The Difference Between CCJs and Defaults (+ Mortgage Approval Tips)
If you’ve had missed payments, a default, or a County Court Judgment (CCJ), getting a mortgage can feel out of reach. It isn’t. With the right strategy and a specialist bad credit mortgage broker, many people successfully secure a mortgage after a CCJ or default.
This guide explains the difference between a CCJ and a default, how each affects your credit file and mortgage options, and how a broker can help you find lenders that say “yes.”
If you’ve got a CCJ or default and want to know what’s possible, call Chris now for a quick, no-pressure chat and find out exactly what’s possible for you - 07539911696
Most people we speak to get a clear idea of what’s possible within a short phone call.
We deal with these situations every day, so we know which lenders are likely to say yes
Is a Default a CCJ?
No, a default is not the same as a CCJ, but the difference between them matters more than most people realise, especially if you're trying to get a mortgage.
A default is recorded by your lender when you fall behind on payments. A CCJ (County Court Judgment) is a court order forcing you to repay. They sit at different levels of severity, and mortgage lenders treat them very differently depending on whether they're satisfied or unsatisfied, how old they are, and how many you have.
A default is added by the lender to your credit file.
A CCJ is decided by the court and also appears on the public Register of Judgments.
You can have a default without a CCJ, and a CCJ without a recent default.
One is generally easier to get a mortgage with than the other, but timing and status can completely change the picture..
What Is a Default?
A default is recorded by a lender when you fall significantly behind on an account, usually after several missed payments.
The lender issues a Default Notice.
Your account is marked as defaulted.
It stays on your credit file for six years, whether you’ve paid it off or not.
If you settle the balance, it will be marked as “settled”, but still visible until it drops off after six years.
What Is a County Court Judgment (CCJ)?
A CCJ is a court order in England and Wales confirming that you owe money. It’s usually the next step if a default hasn’t been resolved.
A CCJ appears on your credit file for six years and on the Register of Judgments.
If you pay in full within one month, it can be removed completely.
After one month, it will remain, but can be marked as “satisfied.”
How CCJs and Defaults Affect Getting a Mortgage
High-street lenders are often cautious when CCJs or defaults appear, especially if they’re recent.
However, specialist bad credit mortgage lenders look at the bigger picture:
How long ago did the issue happen
Whether it’s settled or unsatisfied
How many defaults or CCJs are recorded
Deposit size and affordability
Example: A two year old satisfied CCJ may be accepted by a specialist lender, while a recent unsatisfied one may require a higher deposit.
Not sure whether to wait or act now?
Most people in this situation fall into one of two camps:
Wait 2–3 years and hope things improve
Or take action now and restructure their debts
The right choice depends on your situation, but waiting isn’t always the best option.
In many cases, people can move forward sooner than they think, especially with the right lender or by restructuring existing debts.
See what you could borrow today
with no impact on your credit score
Call Chris 07539911696
Typical Routes People Take
Higher Deposit + Specialist Lender: A 15–30% deposit can unlock more options, but in some cases, 5–10% is still possible depending on your situation.
Wait for “Ageing”: If a CCJ or default will be 12–24 months old soon, waiting may unlock better rates.
Debt Consolidation via a Secured Loan: Clear older debts and rebuild credit before remortgaging later.
How a Bad Credit Mortgage Broker Helps
A specialist broker can dramatically increase your approval chances:
Review your credit reports before applying.
Finds lenders whose criteria match your history.
Builds your case with supporting documents and explanations.
Avoids unnecessary hard credit checks.
Advises on deposit size, timing, and second-charge options.
If you’ve been declined before, a bad credit mortgage broker can be the difference between another “no” and a “yes.”
Practical Steps to Improve Your Chances
Check all three UK credit files — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Settle small recent debts if affordable.
Keep your accounts clean — no missed payments or overdrafts.
Save a larger deposit to access better lenders.
Add a Notice of Correction if your credit issues had genuine reasons (illness, redundancy, etc.).
Avoid multiple applications — let a broker target the right lender first.
Common Scenarios We See Approved
Multiple old defaults but clean credit conduct in the last year
CCJ’s under £5,000 → still mortgageable
Defaults and CCJ’s over 6 months old → often acceptable
Multiple debts → consolidated into one payment
Different lenders focus on different things: some care about when it was registered, others the number of issues, and others the total amounts.
You won’t know what’s possible until you speak to someone who understands this properly. -07539911696
We’ll tell you straight — even if the answer is to wait.
CCJs & Defaults — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ?
Yes — it depends on how old the CCJ is, whether it’s satisfied, and your deposit. A bad credit mortgage broker can match you with a lender who accepts your situation.
Is a default better than a CCJ?
Lenders view CCJs as more serious, but both can be accepted by specialist lenders once they’re aged and/or settled.
How long do they stay on my file?
Both CCJs and defaults remain for six years from the date recorded.
Should I pay off old defaults first?
Settling small or recent ones helps. For larger debts, speak to a broker. Sometimes it’s smarter to apply once you’ve shown good recent conduct.
Can a CCJ be removed early?
Yes, if you pay it in full within one month, or prove it was issued in error through a court “set aside.”
When Waiting May Be Worth It
If your CCJ or default will soon reach 12–24 months old, or you’re about to settle it, waiting a few months could mean access to better lenders and lower rates.
What Should You Do Next?
If your CCJ/default is recent (under 12 months)
You may still have options using specialist lenders or secured loans.
See what you could borrow now (no impact on your credit score)
If your CCJ/default is over 12–24 months
You may qualify for better mortgage and secured loan deals already.
Speak to an advisor and see which lenders would accept you - click here
If you’ve got multiple debts
Consolidating them into one payment is often the fastest route forward.
See if you could consolidate your debts into one lower monthly payment
Lender criteria changes regularly, and what’s possible today might not be available in a few months, so it’s worth checking sooner rather than later.
If you’re unsure where you stand, the easiest next step is to have a quick conversation and get a clear answer.
Call Chris on 07539911696 or check what you could borrow online with no impact on your credit score.
Important
All mortgages are subject to status and affordability. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it..
If you’re looking for bad credit mortgage advice in Tyldesley, Leigh, or Atherton, check out Our Services page to learn more about how we can help
Related articles:
Bad credit Mortgage Broker- How they can help?
Bad credit secured loans - How do they work?
Remortgage when you have bad credit
FAQ:
Q: Is a default a CCJ?
A: No, a default and a CCJ are two different things. A default is recorded by your lender, while a CCJ is a court order. But they affect your mortgage options very differently. One is far easier to get approved with than the other, depending on when it was registered and whether it's been satisfied..