CCCS | InfoCentre | Northern Ireland

Repossession

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

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

Specialised mortgage 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 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.

A repossession court hearing takes place in order that a judge can 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.

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 order for immediate possession?

An order for immediate possession 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. You need to move yourself and your belongings out of the property by this date. On the eviction date the enforcement of judgements office may change the locks to your house.

Even if you have an order for immediate possession you may be able to keep your home. Please call us 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.

I have an eviction date, what should I do?

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