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How to Stop Repossession

If you are behind with your mortgage payments and worried about losing your home, do not panic.

The Property Solvers guide on how to stop house repossession is here to help.

Remember, this situation happens more than you think, and there is often a very simple solution.

You can use this guide to discover the best course of action based on your personal circumstances.  We also go through your options if you’re thinking about selling up.

How to Stop Repossession
Contents

Stop Repossession – Seeking Independent Advice

Before doing anything, remember to talk through your personal threat of repossession with a housing charity.

They are all free to call, 100% impartial, and can help you make the right decision.

Remember that, even though you’re behind with your mortgage, the law is there to protect you.

Stop Repossession – Seeking Independent Advice

Your mortgage lender may have the legal right to repossess your home, but this doesn’t mean that they can pressurise or bully you.

First off, we suggest talking to charities, not-for-profit organisations and debt management companies below. They are often good people to speak with as they have no hidden agenda.

Free advice, support and guidance via a range of online resources. Shelter also has an emergency open between 8am to 6pm on weekdays. The number is 0808 800 4444.

Search for information online or enter your postcode/town in the orange box in the bottom right corner on the Citizens Advice website, where you can contact your local office directly.

The organisation provides education, information and advice aimed at simplifying money matters. Call 0808 808 4000 between 9am–8pm Monday-Friday or between 9:30am-1pm on Saturday (their offices are closed on Sundays).

If you are a business owner or shareholder undergoing financial difficulties with your personal residence, this organisation can provide you with some useful advice. Call 0800 197 6026 Monday-Friday 9am-8pm (offices are closed at the weekends).

A charity that provides confidential support and advice to anyone worried about loans or debt issues. Call 0800 043 4050 Monday-Friday 8am–6pm (their offices are closed on the weekends).

An online resource with debt and budget management advice. Please note that this is not a direct advisory service.

Also remember, if you feel your lender is unfair, don’t be afraid to send a formal complaint to their head office.  You can find the email address on your mortgage documents or via a Google search.

Failing that, the Financial Ombudsman can look into matters of concern for you.  Use the contact form on their website, or call 0800 023 4567.

Stop Repossession - 1 Month Mortgage Arrears

If you haven’t paid your mortgage in the last month, as long as you have the means to pay, the risk of repossession is reasonably low.  But this doesn’t mean you should not take action.

We often find that homeowners who ‘bury their heads in the sand’ are most at risk of things progressing to court.

In short, the earlier you deal with the situation, the better…

Stop Repossession - 1 Month Mortgage Arrears

Once your mortgage lender notices you are in arrears, they will usually send a formal letter or ‘default notice’.  You must take action straight away and maintain regular communication. Explain that you are aware of the situation and answer any questions they have.

Yet remember that mortgage lenders are not monsters – they have a legal obligation to help you. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates residential mortgages, and requires lenders to carry out certain obligations.

Section 13.3.2A* of the Mortgages and Home Finance: Conduct of Business Sourcebook states that mortgage lenders must:

(1) Make reasonable efforts to reach an agreement with a customer over the method of repaying any payment shortfall;

(2) Liaise with a third party source of advice regarding the payment shortfall;

(3) Allow a reasonable time over which the payment shortfall should be repaid.  They must also explore the possibility of a payment plan, in line with the circumstances of the customer;

(4) Unless it has a good reason not to, grant a customer’s request to change the mortgage payment date or the method of payment;

(5) Allow the customer to remain in possession for a reasonable period to sell the property;

(6) Not repossess the property unless all other reasonable attempts to resolve the position have failed.

* Note that we have summarised this part of the policy. You can read it in full in the FCA Handbook.

Your lender also has the legal obligation to send you written communications regarding your missed payments, any penalties, how much you owe, and the latest Money Helper info sheet (which contains unbiased tips) within 15 days. Plus, they’re not allowed to pressure you or repossess the house prematurely and are obligated to tell you about relevant government schemes that could help you out.

This is why it’s so crucial to work with your lenders early on instead of panicking and not taking action until things get worse. As a homeowner, you have more protection than most people realise!

If you have the means to pay your mortgage payment within a week or two, give the lender a firm date.  They will make a note on their system.  You should call them again once the payment has gone through.

