Mortgage possessions claims increase 23%

Latest figures from the Ministry of Justice (October to December 2022) for England and Wales have revealed that mortgage possession claims increased by 23% in Q4 last year compared to the same quarter in 2021 from 2,570 to 3,160, while repossessions by county court bailiffs increased by 123 from a lower base (313 to 733).

Commenting, Myron Jobson, Senior Personal Finance Analyst, Interactive Investor, said The increase in mortgage possession actions and repossessions is skewed by the city watchdog ordered cessation of repossession activity at the start of the Covid pandemic and the rollout of payment holidays on a grand scale for those who needed them.”

“History has shown that repossession can rise steeply during periods of economic stress. Such was the case in the wake of global financial crash. Today, an uptick in mortgage rates to levels not seen since the credit crunch, workers incomes failing to keep up with spiralling household costs and a stuttering economy leave workers struggling to keep up with repayment obligations in a precarious position. Something like a sudden illness or job loss could leave them homeless.”

“The property repossession figures also don’t make for happy reading for landlords, who are aware that their tenants circumstances can change overnight.”

“But repossession activity might not rise as far this time because of the current low level of unemployment and tighter lending regulation, particularly around affordability and forbearance.”

“The first port of call to prevent the repossession of your home is to speak to your lender and come to an agreement where you can continue payments instead of repossessing your home.”