No, a default is not a CCJ. A default is added to your credit report when you miss payments. A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order telling you to repay a debt. They are different, but a default can sometimes lead to a CCJ if the debt isn’t resolved.

Do I Need a Mortgage Broker for Bad Credit? Find Out Here!

Bad credit

29 May

Written By Christopher Smith

Finding a mortgage can feel daunting if you have bad credit, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be turned down. Specialist lenders and mortgage brokers can help you understand what’s realistic and how to improve your chances of being accepted.

What “bad credit” means to a mortgage lender

Bad credit can include missed or late payments, defaults, CCJs, IVAs or a history of high credit use. Every lender assesses these issues differently. Some mainstream lenders are strict, while others will consider an application if the issues were minor or happened several years ago.

A mortgage broker who deals with bad credit applications knows which lenders are likely to be open to your situation and which to avoid.

How a bad-credit mortgage broker can help

A broker can:
• Review your credit report and highlight what lenders will focus on.
• Check your affordability before you apply, to reduce the risk of declines.
• Match your circumstances with lenders that specialise in bad-credit cases.
• Help you prepare the documents lenders usually need (proof of income, ID, credit file explanations).

They’ll also manage the application and liaise with the lender, saving you time and reducing errors that can cause delays.

When you might not need a broker

If your credit issues are more than six years old, fully settled, and you have a deposit of around 15% or more, you might find success with a high-street lender.
However, for recent defaults, CCJs, or ongoing arrangements, a broker’s access to specialist lenders can make a real difference.

Choosing the right mortgage broker

Always ensure the broker is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can check this on the Financial Services Register.
Look for a firm with experience handling bad-credit cases, and ask how they’re paid — some charge a fee, while others are paid by the lender on completion.

Next steps

Before speaking to a broker, it helps to review your own credit report to see what a lender will see.

You can check your full credit file here:
Check your credit report with checkmyfile — they show data from all three UK credit agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion). The trial is free for 30 days (£14.99/month thereafter, cancel anytime).

If you’d like to understand your mortgage options based on your credit history, speak with a bad credit mortgage specialist who can assess your situation and explain what’s possible.

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