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Repossession

Repossession is the legal process where a mortgage lender or secured loan provider takes possession of a property.

What should I do if my lender is threatening repossession?

Lenders only start court action to repossess your home as a last resort. If your lender contacts you about your mortgage arrears or secured loan arrears do not ignore them. If your lender cannot contact you they are more likely to go to court.

Will I lose my home if I have a repossession hearing?

A repossession court hearing takes place in order for a judge to decide whether you can afford to keep your property. It does not mean you will automatically lose your home.

Even if you have an eviction date, it is not too late to solve your problems.

Specialised repossession advice

If you have court paperwork or a court date please call our Helpline on 0800 138 1111. Our advisors can give you specialised mortgage arrears advice and help you to solve your mortgage or secured loan repayment problems. It may be possible to come to an arrangement with your lender to stop the case going to court.

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FAQs

What is a suspended possession order?

A suspended possession order is a court order that is granted at a repossession hearing. A suspended possession order means that your lender cannot repossess your property as long as you make the payments the court asked for each month. This is usually the contractual monthly payment and has an additional amount to clear the arrears within a reasonable time. A reasonable time can be anything up to the remaining term of the mortgage.

What is an outright possession order?

An outright possession order is a court order that is granted at a repossession hearing. It means that the courts have given your lender possession of your property. You will be given an eviction date for 28 days later and need to move yourself and your belongings out of the property by this date. On the eviction date bailiffs may change the locks to your house. Even if you have an outright possession order it may still be possible to keep your home. Please call our helpline and one of our specialist advisors will be able to help you

I have a suspended possession order but cannot pay it, what should I do?

If you have a suspended possession order and cannot afford to make the payments it may be possible to ask the courts to alter the order. Please call our helpline and one of our advisors may be able to help you.

What happens if I don’t attend a court hearing?

We would advise where possible that you always attend a court hearing. If you do not attend a court hearing for your property you will need to call the courts and find out the outcome of the hearing. If you have received a court hearing date or if you know the outcome of the hearing please call our helpline and one of our specialist advisors will be able to help you deal with your housing problems.

I have an eviction date, what should I do?

If you have an eviction date please call our helpline for specialist advice.