How a CCJ Can Complicate (But Not Kill) Your Commercial Property Plans
- Anu
- Jul 11, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 29, 2025
So, you’ve found "the one".
A commercial property with just the right postcode, potential, and parking (if you’re lucky). You’re running the numbers, imagining the signage, and then—bam—a County Court Judgment (CCJ) pops up on your credit file like an unwanted plot twist in an otherwise promising investment story.
Suddenly, it’s not just about whether you can afford the property. It’s whether a lender will even give you the time of day.
But before you abandon your dreams and take up pottery, let’s unpack what a CCJ really means for your commercial mortgage prospects.
What Is a CCJ (and Why Do Lenders Care So Much)?
A CCJ is essentially a court’s way of saying, “You forgot to pay someone, and now it’s official.” It’s not ideal. To lenders, it’s a red flag that suggests missed payments, unresolved debts, or a general tendency to ghost financial obligations.
And when you’re asking someone to lend you hundreds of thousands of pounds for a property, they tend to care about that sort of thing.
But—and this is important—not all CCJs are created equal. A small, historic blip that’s been paid off? That’s one thing. A recent, unpaid judgment the size of a small car? That’s quite another.
Need expert commercial mortgage advice?
What Lenders Actually Look At (Beyond the Panic)
If you’ve got a CCJ, lenders will want to know:
Is it satisfied? A paid-off CCJ is always better than one still hanging around like a bad smell.
How old is it? Time heals most wounds, including those on your credit file.
How big was it? A £300 dispute over a phone bill is less worrying than a £30,000 unpaid invoice.
What’s the story? If you can explain the situation—billing error, business hiccup, global pandemic (remember that?)—it helps.
What else have you got going for you? A strong deposit, solid rental income, and a business that isn’t haemorrhaging cash can all help balance the scales.
Some lenders are surprisingly open-minded. You might not get the best rate on the market, but you won’t necessarily be shown the door either.
How to Strengthen Your Application (Without Resorting to Bribery)
If you’ve got a CCJ, preparation is your best friend. Here’s what to do:
Check your credit file. Make sure the CCJ is listed correctly. If it’s been paid, it should say so.
Gather your paperwork. Business accounts, bank statements, tax returns—anything that shows you’re financially stable now.
Explain yourself. A short, honest explanation can go a long way.
Use a broker. Especially one who knows their way around adverse credit. They’ll know which lenders are more flexible and how to present your case without making it sound like a financial horror story.
The Bottom Line
A CCJ isn’t the end of your commercial property ambitions. It’s more of a speed bump—annoying, but navigable with the right approach. Yes, the process might be a bit more paperwork-heavy, and no, you probably won’t get the lowest rate in the universe. But if you’ve resolved the issue and can show you’re financially sound now, there are lenders who will listen.
Because while lenders care about risk, they also care about recovery. And if you’ve bounced back, that’s a story worth telling.
Expert Commercial Mortgage Advice
Need help navigating the CCJ maze? We can help you find lenders who see beyond the blip.
