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Mortgage worries in Sefton

Behind on your mortgage?

You’re not the only one, and there’s usually more time and more options than it feels like. This page starts with free help — selling comes last.

Before you decide to sell: free help

None of these organisations charge you, and none of them are connected to us.

  • Your mortgage lender

    Contact them as early as you can. Lenders must treat you fairly and consider options such as a payment arrangement or a temporary change to your mortgage before taking court action.

  • StepChange

    Free, independent debt advice, including help working out a budget you can offer your lender.

  • MoneyHelper

    Free, government-backed guidance on mortgage arrears and finding a debt adviser.

  • Citizens Advice

    Find your local Citizens Advice for free, face-to-face help in Sefton.

  • Shelter

    Housing advice, including what happens if your lender goes to court.

  • Sefton Council

    If you could lose your home, contact the council’s housing options team. Councils in England have a duty to help if you’re threatened with homelessness within 56 days.

If selling turns out to be the right answer

Knowing roughly what your home would sell for helps you and your adviser. In Sefton, a quarter of homes sold for £167,000 or less last year.
  • We can tell you quickly whether buying your property is realistic, and roughly what we could offer.
  • We’ll ask what you owe, so we can tell you plainly if a sale wouldn’t clear the mortgage.
  • Where possible, we’ll work to a timescale your lender and adviser agree with.
  • Your mortgage is paid off from the sale by the solicitors, in the normal way.
Sefton sold pricesMore about mortgage difficulties

Questions

I’ve had court papers about my Sefton home. What should I do?

Get advice straight away and don’t ignore the papers. Fill in and return the defence form, and go to the hearing. You may be able to get free legal advice on the day through the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service.

Is selling my only option?

Often it isn’t. A payment arrangement, a change to your mortgage, or help with your budget can sometimes keep you in your home. Speak to your lender and a free debt adviser before deciding to sell.

What if selling wouldn’t cover my mortgage?

Tell us, and your lender. If a sale wouldn’t clear what you owe, we’ll say so plainly — a quick sale isn’t always the right answer, and an adviser can talk you through the alternatives.

Should I use a sale-and-rent-back company?

Be very careful. Sale and rent back is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Check any firm is authorised on the FCA register and get independent advice before agreeing to anything.

Want to talk it through first?

You can call us just to understand your options. There’s no obligation, and we’ll point you to free advice if that’s the better first step.

Tell us what’s happeningPrefer to talk? Call0330 232 0271