A charging order is a serious step for homeowners because an unsecured debt may become secured against property. Do not treat it like an ordinary collector letter.
This guide was last checked on 26 April 2026 against official court, government, regulator, or legislation sources listed on this page.
Quick answer#
- A charging order can secure a judgment debt against your home or property interest. The stage, equity and court history all matter.
- Check whether there is a CCJ behind it.
- Check whether the order is interim or final.
- Get advice before agreeing an IVA if a charge already exists.
What this means#
Once a creditor has a judgment, they may ask the court to secure the debt against property. This can change how the debt is treated in formal solutions.
Homeowners need to consider mortgage, equity, secured debts, charging orders and bankruptcy risk together. The cheapest monthly payment is not always the safest route.
What to check first#
- Check the CCJ and claim details.
- Check whether the charging order is interim or final.
- Check the hearing date if one is listed.
- Check property ownership, mortgage balance and equity.
- Check whether other creditors are also taking legal action.
What to do next#
- Get the court papers in order.
- Check whether you can object or ask for conditions.
- Take advice before the hearing if one is listed.
- Review mortgage and secured debt affordability.
- Compare IVA, DMP, bankruptcy and direct settlement with home risk in mind.
Keep copies of anything you send. If you speak by phone, write down the date, time, person you spoke to, and what was agreed.
What not to do#
- Do not ignore interim charging order paperwork.
- Do not assume an IVA will undo security already granted.
- Do not agree unsecured payment plans without considering property risk.
- Do not overlook joint-owner or family implications.
When an IVA may help#
An IVA may help with remaining unsecured debts and may prevent further action by included unsecured creditors once approved.
An IVA is a formal insolvency solution. It can affect your credit file, borrowing, assets, and future financial choices. It should be compared with a Debt Management Plan, Debt Relief Order, bankruptcy, informal arrangements and Breathing Space before you choose.
When an IVA may not solve this#
A debt already secured by a charging order may not be treated like an ordinary unsecured IVA debt. Get advice before relying on an IVA for that creditor.
If you are unsure, get regulated debt advice before relying on any single option.
What to do today#
- Find the court order and hearing date.
- Check whether the debt has a CCJ.
- Estimate mortgage balance and equity.
- Get advice before missing deadlines.
- Review wider debts and home risk together.
Sources