessment, not guesswork.

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