MoneySavingExpert.com homepage
Cutting your costs, fighting your corner
Founder, Martin Lewis · Editor-in-Chief, Marcus Herbert
MoneySavingExpert.com
Search bar closed.
MSE News

Home repossessions fall, but future less rosy

repossessedhome
Press Association
Press Association
Editor
9 August 2012

The number of home repossessions has fallen to its lowest level in a year and-a-half despite the toughening economy, but they could rise again.

There were 8,500 repossessions between April and June this year, marking the lowest quarterly total since the last three months of 2010, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).

There were 18,100 repossessions in the first six months of this year.

Key Points

  • 8,500 homes repossessed between April and June

  • Lowest quarterly level in a year and a half

  • But CML predicts repossessions will increase

The CML says the figure indicates repossessions are so far on a "lower trajectory" than its forecast they will rise to 45,000 for the whole of 2012.

But a CML spokesman says the body is maintaining that 45,000 prediction, as the "uncertain backdrop" of the wider economy remains and household finances are still under intense pressure amid high unemployment and low wage increases.

The body, whose members include banks and building societies, says that lenders' forbearance has helped to ease the situation, with some reducing rates temporarily, as well as extending payment dates.

CML director general Paul Smee says: "The figures show that lenders, borrowers and debt advisers are working together to get through the current period of economic difficulty and keep mortgage possessions in check."

Arrears up

The number of borrowers with high levels of arrears has been creeping up, which is a position they will find difficult to recover from, the CML spokesman says.

There were 28,300 mortgages with arrears of more than 10% of the balance between April and June, an increase from 28,000 during the previous quarter.

By the end of June, the number of loans with arrears of 2.5% or more of the outstanding balance stood at 157,400, a figure which is 400 lower than three months earlier.

Tightening borrowing criteria

More than a million home owners saw their mortgage rates rise in May, following a string of increases announced by lenders, blaming the weak economy and increased funding costs.

Lenders have also been tightening their borrowing criteria in recent months, causing a drop in the proportion of mortgage approvals, making it tougher for people to get a mortgage or switch to a cheaper deal.

MSE Forum

Home repossessions fall

Forum image
MSE Email icon 29 October 2024

For all the latest deals, guides and loopholes simply sign up today - it’s spam free!

Martin: Are you owed £1,000s?
Car finance mis-selling update
Fix energy for 18 months
And save 6%
Free Harry Kane crisps
Plus more coupons
New. Top 5.15% savings
Easy-access price war
Black Friday deals
Including Amazon & Apple
New. Marriage & divorce
Financial impact & more
FREE £175+ to switch bank
From four banks
Tools and calculators

Clever ways to calculate your finances

Find your odds of getting top cards
Find your odds for getting a cheap loan
Compare broadband, phone & TV deals
Compares thousands of mortgages
Eight calcs to help you work out the cost
We ensure you’re on the cheapest tariff