Got a CCJ?
It is not an automatic no.

A CCJ stays on the public register and your credit file for six years from the judgment date, whether or not you pay it. Its effect fades considerably over that time — most lenders weight anything in the last twelve months heavily, and something from year four or five much less so.

Yes. Once paid in full it is marked as satisfied, and if you pay within a month of judgment it can be removed entirely. Satisfied CCJs are viewed far more favourably, so if you are close to clearing it, doing so before applying is usually worth the wait.

It is harder, but not impossible. Lenders will want to see that your current income comfortably covers the payments, and a deposit helps considerably. Expect a narrower choice of lenders and a higher rate than someone with a satisfied judgment.

Not automatically, though it does tighten things. What lenders look for is a pattern versus a bad period — several judgments from one difficult year with nothing since reads very differently to a steady trickle of them.

No, and this is where people damage their chances. Each full application leaves a hard footprint, and several in a short window looks like distress borrowing. Our initial enquiry is a soft search, so nothing touches your file until we know who is realistically likely to accept you.