UK mortgage arrears and repossessions, explained

Last reviewed: 30 June 2026

UK mortgage arrears and repossessions are tracked in two official sources: UK Finance (quarterly arrears and possessions statistics) and the Ministry of Justice (mortgage possession claims in England and Wales). Arrears means falling behind on payments; repossession is the rare last resort through the courts. Most borrowers in arrears never reach repossession, because lenders must try to help first. We point you to the live figures rather than quote a number that changes each release.

The two official sources

What the numbers really mean

Arrears figures rise and fall with the wider economy and with rate changes, which is why the 2026 picture, with many households moving off cheap fixes, is watched closely. But arrears are not repossessions. Repossession is a final step that lenders must try to avoid: they are required to treat customers in financial difficulty fairly and to consider alternatives. As a result, repossession numbers are small relative to the millions of outstanding mortgages. We do not publish a specific level here because it updates each release.

If you are struggling, read this

Falling behind is frightening, but help exists and acting early protects you. Contact your lender at the first sign of trouble; they can discuss payment options and must treat you fairly. Free, impartial help is available from MoneyHelper and Citizens Advice. If your payment is rising, the my mortgage is going up guide sets out your options.

Common questions

Where does arrears and repossessions data come from?

Two main official sources. UK Finance publishes quarterly statistics on mortgages in arrears and on possessions. The Ministry of Justice publishes mortgage and landlord possession statistics covering court action in England and Wales. Together they show the scale of difficulty and of legal action.

What is the difference between arrears and repossession?

Arrears means you have fallen behind on payments. Repossession is the last resort, where a lender takes back the property through the courts. The vast majority of borrowers in arrears never reach repossession, because lenders are required to try to help first and possession is a final step.

Is repossession common?

Repossession is rare relative to the size of the mortgage market, and lenders must treat customers in financial difficulty fairly and explore alternatives before court action. We do not quote a specific figure here because it changes each release: read the latest from UK Finance and the Ministry of Justice.

I am worried about falling behind, what should I do?

Act early. Contact your lender as soon as you see a problem, because they can discuss options and must treat you fairly. Free impartial help is available from MoneyHelper and Citizens Advice. The earlier you talk to someone, the more options you keep.

AP

Adam Parker

Founder, MortgageExplained, MortgageExplained

Adam spent nearly a decade as a mortgage adviser at Just Mortgages, with further experience in commercial finance. He is CeMAP and CF qualified. He built MortgageExplained to do one thing well: explain mortgages in plain English, then introduce you to a regulated broker when you are ready. Every page is written and reviewed by Adam.

Last reviewed: 30 June 2026

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