Falling behind on your mortgage is stressful, and the fear of repossession can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: in the UK, repossession is not instant. Lenders must follow strict rules, and there are ways you can act before losing your home.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
• The rules behind repossession
• The step-by-step timeline (how long it really takes)
• What happens if your property sells for more than the debt
• How Hudson & Brown Residential can help you avoid repossession with a quick and fair sale
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🔑 The Rules Behind Repossession
Banks and mortgage lenders cannot just take your home back. They must follow the Mortgage Pre-Action Protocol, which protects homeowners by ensuring all reasonable options are considered first.
Your lender must:
• Contact you quickly about missed payments
• Consider any reasonable repayment plan you offer
• Allow time to apply for support such as Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
• Explore alternatives like a payment holiday, switching to interest-only, or extending your mortgage term
👉 If the lender skips these steps, a judge can delay or dismiss their repossession claim.
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⚖️ What Happens in Court
If arrears remain unpaid, the lender can apply to court for a possession order. At the hearing, a judge will decide whether:
• To dismiss the case (if the lender hasn’t acted fairly)
• To grant a Suspended Possession Order (you stay if you stick to a repayment plan)
• To grant an Outright Possession Order (you must leave, usually within 28–56 days)
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🕒 Step-by-Step Repossession Timeline
Repossession in the UK usually takes 12–18 months from first missed payment to the property being sold. Here’s the typical process:
1. Month 1–2: First missed payment → lender contacts you, arrears recorded.
2. Month 3–6: Arrears build → Default Notice issued. Lender must show attempts to help.
3. Month 6–12: Court action → possession hearing set (6–8 weeks after application). Judge decides outcome.
4. Month 9–15: If possession granted → eviction follows. Bailiffs give notice of eviction date.
5. Month 12–18+: Bank sells property → must achieve fair market value. Any surplus after debts and costs is returned to you.
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💡 What If the Property Sells for More Than You Owe?
If the repossessed property sells for more than your debt:
1. Sale costs are deducted
2. The mortgage and arrears are cleared
3. Any secured loans are paid
4. The remaining balance is returned to you
✅ So, repossession doesn’t always mean you walk away with nothing — but the lender only has to achieve a fair price, not the best price.
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👩💼 Case Study: Avoiding Repossession
Sarah, a homeowner in Croydon, fell three months behind on her mortgage. Facing court action, she contacted Hudson & Brown Residential. Instead of waiting for repossession, we arranged a quick sale in just six weeks. Her mortgage was cleared in full, all fees avoided, and she walked away with £42,000 in her pocket.
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🚨 Struggling With Mortgage Arrears? Act Fast
Every week of delay adds extra charges and interest. The longer you wait, the less equity you may be left with.
At Hudson & Brown Residential, we can:
• Stop repossession before it happens
• Arrange a quick and fair sale of your property
• Ensure your mortgage debt is cleared
• Help you walk away with money in your pocket
📞 Call us today for confidential advice — we can act faster than the banks and put you back in control.
Contact Us - Hudson and Brown Residential
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✨ Hudson & Brown Residential – Your Property. Our Passion.
