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

Estate Agent Talk

Budget wishlist

Kevin Shaw, National Sales Managing Director at LRG With the Budget just days away, the property market is in a slightly better place than it was this time last year. Stamp Duty has been ruled out of this year’s changes, which removes the kind of speculation that held buyers and sellers back last autumn. The…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Autumn Budget 2026: Property industry experts comment

Ahead of Wednesday’s Autumn Budget, property industry experts from across the residential sales, lettings, land and property development, mortgage finance and client money protection sectors have shared their predictions, priorities and warnings for the Chancellor. With speculation surrounding property taxation, first-time buyer support, landlord investment, inheritance tax and housebuilding, industry leaders outline what Wednesday’s announcements…
Read More →
Adding second coat of varnish floor boards
Estate Agent Talk

5 Renovations That Can Transform a Property Before It Goes on the Market

Ask a vendor what they plan to fix before listing and the answer is often too ambitious. A loft conversion won’t be finished in time, and it rarely pays back on a quick sale. The changes that actually move a listing are smaller and cheaper, and they show up in the photos. Here are five…
Read More →
Breaking News

Seven things to do if a tree damages your property

Storm Austen and Storm Boelo are bringing strong winds and heavy rain across the UK this weekend, meaning homeowners could find themselves dealing with fallen trees, damaged roofs, crushed cars and difficult conversations with neighbours about who should pay. But what should you do if a neighbour’s tree comes crashing through your roof? Will your…
Read More →
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Leasing demand rises across all sectors

Leasing demand rises across all sectors as investment enquiries remain subdued Leasing enquiries rose across all four main commercial property sectors in the third quarter of 2026, while investment enquiries fell in three, according to Rightmove’s latest Commercial Insights Tracker. The figures point to improving occupier interest alongside a more cautious investment market. Industrial property…
Read More →
Breaking News

Don’t Put The Property Market On Pause

What Estate Agents actually want from the Budget Estate Agents are looking to the looming Budget for something that has been in short supply across the property market in recent years – certainty. That was one of the clearest messages to come out of iamproperty’s recent roundtable attended by agents from across the UK. The…
Read More →