First things first

Getting into difficulties with your mortgage payments is often easier than you think. Your ability to keep up with your mortgage repayment can be easily affected by a simple change in your circumstances – perhaps a redundancy, an illness or a relationship breakdown – and your home may well be at stake.

The sooner you tackle your money situation, the better the result may be for you. If you’re not sure where to start, there are three simple things that you should try to do as soon as possible:

• Don't ignore the problem
• Start taking action
• Talk to your lender

It is very important to realise that repossession does not happen automatically. It is the end result of a lengthy legal process that only happens in circumstances where everything else fails.

Find out the steps you can take to prevent repossession of your home. Download the Mortgage Debt Advice Service Tips & Contact leaflet on dealing with mortgage arrears.