Facing the prospect of house repossession is one of the most stressful situations a homeowner can endure. But it’s not a lost cause—there are practical steps you can take to protect your property and regain control.
With repossessions in the UK rising by 31% in 2024 compared to the previous year, affecting nearly 6,440 homes, it’s clear that many people are struggling to keep up with mortgage repayments. However, help is available, and acting quickly can make all the difference.
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How to Stop House Repossession: A Guide to Saving Your Home
Facing house repossession can feel overwhelming, but there are clear steps you can take to protect your home. With repossession claims in England and Wales reaching a five-year high, it’s more important than ever to act quickly. Here’s how you can stop the process and regain control.
1. Contact Your Lender Immediately
The first and most important step is to speak to your mortgage lender as soon as you realise you’re struggling with payments. Lenders are required by law to follow the Pre-Action Protocol, which means they must explore all reasonable options with you before taking legal action. They may offer solutions such as:
- Payment holidays (temporary breaks from payments)
- Arrears repayment plans (spreading overdue payments over time)
- Mortgage term extensions (reducing monthly payments)
2. Seek Professional Advice
Debt charities like StepChange or Shelter provide free, confidential advice on managing arrears and avoiding repossession. They can help you:
- Negotiate with your lender
- Budget effectively
- Access legal support if court proceedings begin
3. Attend Court Hearings
If your lender takes legal action, don’t ignore the court summons. Attend the hearing and present your case to the judge. You can request:
- A suspended possession order, allowing you to stay in your home if you stick to a repayment plan
- Additional time to sell your property if necessary
- Failing to attend could result in an outright possession order, leaving you with little time to act.
4. Sell Your Home Quickly
If keeping up with repayments is no longer possible, selling your home might be the best option to avoid repossession. Cash house buyers like us at Property Saviour can help you sell fast, often completing sales within weeks. This allows you to clear your debts and avoid the long-term financial impact of repossession.
5. Consider Government Schemes
In Scotland, for example, the Home Owners’ Support Fund offers options like Mortgage to Rent, where a housing association buys your property and rents it back to you. In England, check if you qualify for benefits like Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI).
This table summarises different steps you can take to stop property repossession:
Option | Description | Outcome |
---|---|---|
Communicate with lender | Request payment holidays or term extensions | Avoid court action |
Seek professional advice | Consult charities like Shelter or StepChange | Tailored financial solutions |
Attend court hearings | Present repayment proposals or request time to sell | Potential suspension of possession order |
Sell property | Use cash buyers for quick sales | Clears debts and avoids credit damage |
Government schemes | Apply for programs like Mortgage Rescue or Mortgage-to-Rent | Retain housing security |
Key Statistics on Repossession
- In Q2 2024, 980 mortgaged properties were repossessed—a 31% increase from Q2 2023.
- Mortgage arrears affected 1.06% of all homeowner mortgages by late 2024.
- The average time from claim to repossession has decreased from 57 weeks in 2023 to 44 weeks in 2024 due to improved court efficiency.
Top Tips for Avoiding Repossession
These are our top tips:
- Act early: The sooner you address arrears, the more options you’ll have.
- Know your rights: Familiarise yourself with the Pre-Action Protocol and legal protections.
- Avoid payday loans: High-interest loans can worsen financial difficulties.
- Explore all options: From negotiating new terms to selling your home, consider every avenue.

Can I Stop Repossession After a Court Decision?
Yes, it is still possible to stop repossession even after a court has granted a possession order. Many homeowners wrongly believe that a court decision signals the end of the road, but there are still options available.
You can negotiate with your lender to agree on a repayment plan or request additional time to sell your property privately. Courts often allow borrowers to apply for a stay of execution, which temporarily halts the repossession process if you can demonstrate a realistic plan to resolve your arrears. Acting quickly and seeking legal advice is crucial at this stage, as time will be limited.
How Many Mortgage Payments Can I Miss Before Repossession?
Most lenders will begin the repossession process after three missed mortgage payments, but this can vary based on your specific mortgage agreement and lender policies. Typically, lenders will contact you after the first missed payment to discuss repayment options and assess your financial situation.
If payments continue to be missed, they may issue a formal notice of arrears and warn of potential legal action.
However, repossession is usually considered a last resort, and lenders are required to follow strict guidelines under the Pre-Action Protocol, giving you opportunities to resolve the issue before court proceedings begin.

What Happens If My House Is Repossessed?
If your house is repossessed, the lender takes possession of the property and arranges for its sale—often through an auction or private sale—to recover the outstanding mortgage debt.
Unfortunately, repossessed homes are typically sold below market value due to the urgency of the sale. If the proceeds from the sale do not cover the full amount owed on your mortgage, you will remain liable for the shortfall. This debt could lead to further financial difficulties and negatively impact your credit score for years to come.
However, if the sale generates more than what you owe, any surplus funds will be returned to you after fees and costs are deducted.
Stop Repossession NOW – Save Your Home Before It’s Too Late!
Repossession doesn’t have to be the end of the road—take action today and stop it in its tracks! If you’re staring down the barrel of losing your home, don’t wait until it’s too late. Property Saviour is here to throw you a lifeline when you need it most. Forget the endless delays of estate agents or the uncertainty of property auctions—this is your chance to take back control.
Property Saviour makes selling your home fast and stress-free. They can complete the sale in as little as 10 days, cutting out all the usual hassle. No collapsing buyer chains, no waiting for mortgage approvals, and no strangers traipsing through your home for endless viewings. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it gives you the breathing room to sort out your finances and move forward.
Don’t let repossession ruin your life. With Property Saviour’s trusted cash-buying service, you can sell your property fast and avoid the devastating impact of losing your home. Act now—every day counts when repossession is looming. This is your chance to start fresh and leave financial worries behind. Pick up the phone or visit their website today. Your future is waiting!

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