2013 repossession rate lowest since 2007, says CML

The number and proportion of mortgages ending in repossession was lower in 2013 than in any year since 2007, according to the latest data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). At 28,900, the number of repossessions represented 0.26 percent of outstanding mortgages.

This compares with 33,900 repossessions and a rate of 0.30 percent in 2012. Repossessions have been falling steadily since their most recent peak in 2009 of 48,900 (0.43 percent), aided by the beneficial effect of low interest rates, relatively strong employment, and effective arrears management.

Mortgage arrears have also declined. As at the end of 2013, 1.29 percent of all mortgages were in arrears to the value of at least 2.5 percent of the loan balance (that is, at least £2,500 arrears on a £100,000 loan). This compares with 1.40 percent of mortgages at the end of 2012, and a peak of 1.88 percent in the second quarter of 2009.

Encouragingly, there has been a decline in the number of arrears cases across all categories, including the deepest arrears band of 10 percent or more of the mortgage balance. This arrears band fell year-on-year for the first time since the third quarter of 2010.

As at the end of 2013, 28,700 mortgages (0.26 percent of all mortgages) were 10 percent or more in arrears, down from 29,200 at the end of the previous quarter and 28,900 at the end of 2012.

CML Director General, Paul Smee, says mortgage arrears and repossessions continue to fall, with low interest rates, relatively strong employment, and lender practices all combining to keep most people in their homes even if problems arise:

“Lenders recognise that temporary changes to circumstances can knock households off track – we only need to look at the experiences of households affected by flooding right now to realise that life can contain unpleasant and unforeseen shocks.

“Anyone facing difficulty should talk to their lender, who will try to work with them towards a plan that will get them back on track so that they can sustain their home-ownership for the long term.”