Having a County Court Judgment (CCJ) on your credit file can make securing a mortgage seem impossible, but it doesn’t have to be. At Empire Mortgages, we understand that life’s challenges don’t define your future. Whether your CCJ resulted from unforeseen financial difficulty or past mistakes, we specialise in helping people just like you access mortgage solutions that fit your circumstances.
We work with specialist lenders across the UK who take a more flexible and human approach to credit issues. If you’ve been turned away by the high street banks, don’t give up, speak to our friendly, expert team. We’ll guide you towards the best options to help you achieve homeownership or move forward with your property goals.
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is issued when a court has ruled you failed to repay a debt. This mark stays on your credit file for six years, potentially lowering your credit score and affecting how lenders assess you. While mainstream lenders typically see CCJs as a red flag, there are many who take a more nuanced view.
When assessing your mortgage application, lenders consider:
Age of the CCJ – CCJs issued over two years ago often carry less weight.
Whether the CCJ is Satisfied or Outstanding – Paid (satisfied) CCJs show you’ve addressed past issues responsibly.
Size and Number of CCJs – One small, isolated CCJ is viewed differently to multiple large ones.
Affordability Today – If your income and outgoings show stability and responsibility, lenders may still be keen.
Overall Credit Conduct Since – Demonstrating good credit behaviour post-CCJ can improve your chances.
Having a CCJ doesn’t automatically exclude you from getting a mortgage — it just means you need guidance from an experienced broker like Empire Mortgages.
Absolutely. While a CCJ narrows your choices, it certainly doesn’t close the door on homeownership. Many specialist mortgage lenders actively offer products designed for applicants with adverse credit. Your eligibility will depend on several key factors:
Recency – Older CCJs are less concerning; some lenders ignore CCJs older than 3 years.
Resolution – Settled CCJs demonstrate responsibility and financial recovery.
Deposit Size – A larger deposit (15%-30%) offsets lender risk, making approval more likely.
Affordability & Income Stability – Lenders will assess your earnings, debts, and monthly commitments.
Current Credit Health – Improvements post-CCJ, such as on-time payments and reducing debts, strengthen your application.
With our expertise, we will identify lenders who assess your situation on its own merits, not solely your credit score.
At Empire Mortgages Dunfermline, we believe in solutions, not barriers. Our team specialises in complex cases, including those involving CCJs, defaults, and other adverse credit histories. We are not tied to any one lender, giving us access to a whole-of-market panel, including many that you won’t find on the high street.
Our Process:
Initial Consultation – We listen to your story and assess your finances and credit profile confidentially.
Realistic Guidance – We give you honest feedback on your chances, options, and potential deposit requirements.
Lender Matching – We know which lenders are most sympathetic to CCJ cases and present you with tailored solutions.
Application Management – We handle all paperwork, liaise with lenders, and deal with solicitors and estate agents.
Ongoing Support – We keep you informed and supported at every stage to reduce stress and uncertainty.
Our goal is to turn “no” into “yes” — giving you a clear path to securing the mortgage you need.
If you’ve been told “no” elsewhere, don’t lose hope. At Empire Mortgages, we help people across Dunfermline, Fife, and Scotland secure mortgages despite past CCJs or adverse credit.
Book a Free Consultation Today and let’s discuss your mortgage options.
Yes, but your options will be limited and rates may be higher. Settling the CCJ first usually opens more competitive deals.
In most cases, yes. Expect deposit requirements of 15%-30%, depending on how recent and how many CCJs you have.
Some lenders will consider applications immediately, but your chances improve with time — especially after 12, 24, or 36 months.
Absolutely. Once your credit file has improved and your CCJ has aged or been removed, you can often switch to better deals.
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The guidance provided within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore primarily targeted at consumers based in the UK.
Empire Mortgages Ltd is an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of TenetLime Ltd. TenetLime Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Tenet Lime Ltd is entered on the Financial Services Register (www.fca.org.uk/register) under reference 150643.
Empire Mortgages Ltd may charge a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend on your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. Our typical fee is £295 payable on receipt of a full mortgage offer.
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