Skip to main content
Back to Charging Orders

How charging orders work

A charging order is a two-stage court process. Understanding it helps you take action at the right moment.

Charging Orders3 min readReviewed July 2026

After a CCJ, if the debt is unpaid, a creditor can apply for a charging order against a property you own. The court first grants an Interim Charging Order and sets a date for the final hearing.

At the final hearing you can argue against making the order final — often based on affordability, other creditors, or hardship. A charging order doesn't force a sale, but it means the debt (plus interest) has to be paid when the property is sold or refinanced.

Separately, a creditor can apply for an order for sale — a much harder application to win, especially for small debts and where children live in the home. Free debt help can help you resist an order for sale and negotiate a manageable payment plan.

General information, not personalised adviceThis article is written to inform. It isn't personalised debt or legal advice, and Debt Compass is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. A team member can talk you through the options and point you to a free debt help service or authorised insolvency practitioner before you decide on anything.