Also, if your house is on the market at the time you’re facing repossession, it’s a good idea to send the listing and any advertising material to the lender.

Better still, if the property is Under Offer or Sold STC, you can ask the estate agent or solicitor to produce a letter with approximate timeframes for exchange and completion. This will certainly put the mortgage company’s mind at ease.

Not able to meet your mortgage payment on the promised date?

If you know you won’t be able to make your mortgage payments on time, contact the mortgage lender immediately. They will want to know when and how you will clear your mortgage debt.  If your wages are delayed, ask your employer to write an email or a letter explaining the situation.

The lender may also request information on your income, which you should send as quickly as possible.

Do not be afraid to call your mortgage lender whenever you need to. You can check that they are not escalating your case to their legal team or taking further action.

Also, if you wish, you can change the date of your mortgage payment or discuss some kind of payment plan.

Help to Stay Wales Scheme

If you live in Wales, you can also seek help from the Help to Stay Wales scheme, an initiative from the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru to support homeowners during the cost of living crisis.

The scheme offers equity loans that reduce mortgage repayments to a manageable level for those at risk of losing their homes.

You don’t need to be facing the threat of repossession in order to apply, but you do need to be in a precarious financial situation and accruing arrears on your home. This differs from the existing scheme Mortgage Rescue, which also operates in Wales but is only for those already going through the house repossession process.

Help to Stay Wales loans are interest-free for the first five years, therefore helping people to stabilise their finances and keep their homes without falling into further debt. However, they are secured by a second charge, meaning they’re effectively secured loans that use the property as collateral.

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

  • A house with a maximum value of £300,000
  • A household income below £67,000
  • Only one existing legal charge
  • Property in Wales
  • Property is primary or sole residence of the applicant
  • Maximum intervention below £149,000
  • Outstanding mortgage on a capital and interest repayment basis (or able to move to one for the scheme).

Help to Stay Wales Scheme

The Mortgage Charter

Even if you don’t live in Wales, you likely still have some protection from repossession.

In 2023, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and HM Treasury created a Mortgage Charter that gives mortgage borrowers a grace period of one year to remain in their homes after missing a payment for the first time.

Most banks and buildings societies have signed the charter, meaning that borrowers who have mortgages with these institutions will only be forced to leave their home under exceptional circumstances. Even people who are undergoing repossession proceedings already are protected by the charter, which applies from 26th June 2023.

The Mortgage Charter

If you believe your lender is breaching this charter, you can file a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman Service.

While The Mortgage Charter and Help to Stay Wales Scheme will save many from repossession, they don’t cover everybody, and you could face issues once the support ends. Below, we’ve detailed how standard proceedings work once you miss your payments.

1 Month Mortgage Arrears – Checklist

  • If you can pay what you owe to the mortgage company in 1 or 2 weeks, there shouldn’t be any issues;
  • Even if you’re a day late, contact your lender and explain the situation;
  • Give them a firm date as to when you can pay;
  • Be honest about your financial situation.  Remember mortgage lenders have a legal obligation to help you;
  • House repossession is the last resort for lenders.  They never want to go through the process unless they really have to;
  • Check your legal rights with mortgage lenders under The Mortgage Charter;
  • If you are based in Wales you may be able to seek assistance via the Help to Stay Wales Scheme.

Stop Repossession – 2 Months Mortgage Arrears

If you have now missed two payments, there is still every chance that you can avoid repossession. 

But, as the situation is getting more serious, it is vital for you to make a clear effort to resolve things.

Failing to act often means that the lender will think the worst.

Stop Repossession – 2 Months Mortgage Arrears

Your mortgage lender must work with you to get the issues resolved, even after they have started legal action.

Pre-Action Protocol for Possession Claims

Many homeowners are unaware that mortgage lenders must follow ‘pre-action protocol’ rules.

These rules state that they should treat you fairly, discuss your financial situation, and give you a reasonable timeframe to pay off any arrears.  The lender should explore all of your options before anything else.

Furthermore, legal action to take possession of your home is the very last resort, and a lender should only pursue it if they have pursued all other reasonable options.

You should have already received a letter informing you of the following:

  • The amount of arrears;
  • Your payments over the previous two years;
  • Your monthly installments;
  • How much you owe in total; and
  • The interest or any charges that will be made.

