Mortgage debt or arrears

Get free advice and support with your debt or arrears from:

• The National Debtline has detailed guidance on what to do if you owe money on your mortgage
• Citizen’s Advice UK has information on the support available if you're struggling to pay your mortgage
• Shelter for missed mortgage payments
• National Debtline for mortgage arrears
• Moneyhelper for government help
• StepChange is a charity that can help you be free from debt

The Mortgage Charter is a set of principles agreed by major UK lenders to offer help to people having difficulty with their mortgage payments. 

Depending on your situation your lender may offer support like:

• extended mortgage terms to lower monthly payments
• temporary switch to interest-only payments
• temporary reductions in payments, including possible zero payments
• part interest-part repayment plans
• locking in a new deal up to 6 months in advance

Check if your lender is part of the Mortgage Charter and see what support is available.

If your lender has signed up to but is not following the Charter, contact the National Debtline for help.

If you've fallen behind on your mortgage and need time to get debt advice and find a solution, you can apply for breathing space. 

This will stop most enforcement actions and prevent creditors from charging interest or fees for 60 days. 

Find out more on the National Debtline website.

If you’re a homeowner or have bought a shared ownership property, you might be able to get help towards interest payments on:

• your mortgage
• loans you’ve taken out for certain repairs and improvements to your home

This help is called Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI).

Find out more and check if you're eligible.

Get advice from Citizens Advice before applying, especially if you have other debts.