Bought our first home with a CCJ on file — it IS possible

Wanted to share because when we were in the thick of it I couldn't find any positive stories online.

I had a CCJ from 2022 (£800 phone contract dispute that went sideways — entirely my fault for ignoring the letters). It was satisfied in 2023 but still shows on my credit file.

Every mainstream lender said no. Our broker tried 4 banks. I was ready to give up.

But we eventually got approved with a specialist lender at 5.8% (vs ~4.2% high street). Higher rate, yes, but we're on the ladder. Plan is to remortgage in 2028 when the CCJ drops off my file (6 years from registration) and get a normal rate.

Key: £23k deposit (15%), combined income of £58k, and a broker who specialised in adverse credit. Don't give up if your credit isn't perfect — there ARE options.