This letter should be easily understandable. Contact your mortgage lender directly if anything is not clear.

Stop House Repossession

The lender should take reasonable steps to ensure that information is communicated in a way that the borrower can understand. (Section 3.2 of the Pre-Action Protocol for Possession Claims).

The lender is also obliged to send you one of the following advisory information:

  • The National Homelessness Advice Service (NHAS) Mortgage Arrears Guidance.  This is a legal requirement and not to scare you into thinking that you’ll be made homeless;
  • The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Arrears Information Sheet;
  • The Financial Conduct Authority Default Information Sheet.

Delaying Repossession Court Action

The pre-action protocol rules also state that lenders cannot start court proceedings if:

  • You have made a valid insurance claim under a mortgage payment protection policy.  This insurance policy covers you in the event of unemployment or sickness;
  • You have shown your lender that you can pay what you owe for any period not covered by your claims and cover any shortfall;
  • You are getting help from your local council under a homelessness prevention scheme.  You can find information about this via a Google search or contacting the main switchboard at your local council, who will connect you with the right department;
  • You have made a claim for universal credit, Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI), homelessness help, or mortgage protection payments from insurance. Note that you will need to prove your eligibility;
  • Your income is about to improve enough for you to pay your mortgage. For example, you may have a better-paid job in place;
  • You are planning on renting out your property.  Note that different rules will apply and you will have to obtain a ‘Consent to Let’ from your lender;
  • You have appointed a professional debt advisor to assist you. Such a qualified professional will liaise with the lender and the court on your behalf;
  • You have made a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) about how your lender has been dealing with your arrears.  You will need to provide valid proof of this communication to form a solid argument;
  • You are taking demonstrable steps to sell your home at a realistic price (see chapters 5 and 6 of this guide).

Communicating with Your Mortgage Lender

Most telephone conversations will be recorded when you speak with your lender. However, make a note of the dates, times and names of the people you speak with for future reference.

Since mortgage lenders are regulated by the FCA, they are guided by strict legislation on how they should interact with you.

Mortgage Lenders Must Consider Your Proposals

Even though you have gone further into arrears, the mortgage lender will still have to appreciate your situation and consider any proposals you make.

Stop House Repossession

Starting a possession claim should be a last resort and must not normally be started unless all other reasonable attempts to resolve the situation have failed. (Section 7.1 of the Pre-Action Protocol for Possession Claims).

Similar to the pre-action protocol rules, the FCA’s ‘Mortgages and Home Finance: Conduct of Business’ sourcebook also contains a number of provisions that oblige lenders to explore all the possible options to stop repossession:

Stop House Repossession

The lender must consider whether, given the individual circumstances of the customer, it is appropriate to do one or more of the following:

(a) Extend the mortgage term;

(b) Change the mortgage type;

(c) Defer the payment of interest due on the mortgage;

(d) Treat the payment shortfall as if it was part of the original amount provided;

(e) Make use of any Government forbearance initiatives in which the firm chooses to participate.

A firm must give customers adequate information to understand the implications of any proposed arrangement.

* Note that we have summarised Section 13.3.4A that can be read in full in the FCA handbook.

Should the mortgage lender not accept your suggestions, they must write to you and explain why (within 10 business days).  Again, their communication should be clear and easy to understand.

Remember, the mortgage lender cannot continue any legal action whilst you are making your decision (within reason).

Keeping Your Promises with Your Mortgage Lender

At any stage of the process, should you come to an agreement with regards to repayment of arrears, please ensure you keep to your promises.  If you fail to meet these obligations, your court order could be ‘fast-tracked’.

For this reason, we suggest being honest with yourself about your finances.  Do not agree to make any payments that you will not be able to meet. The Citizens Advice Budgeting Tool and the Money Advice Budget Planner may be of use.

2 Months Mortgage Arrears – Checklist

  • There is still a very strong chance that you will not lose your home;
  • Ensure that your mortgage lender is following the pre-action protocol rules.  This means they must treat you fairly and discuss your financial situation with you.  They must also give you a reasonable timeframe to pay off any arrears;
  • Make sure you have been sent the right advisory leaflets;
  • Don’t be scared by your lender’s warnings of homelessness.  It is a legal requirement for them to inform you of the risks;
  • Remember that court action can be delayed.  For example, if you are waiting for a payment protection policy or other financial support, the mortgage lender must also wait;
  • The mortgage lender must respond to any proposals you make;
  • The mortgage lender must not put any pressure on you;
  • Make sure you stick by any promises you make with your lender. If there is a change in plans, contact them immediately.

