You may be one of those people struggling to keep up with mortgage repayments. If you are having problems paying your mortgage or expect to have these problems soon it is best to act sooner rather than later. This way, you may be more likely to keep your home by avoiding repossession. In such cases, it is better to contact your lender as soon as possible. You can also get free independent advice from other organizations. Alternatively, you may be able to get help with your mortgage from new government schemes.

When you contact your lender they will definitely discuss other possible repayment options with you. Make sure you understand the different options so you make the right choice for you. Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance (MPPI) or Accident, Sickness and Unemployment insurance (ASU) can help with your mortgage repayments if your income has fallen because of redundancy, accident or sickness. You may have taken it out when you got your mortgage. Be realistic and work out your budget. You may have to cut back on some other spending. You can use an online Budget calculator to help you work out how much you have coming in and how much is going out.


If you are on a low income or out of work you may be able to get some help with your mortgage repayments. Use online Benefits adviser, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or speak to an advice agency to check. You can also get free and independent advice to help you sort out your problems. Use Shelter’s advice agency directory to find various free local advice agencies, including Citizens Advice Bureau Your lender may offer a debt advice service, but it may charge you upfront or add the charges to your mortgage debt. You do not have to use it if you have other alternatives.

Only agree to pay back what you can afford. By continuing to pay back some money, you may be able to reduce your arrears. Find out whether you are eligible for a government-backed mortgage assistance scheme which may allow you to stay in your home. Money advice agencies can help you work out whether you will be eligible for any of these schemes.


If you think your situation will not change in the long term, think about selling your home yourself and renting or moving to a cheaper property. Ask your lender if you can stay in your property until you sell it and make sure you have a place to live before you move out. If this is not possible, as a last resort you can sell your home to a company and rent it back from them.

If you are struggling to pay your credit cards or personal loans, talk to those providers too. You must still try to come to an arrangement with them. Even if credit card debt or personal loans may not be secured on your home, failing to pay them could put your home at risk. This is because the provider may ask the courts to allow it to secure the debt on your home. If this happens, then the provider may be able to repossess your property.