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.”
Is a Default a CCJ?
No, a default is not the same as a CCJ. A default is when you miss payments and your lender marks the debt as unpaid on your credit file. A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order saying you must repay the debt. A default can lead to a CCJ if the debt isn’t sorted, but they are two different things
A default is added by the lender to your credit file.
A CCJ is decided by the court.
You can have a default without a CCJ, and a CCJ without a recent default.
Both can affect your chances of getting a mortgage, but lenders look at them differently.
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.”
CCJ vs Default: The Key Differences
FeatureDefaultCCJLegal StatusLender actionCourt judgmentPublic RecordNoYesSeverityModerateMore severeMortgage ImpactReduces optionsMore serious, especially if recent or unsatisfied
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.
Typical Routes People Take
Higher Deposit + Specialist Lender: A 15–30% deposit can unlock options with CCJs or defaults.
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
✅ One default over 2 years old and now settled
✅ Small telecom defaults (under £500) aged 12+ months
✅ Older CCJs that are satisfied
✅ Multiple old defaults but clean credit conduct in the last year
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.
Next Steps
✅ Get copies of your credit reports
✅ List your CCJs/defaults with dates and status
✅ Speak to a bad credit mortgage broker
✅ Plan whether to apply now or tidy up first
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 Mortgages: What Lenders Look for
Utilising Benefits to Secure a Mortgage: A Comprehensive Guide
FAQ:
Q: Is a default a CCJ?
A: No. A default is when a lender marks your debt as unpaid on your credit report. A CCJ is a court order telling you to pay a debt. They are different, but a default can sometimes lead to a CCJ if the debt isn’t sorted.