Stop Repossession – 3 Months Mortgage Arrears

With 3 or more months of mortgage arrears, you’re likely to have a County Court date as the bank seeks possession.

Remember – even though things may seem very serious, it is still not a foregone conclusion that you will lose your home.

You should seek proper legal advice to ensure you get the best outcome.

Stop Repossession – 3 Months Mortgage Arrears

You have between three and eight weeks before the hearing. There is still time to get the issue resolved.

Once the case goes to court, the judge will want to look at the situation as a whole.  His or her job is to consider both the lender´s and your side of the story.

How Do I Complete the N11M Form to Avoid Repossession?

You should, therefore, ensure that the N11M personal defence form is completed to the best of your ability. This form enables you to explain your personal and financial circumstances.  Also, you can highlight any of your attempts to pay back the arrears.

Please click here to read some of our outline guidance on filling out this form. You have 14 days to complete and return the document.

We would recommend making copies for your own records and taking them along to the court hearing.  However, some lenders may make an online claim – in which case you can complete the defence form on the government website.

How Do I Complete the N244 Form to Prevent Repossesion?

In most scenarios, we would also suggest completing a N244 County Court Form.  Please click here to read our separate blog post on how to fill in this form.

Presenting this form means that the repossession or bailiff’s order for eviction can be stopped or postponed.

Stopping Repossession at The County Court

Please remember that, as long as you are honest about your situation and can show how you will get back on track with your mortgage payments, the law will protect you.

The judge will look at your side of the story more favourably if you have:

  • Acted in a responsible way by keeping in touch with your lender;
  • Informed your lender of your true financial situation;
  • Made sure you have responded quickly to phone calls, letters and emails;
  • Looked into all of your available options to pay off the mortgage arrears;
  • Tried discussing with your lender how you can come to some form of arrangement moving forward;
  • Made realistic proposals of how you can pay off your mortgage arrears (perhaps through ongoing employment, help from family or friends or other likely source).

You may also find that a representative from the lender approaches you outside of the courtroom with a proposal that will also prevent repossession.  Here, do not rush yourself into making a decision before thinking things through.

If the mortgage lender has not adequately followed the ‘pre-action protocol rules’ (see Chapter 2) the judge could also:

  • Delay the repossession court hearing to give you time to negotiate with your lender;
  • Order the lender to pay your legal costs;
  • Stop your lender from adding their costs on to what you already owe them.

Please get legal advice before the court hearing if you think your lender has not followed the rules.

Make Some Kind of Mortgage Payment (However Small…)

Prior to the court date, we normally suggest making some form of mortgage payment to demonstrate your commitment.

The account details will normally be on the paperwork or you can call the lender directly.

Remember – even if it is only a small amount – it shows you are making the effort.

Financial Assistance in Repossession Cases

  • If you decide to sell, some lenders offer Assisted Voluntary Sale support.  This could mean they will give you time to sell, reduce your mortgage payments, pay your legal / estate agency costs and help you with a deposit / advanced costs for a rental property.
  • If you are on a low income, you may be entitled to free legal aid.  The Legal Aid Agency funds Housing Possession Court Duty Schemes (HPCDS) across England.  This means you can get vital legal advice and representation in court.

Repossession Case Outcomes

Once the judge has looked through your case, you may be granted a suspended possession order.  This is also known as a ‘suspended warrant for possession’.  This means you can remain in your home as long as you have a clear plan to pay off the arrears owed.  Here, you must show that you can meet your obligations and keep to your promises.

The judge may adjourn if is not enough information to make a clear decision about your case.  This can also happen if you getting the money together to pay off the arrears or selling your property (on the open market or to a fast-buying company).

You may be given a Time Order.  This can mean the court can make an order for the lender to reduce the amount payable on your loan, change the monthly amount, push forward the payment dates or extend the term.

Cases can also be struck off if the lender has also not played by the rules.

The worse case scenario is an outright possession order.  This means that the lender has the right to repossess your home.  You will usually have 28 days to vacate the property – but you may be able to extend this period.

