Mortgage arrears and repossessions hit new low.

According to data from UK Finance the number of mortgages in arrears of 2.5% or more of the outstanding balance declined to 88,200 in the second quarter of this year, this figure amounted to 0.8% of the more than 11 million mortgages outstanding in the UK, the lowest level since at least 1994 when this run of data began.

The number of properties taken into possession also declined in the second quarter from 1,900 to 1,800 (accounting for 0.02% of all mortgages).

Commenting on the data, UK Finance head of mortgages Paul Smee said:

“These figures show that the overwhelming majority of borrowers are managing their mortgage payments successfully, and many of those who have experienced some difficulty in the past are able to recover their financial position.  The recent improvement in the number of mortgages with high levels of arrears is particularly welcome.

“Borrowers are being helped by low interest rates, but mortgage costs are certain to rise at some stage.  It is important therefore for customers to plan ahead and consider how their finances would be affected in those circumstances.  As ever, lenders will continue to help borrowers resolve any financial difficulty if possible, so customers should not hesitate to contact their lender if they anticipate any payment problems.”

Read the report from UK Finance dated 10th August 2017 in full click here.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Home and Living

Four summer interior mistakes you’re probably making right now

Summer brings longer days, brighter evenings with plenty of opportunity to enjoy our homes, yet many homeowners are unknowingly making simple interior mistakes that could be leaving their spaces feeling darker, smaller and less inviting than they should. While many people focus on refreshing their gardens and outdoor spaces during the warmer months, maximising indoor…
Read More
Breaking News

Housing Insight Report: April 2026

Despite wider economic uncertainty and inflation remaining above target, the housing market continues to demonstrate resilience. Within the rental market, demand continues to significantly outstrip available supply. Sales 1. In April 2026, stock levels showed a marginal increase with an overall average of 43 properties for sale at each member branch. 2. The average number…
Read More
Damaged timber from Dry Rot
Breaking News

Stop managing damp. Start managing risk

The next phase of Awaab’s Law isn’t about repairs. The question regulators will ask is whether you can prove what you knew, and when. Housing providers, operators and agents are being warned not to view Awaab’s Law solely through the lens of damp and mould, as new requirements coming into force later this year expand…
Read More
Estate Agents should not all look the same
Estate Agent Talk

Biggest challenges facing agents is generating motivated buyer leads

The latest research by GetAgent has revealed that while seller activity remains relatively resilient across the UK housing market, growing buyer hesitation is weighing on overall market momentum, creating a more challenging environment for estate agents. The survey of UK estate agents, commissioned by GetAgent, examined current market conditions, lead quality, business investment and expectations…
Read More
Breaking News

Against all odds, recovery remains on track

Glenigan’s Summer 2026 Construction Forecast indicates sector resurgence in 2027, despite a painful start to the year Construction sector set to rebound by 13% over the course of the Forecast period (2026-2028) as economic conditions improve Significant value gains expected for offices, industrial, public sector and civils verticals Private and social housebuilding predicted to rally…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Manchester tops decade of property price growth with London bottom

New long-term analysis from the UK’s largest property platform Rightmove reveals that Manchester is the fastest growing city for prices over the last 10 years, while London is the slowest The average asking price for a home in Manchester is up by 63% compared with 10 years ago, by contrast prices in London are only…
Read More