Mortgage arrears
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
Talk to your lender as soon as it looks like you're going to have problems paying your mortgage. The quicker you do it, the better your chances of keeping your home.
You may be able to get help with paying the interest on your mortgage with the government's Support for Mortgage Interest scheme.
It's essential to make paying your mortgage your number one priority. Use our budget calculator to find out where you might be able to make savings elsewhere, or call our free advice helpline.
Tackling mortgage arrears
Knowing how to manage mortgage arrears can help you keep your home safe. Our guide to tackling mortgage arrears tells you what to do if keeping up with mortgage payments becomes a problem.
Negotiating with lenders
Mortgage arrears and payment problems can be managed. We look at how to negotiate with lenders over mortgage arrears to find a solution to mortgage arrears problems.
Government help for struggling homeowners
If you're facing repossession or struggling with mortgage payments there are Government schemes to help struggling homeowners avoid repossession.
Government mortgage rescue scheme
The mortgage rescue scheme provides government-funded help for homeowners at risk of repossession. Find out who can qualify for the mortgage rescue scheme what it offers.
Support for mortgage interest payments (SMI)
Support for mortgage interest (SMI) can help home-owners with their mortgage interest payments if they’re claiming certain benefits. Find out more about SMI.
Reducing monthly payments
It may be possible to negotiate to reduce your monthly mortgage payments. Your options will depend on the type of mortgage you have.
Borrowing more money
Arranging a second mortgage or getting a secured loan is risky and will probably increase your overall debt.
Secured loans and second mortgages
A secured loan is a loan that is taken out against the value of your property, in addition to your first or original mortgage. This means that if you are unable to repay your loan then your lender can take steps to repossess your home.
Renting out the property
How to make your mortgage more affordable by renting out your property. Find out what your rights are if you’re considering renting out your property or renting out part of your home.
Selling your home voluntarily
You may decide to sell your home to pay off your mortgage arrears.
Handing back the keys
Giving your keys to your lender is called voluntary repossession. It is not usually advisable and may increase your debts, and you will still be responsible for paying the mortgage until the property is sold.
Private sale and rent back
Sale and rent back schemes have been temporarily shut down by the FSA. The regulator found that most sale and rent back schemes were not suitable and should be withdrawn.