If this is happening to you, please contact us immediately.  We’re waiting to help…

3 Months Mortgage Arrears – Checklist

  • Even though you have a court date, stay calm.  Many people have been in your situation before and found a solution;
  • Make sure you have filled in the N11M personal defence form;
  • Make sure you have filled in the N244 form;
  • Have all the evidence prepared to support your case. A good solicitor will help you with this;
  • Try and make some kind of mortgage payment (even a small amount). This will show you’re doing your best to resolve the situation;
  • If you are honest and up-front, the judge will be on your side;
  • Usually, the best outcome is a ‘suspended possession order’. This means you can remain in your home as long as you have a clear plan to pay off what you owe in arrears.

Stop Repossession – Sell Your House on The Open Market

Sometimes, it may make more sense to sell up your house and move on with your life.

This means that you can clear the mortgage arrears, charges and the total debt owed.

If everything is done in the right way, it also means that your credit rating will stay intact (and repossession will not stay on your credit file).

Stop Repossession – Sell Your House on The Open Market

Should you decide to do so, there are a number of options for you to consider.  Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Stop Repossession - Sell Through an Estate AgentSell Your House Through an Estate Agent (to Avoid Repossession)

Using an estate agent means you’re more likely to get the best price for your house.

The main problem with selling this way is the amount of time it will take to sell.  If the lender is in the process of repossessing, you will need to move quickly.  You will also have to cover your own house sale costs (unless you can get a financial assistance)

Nonetheless, below are some tips on how to find this type of buyer through an estate agent.

Tip #1

Try to look for the most established estate agents in your local area.  Speak to at least three and make sure they’re knowledgeable.  You do not have to tell them about your mortgage arrears but explain that you are looking for a quick sale and serious buyers only.  Related to this, always have a good understanding of what your house is worth.

Tip #2

Don’t be afraid to ask them about how many houses the agent have sold in your area in recent months.  Also, the time it takes them to sell and the differences between asking and actual sold prices.  Decent agents will have proof

Tip #3

Use a “find an agent” service such as Get Agent, Net an Agent, or EstateAgent4Me.  These sites show you which ones are doing the best job of selling houses in your area.

Tip #4

Check reviews of the agent online and make sure they have the means to market your property well.  You may want to check out our own Express Estate Agency services.  We also run a modern method of auction, which is best described as a cross between a traditional estate agency and auction sale.

Tip #5

Make sure that you have a 4-6 week contract only.  This is just in case the estate agent doesn’t perform well.  Mention to the agent that you’re looking for a buyer with no onward chain.

Tip #6

Once it’s on the market, make sure your house is priced to sell and the agent is proactive. It’s a good idea to build a relationship with the manager who you can speak to whenever you need to.

Tip #7

Check the credentials of any buyer that makes an offer.

In most cases, as long as you show your mortgage lender that you are making the effort to sell the property, they’ll be on your side.  This means sending proof of advertising (links to your house for sale on Rightmove or Zoopla and other estate agent marketing material).

Remember to keep your mortgage lender updated on any progress.  Also, make sure you’re keeping up to date with your mortgage – or at least what you can afford.

Stop Repossession - Sell Your House at AuctionSell Your Property at Auction (to Avoid Repossession)

One of the more traditional ways of getting a more secure sale.

The advantage of selling at auction is that, once the hammer falls, contracts are exchanged.  If the buyer pulls out, he/she loses all the deposit plus any fees paid.

In a repossession scenario, lenders will want to know that the reserve price will cover all the secured debt.  This will not only be the total mortgage balance, but also any accumulated arrears, Early Repayment Charges (ERCs) and other fees.

The downsides of using an auction house include the fact that the fees tend to be higher than with estate agents.  Also, you may have to wait for some time for a slot at the next auction.

SOLD - Pre-Repossession Property at Auction

According to the Future Auction organisation, selling properties through auction can take up to three months.

Furthermore, the sale is not entirely private, and there is a risk that the property may not sell.  For this reason, make sure the auctioneer prices it realistically.

Sell and Rent Back (to Prevent Repossession)

You may have come across companies that will buy your house and rent it back to you.

Once the house is sold, they will draw up a rental contract for you to remain as a tenant.  The rent is usually set at the going market rate with an initial contract of between 6 and 12 months.

