Skip to content
Check my options
All debt solutionsIVADebt Management PlanDebt Relief OrderBankruptcyBreathing SpaceFull and final settlementProtected Trust DeedDebt Arrangement Scheme
All types of debtDebt collectors A–ZBailiff companies A–ZLenders A–ZDebt questions answeredCredit card debtCouncil tax arrearsPersonal loansEnergy arrearsOverdraftsRent arrearsHMRC debtBuy Now Pay Later
All compareIVA vs DMPIVA vs DROIVA vs bankruptcyDMP vs DRODMP vs bankruptcyDRO vs bankruptcy
All toolsSolution comparisonMy Debt MapBudget calculatorCouncil finderLetter BuilderDebt Action PlanOffer PackLetter checkerBailiff fee checkerStatute-barred checkerBill PrioritiserContact logIf I stop payingPayoff calculatorDeadline plannerFind My DebtsMy Debt FileDRO testsSolution explorerCan bailiffs take this?Can bailiffs come in?ChecklistsDebt glossaryUK insolvency tracker
All urgent helpBailiff at the doorCouncil tax summonsCourt letter or claim formEviction threatEnergy disconnectionWages being deductedCan't afford foodCreditor threats
All local helpEnglandScotlandWalesNorthern IrelandWest MidlandsBirminghamWolverhamptonAll locations
Debt glossary How we make money
Check my options

Can a creditor put a charge on my house?

A charging order turns an unsecured debt into one secured on your home. It does not mean the home will be sold — but it is a step you should respond to.

Applies to: England & Wales

Written by The My Debt Cleared editorial teamLast reviewed 18 October 2026Next review 18 April 2027Jurisdiction England & WalesEditorial policy
A creditor with a County Court Judgment can apply for a charging order, which secures the debt on property you own so it is repaid when the property is sold. It is made in two stages: an interim order, then a final order, with a chance to object in between. A charging order does not force a sale — that needs a separate order for sale, and for debts under a regulated consumer credit agreement an order for sale cannot be made to recover less than £1,000.

What to do now

  1. If you receive an interim charging order, note the deadline to object — usually 28 days from service.
  2. Write to the court and the creditor setting out your objection and your circumstances, and attend any hearing.
  3. Get free advice early, especially if the creditor applies for an order for sale.

How a charging order is made

  1. Interim order — usually made by a court officer without a hearing, and registered against your property at the Land Registry.
  2. Your chance to object — usually within 28 days of being served, in writing to the court and creditor.
  3. Final order — decided by a judge, at a hearing if you object. The court weighs your circumstances and those of anyone you live with.

If you are keeping up with your CCJ payments

For judgments made since 1 October 2012, a creditor can apply for a charging order even if you are paying the instalments the court ordered. The law says the fact that you are not in default does not prevent an order, but the court must take it into account — so evidence that you are up to date matters.

Can they force a sale?

Only with a separate order for sale, which courts grant only after considering things like the equity, your family and other ways of repaying. For a debt under a regulated consumer credit agreement, an order for sale cannot be made to recover less than £1,000.

Joint homes

If the debt is in your name only, the order attaches to your share of the property. Joint owners, and a spouse or civil partner living there, should be told about the application and can take part in the hearing.

Getting it removed

Once the judgment debt is paid, ask the court for a certificate of satisfaction and apply to have the charge removed from the Land Registry.

You can get free, impartial debt advice

You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation.

Common questions

Can a credit card company put a charge on my house?

Only after getting a County Court Judgment and then applying separately for a charging order. Even then, forcing a sale needs a further order, and for a regulated consumer credit debt that cannot be made for less than £1,000.

Will a charging order mean I lose my home?

Not on its own. It means the debt is repaid from the proceeds if the property is sold. A creditor would have to apply for an order for sale, and the court considers your circumstances first.

Can I object to a charging order?

Yes. After an interim order you can object, usually within 28 days, explaining why a final order should not be made or what conditions should apply.

CCJs explainedIf you ignore a CCJWhat creditors can doMortgage arrears
What do I do now? Check my letter