Bad Credit • Remortgage
A CCJ isn’t the end of the line. While high street banks usually say no, specialist lenders may still consider you — especially if the CCJ is older, satisfied, and you’ve built up equity. Here’s how timing and LTV shift the odds in your favour.
Key takeaways
- Age matters: <12 months is tough; 12–36 months more flexible; 3+ years far easier.
- Settlement helps but isn’t always mandatory for niche lenders.
- Equity wins: Lower LTV (e.g. 70–80%) materially boosts approval chances.
Pillar guide: For the full picture on products, deposits and lender appetite, see → Remortgage with Bad Credit.
What Is a CCJ and How Long Does It Stay on File?
- A court order stating you owe money to a creditor.
- Stays on your credit file for six years from the issue date.
- “Satisfied” shows it’s paid, but it remains on file until the six years are up.
Do CCJs Have to Be Settled Before Remortgaging?
- Not always. Some specialists accept unsettled CCJs if old enough and circumstances are stable.
- Settling typically improves choice and pricing.
How Age of the CCJ Affects Your Chances
| Age of CCJ | Typical Lender View |
|---|---|
| < 12 months | Very difficult; niche exceptions exist depending on size and context. |
| 12–36 months | More flexible if conduct since is clean. |
| 3+ years | Often acceptable, even if not settled, with the right lender and LTV. |
Have a CCJ?
We’ll check lenders who consider CCJs based on age, size and LTV today.
Equity & Loan‑to‑Value (LTV) Considerations
- Lenders prefer lower LTV (e.g. 70–80%) with CCJs on file.
- More equity can offset recent issues and widen the lender pool.
Practical Steps
- Check exact registration date(s) on your credit files.
- Settle if you can — helpful even when not mandatory.
- Keep recent finances spotless; avoid new missed payments.
- Work with a specialist broker — most CCJ‑friendly lenders are broker‑only.
Check all three credit files in one place
View multi‑agency data. Soft search access won’t harm your score.
“I had a CCJ less than two years ago and thought I couldn’t remortgage. Honest Mortgages found a lender who considered my case and helped me consolidate debt.”
FAQs – Remortgaging After a CCJ
Do I need my CCJ settled to remortgage?
Not always. Some lenders will accept unsettled CCJs depending on age and profile strength.
Can I remortgage with a recent CCJ?
It’s difficult, but niche lenders sometimes consider CCJs under a year old.
How does equity help with a CCJ?
Lower LTV means lower risk to lenders, improving approval odds and pricing.
How long before a CCJ drops off my file?
Six years from the issue date, regardless of whether it’s paid.