Please be aware that this particular industry is now regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and companies must be registered with this regulatory body.

Check the Sell and Rent Back Company

Check that any sell and rent back firm you approach is listed on the Financial Services Register.

Stop Repossession – Sell Your House Fast to Private Buyers

Another option is to sell your house (for cash) to a We Buy Any House service like Property Solvers.

Firms like ours have been operational since the early 2000s and serve to help homeowners sell in repossession situations.

It’s important that the firm is a genuine cash buyer, can complete within the required timescales and has the relevant expertise that stops repossession. Therefore, this final chapter describes what you should look for before going ahead.

Stop Repossession – Sell Your House Fast to Private Buyers

Google search terms such as ‘sell house fast’, ‘quick property sale’ and ‘cash for houses’ and 100’s of advertisements and websites will appear.

These days, it is reasonably easy to set up a fast sale operation and target homeowners.  However, knowing which ones are legitimate operators is a different story.

Sadly, there are a number of scam operators.  Although the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) investigation into the industry made some headway in cleaning up the bad practices, there’s still a long way to go.

It’s therefore important to know how to pick the best company that won’t rip you off.  Even though you’re in a rush, always make sure that you check that the firm is the real deal…

How To Choose the Best Fast House Sale Company

Here are some quick tips for finding the right service.

1. Check the Credentials

Make sure the company is registered with the Property Ombudsman and National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB). The better companies will also make sure customers are protected by Anti-Money Laundering regulations.

Check their details/accounts on the Companies House website and see how long they have been in business.  You can also request a credit report on the individual or housebuying company.

Most will pay your legal fees.  Even so, make sure the conveyancing solicitor is duly registered at The Law Society and has sufficient experience of dealing with repossession cases.

The solicitor should also confirm that you can pull out of the sale if quick sale company changes the price initially promised.

2. Check The Reviews

A simple Google Search of the fast sale company’s customer reviews can tell you a lot.  You’ll be able to see if they have experience of completing quickly and dealing with repossession cases.

Trust Pilot, Reviews.co.uk, Feefo, Reevoo, All Agents and Rater Agent often have legitimate reviews and customer feedback.  Do a simple Google search where you may find some more reviews.  Also, check out their social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn).

3. Make Sure the Company Understands Your Situation

The better companies should take the time to understand your specific repossession case.  Even if you are sure you want to sell, make sure they are genuinely helping you – not themselves.

4. Check the Timescales for Exchange and Completion

If repossession is imminent, you need to make sure that exchange of contracts and completion will get done in time. If a quick sale company says they will complete in 7 days, hold them to account and ask for guarantees.

5. Proof of Funds

Make sure they actually have the funds to buy your property.  You can ask for proof by requesting a bank statement or letter from their solicitor. Proof of an undrawn debt facility may also be valid, but you should check the details of the loan.  The court may also request to see this as evidence of the sale.

You should also make sure that there are no hidden charges/fees or unfair contractual terms.

6. Check that the Offer Will Not Be Dropped at the Last Minute

If the fast sale company states that ‘what they say is what they pay’, request written confirmation – preferably from their solicitor.

There are occasions where the survey reveals unexpected findings.  In such scenarios, you should be given a sufficient amount of time to make a choice as to whether you want to move forward (or not).

7. Do Your Own Property Price Research

Most fast-sale companies will provide you with an estimated valuation.  You should always cross-reference this figure using a number of publicly accessible tools, including Net House Prices, Mouseprice, Property Price Advice, and Our Property.  Rightmove and Zoopla also show historical data on the listings.

Always check the valuation of your property.  These days, it’s easier than ever.

Sell Through Property Solvers

Property Solvers have close to 2 decades of experience in stopping repossessions.

95% of the people we speak to are not repossessed and stay in their homes.

Quick Cash House Sale

At the same time, many simply want to be rid of the property and move on with their lives.  It’s for this reason that our quick cash sale option works perfectly for many clients that approach us.

In repossession cases, Property Solvers can organise for one of our legal representatives to accompany you to court.  This ensures the best possible outcome.

We will exchange contracts in as little as 24 hours and present a valid contract to the judge alongside proof of funds. Then, between 7 and 28 days later, the sale is complete.

