Maximum Number of CCJs (Satisfied)
Expert guidance on mortgages with satisfied CCJs, including lender acceptance by number (1-2 CCJs widely accepted, 3-4 specialist lenders, 5+ very limited), timeframes for better rates, settlement importance, and typical LTV/rate expectations (75-90% LTV, 5.5-8% rates).
Mortgages with Satisfied CCJs: How Many Are Acceptable?
County Court Judgements (CCJs) that have been satisfied (paid off) are viewed more favourably by lenders than unsettled ones. However, the number of satisfied CCJs significantly impacts mortgage availability and rates.
Why Satisfied CCJs Matter
Satisfied vs Unsatisfied:
- Satisfied: Debt paid in full, marked on credit file
- Unsatisfied: Outstanding debt, worse for mortgage prospects
- Timescale: How long ago matters (6 months vs 3 years makes huge difference)
Lender Acceptance by Number of Satisfied CCJs
| Number of Satisfied CCJs | Lender Availability | Maximum LTV | Typical Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 (over 12 months old) | High Street + Specialists | 85-95% | 5.2-6.5% | Good options available |
| 3-4 (over 12 months old) | Specialists Only | 75-85% | 5.8-7.5% | Need larger deposit |
| 5-6 (over 12 months old) | Limited Specialists | 70-80% | 6.5-9% | Significant restrictions |
| 7+ (any age) | Very Limited | 65-75% | 7-10%+ | May need to wait |
| 1-2 (under 6 months) | Specialists | 75-85% | 6-8% | Recent satisfaction concerns lenders |
Key Factors Lenders Assess
Beyond Just the Number:
- Total Value: £500 vs £5,000 matters significantly
- Time Since Satisfied: 6 months vs 3 years dramatically different
- Time Since Registered: When CCJ was issued
- Pattern: All at once (single hardship event) vs spread over years
- Clean Credit Since: No missed payments after satisfaction
- Deposit Size: 25%+ deposit improves acceptance
Real-World Scenarios
2 Satisfied CCJs - 18 Months Old Sarah had 2 CCJs (£850 and £1,200) from 2022, both satisfied in early 2023. With 20% deposit in late 2024, she accessed 15+ lenders, securing an 80% LTV mortgage at 5.8% - only 0.5% above standard rates.
4 Satisfied CCJs - Mixed Ages James had 4 satisfied CCJs ranging from 2-4 years old (total £4,200). With 25% deposit, a specialist lender offered 75% LTV at 6.9%. After 12 months, he remortgaged to a better rate (5.9%) as CCJs aged further.
6 Satisfied CCJs - Recent Satisfaction Emma satisfied 6 CCJs (total £3,800) only 4 months before applying. Despite satisfaction, lenders wanted 12+ months' clean credit. She waited 8 more months, then secured a 70% LTV mortgage at 7.2% from a bad credit specialist.
Timeline Impact on Rates
Satisfied CCJ Age vs Interest Rates:
- 0-6 months: 6.5-9% (if approved)
- 6-12 months: 5.8-7.5%
- 12-24 months: 5.5-6.8%
- 24-36 months: 5.2-6.2%
- 36+ months: 5-6% (approaching standard rates)
Strategy: If possible, wait 12-24 months after satisfaction for dramatically better rates.
Documentation Requirements
Lenders Will Request:
- Credit Report: Showing all CCJs with satisfaction dates
- Satisfaction Certificates: Proof each CCJ is settled
- Explanation Letter: Clear account of circumstances
- Bank Statements: 6-12 months showing improved money management
- Income Proof: Payslips/SA302s demonstrating affordability
- Larger Deposit: Evidence of 20-30% deposit funds
Improving Your Mortgage Prospects
Immediate Actions:
- Obtain Satisfaction Certificates: Request from creditors, update credit file
- Check Credit Reports: Ensure all CCJs marked as satisfied
- Build Clean Credit: No missed payments from satisfaction date onwards
- Save Larger Deposit: Every 5% extra deposit opens more lenders
- Wait If Possible: Each 6 months significantly improves options
6-Month Action Plan:
- Month 1-2: Ensure all CCJs marked satisfied on credit file
- Month 3-4: Build savings, no new credit applications
- Month 5-6: Approach specialist advisers with improved credit history
CCJ Value Matters
| Total CCJ Value | Lender Concern | Impact on Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Under £1,000 | Low | +0.3-0.8% vs standard |
| £1,000-£3,000 | Moderate | +0.5-1.5% vs standard |
| £3,000-£10,000 | High | +1-2.5% vs standard |
| Over £10,000 | Very High | +2-4% vs standard (if approved) |
Expert Tips
- Don't Hide CCJs: Lenders will find them - be upfront with advisers
- Satisfaction is Key: Always better to settle before applying
- Timeframe Strategy: Wait 12-24 months post-satisfaction for best rates
- Use Specialists: Essential for 3+ CCJs - high street won't help
- Document Everything: Clear explanation of hardship improves acceptance
- Consider Guarantor: Family guarantor offsets CCJ concerns
Combining Multiple Adverse Credit Issues
CCJs + Other Issues:
- CCJs + Defaults: Treated as separate issues, both impact approval
- CCJs + Missed Payments: Recent missed payments worse than old CCJs
- CCJs + Bankruptcy: Bankruptcy dominates; CCJs secondary concern
- CCJs + IVA: IVA completion date matters more than CCJ satisfaction
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is 3 satisfied CCJs too many for a mortgage? A: No, specialist lenders accept 3-4 satisfied CCJs, especially if over 12 months old. Expect 75-85% LTV and rates around 6-7.5%.
Q: Should I wait longer after satisfying CCJs before applying? A: Usually yes. Waiting 12 months vs 6 months can reduce your rate by 0.5-1%, saving thousands over the mortgage term.
Q: Can I get 90-95% LTV with satisfied CCJs? A: Difficult with 3+ CCJs. With 1-2 satisfied CCJs over 12 months old, some lenders offer 90% LTV.
Q: Will satisfied CCJs ever disappear? A: Yes, CCJs are removed from credit files after 6 years from registration date, regardless of satisfaction.
Q: Do satisfied CCJs affect remortgaging? A: Yes, your existing lender may not re-lend. Use an adviser to find lenders accepting your credit profile.
How We Can Help
We specialise in adverse credit mortgages:
- Access to 25+ CCJ-friendly lenders
- Strategy advice: Apply now vs wait for better rates
- Documentation support: Prepare compelling explanation letters
- Fee-free consultations
Next Steps
- Check credit report: Ensure all CCJs marked as satisfied
- Calculate total CCJ value: Understand lender perception
- Assess timeframe: How long since satisfaction?
- Contact us: We'll advise whether to proceed or wait
Multiple satisfied CCJs? Our specialists secure mortgages where high street lenders can't - contact us for honest, expert advice.