This means you can be confident that everything will be done securely, satisfying your mortgage company’s demands.

We will cover all your legal and court expenses, and you won’t have to worry about estate agency fees.  There are no open days, unnecessary viewings or other hold-ups.

Note that, although the timeframes are slightly longer (due to the extra complications), we can also buy commercial / mixed-use property and land in addition to property portfolios.

Auction Your Property

Many lenders are open to sellers putting their properties up for auction as there’s more certainty relative to using an estate agent.

What sets us apart here at Property Solvers is that we can list properties for auction in days.

This means that we often work to the demands of the mortgage lender seeking to repossess.

Here are some of the other benefits:

  • We will find a firm buyer for your house in under 21 days (bids open straight after recommended marketing period)
  • We achieve significantly higher sales prices compared to traditional auctions due to attracting ‘retail buyers’
  • Winning bidders are charged a ‘non-refundable’ reservation fee, committing them to buy the property
  • No waiting times for auction catalogues and maximum exposure to buyers
  • Buyers can bid from anywhere in the UK (or the world) from the comfort of their own home – 24/7
  • We run our own easy-to-use ‘eBay-style’ secure bidding platform (see our example listing).
  • Detail buyer ‘Pre-Approval’ checks carried out before the auction
  • Discounted legal packs offered (with ‘pay later’ options available).
  • Buy it Now options (to sell even faster!)
  • 24-hour enquiry line and buyer viewings available 7-days a week
  • Sell land, commercial and mixed-use properties much faster (see below)

Express Sale Estate Agency

Even though your mortgage company is threatening to repossess, we will advise whether selling the property on the open market makes more sense.

For example, if you’re able to agree to some ‘token’ payments, they may be willing to give you a reasonable extension (and halt the repossession process).  The sale can then complete and their debt will be paid.

Our aim with the express estate agency service is to get you a firm offer in 28 days in addition to the following benefits:

  • Floorplans and property photos
  • ‘For Sale’ board in front of your property
  • Access to all major property portals (Rightmove, Zoopla, Prime Location)
  • Accompanied viewings (including weekends)
  • 24/7 enquiry line/chat service
  • Weekly sales / viewing reports
  • Complete sales progression
  • No sale, no fee
  • No minimum contract

We can forward any marketing materials, reports and progress updates to the court and send proof that we are marketing the property at a realistic value.

Here’s a quick video that runs through all three services we offer:

Stop Repossession Today

Property Solvers freephone helpline is open 24 hours, 7 days a week on 0800 044 3733.  Our representatives will take down your basic details for one of our Area Managers to get in touch.

Please also start a chat at the bottom right of your browser, or fill in our enquiry form and we will get back in touch.

We’re waiting to help…

Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, stopping repossession comes down to clear communication with your mortgage lender.  They are legally obliged to work with you and cannot simply take possession without giving you the chance to sort things out.  You can also request a mortgage holiday or seek governmental support.

A quick and easy way to deal with the situation is to use a sell house fast firm or auction house like Property Solvers.

We can exchange contracts in as little as 48 hours and complete within the following 7 days.  We’ll also cover all your legal fees.

Much will depend on how many months of mortgage arrears there are.

Generally, over 3 months of non-payment with no communication with the lender results in court action for repossession of the property.

Note that you will have the opportunity to attend court to explain your side of the story (hence why we suggest you complete the N244 and N11M defence forms well in advance).

There are a number of charities and not-for-profit organisations that can offer FREE advice on how to stop repossession.

These include: Shelter, Citizens Advice, National Debtline, The Business Debtline, The Debt Advice Foundation and The Money Charity.

Property Solvers’ We Buy Any House service has 2 decades of experience in helping people facing the prospect of repossession.

In most cases, we can simply advise on how to deal with the situation by communicating with the mortgage lender.  This often means that there’s no need to sell the property if you really don’t want to.

Should you wish to explore a fast cash sale, we can complete the transaction in 7 to 28 days with no estate agency or legal fees to pay.  To be transparent, our offers are typically in the region of 80-75% of the property’s valuation.

Yes, it is possible to sell and rent back your property.

However, please be aware that this industry is now regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).  Companies must be registered with this regulatory body in order to offer this service.

Property Solvers are not able to offer sell and rent back.