Home repossession questions and answers
We hope the answers below help you understand more about repossession and how you
can act to stay in your home. If there's anything else you'd like to ask us you
can always pick up the phone and call us on
0800 328 8239
(24-hour freephone).
I've got a court hearing but I can't attend. What should I do?
Wherever possible, make every effort to attend. If you have a joint mortgage, only
one party need attend. Your home is at risk - so making yourself available is paramount.
If you absolutely cannot attend, set out your position in writing, and confirm to
the court what you would like to do.
Do I need a lawyer to attend court?
No. You can get one, but they are expensive - typically £130 to 175 per hour plus
VAT. This money is often better spent in an offer to repay the arrears. Some courts
have Debt Counsellors available at repossession hearings that can help (some Citizens
Advice Bureaus provide this service). Ask the court usher upon arrival.
The court has made an order for possession / eviction. Is there anything I can do?
Yes. You can sell your home quickly before repossession, or find a flexible solution
which pays your arrears, prevents repossession and allows you to stay in your home.
A Quick Sale can help you find a solution which meets these aims.
How quickly can repossession be stopped?
We can stop repossession right up to the date of eviction, depending upon your circumstances.
We strongly recommend that you contact us as soon as possible so that we can examine
your situation and try to put together a solution to save your home.
If I hand back the keys, is that the end of the matter?
No. The lender will sell the house. If there is a shortfall, the lender can recover
this from you for up to 12 years (5 years in Scotland). Also, you will be responsible
for ongoing mortgage interest payments until the sale and the cost of the sale itself.
This will include locksmith costs, solicitor's fees, surveyor's fees, estate agency
fees and utility bills. See our Tips following repossession page to see how you
can minimise your liabilities.
Will my credit rating be affected?
Yes. A County Court Judgment will be registered against you, which will remain on
the Register of County Court Judgments for 6 years. The lender will also register
the repossession on the Council of Mortgage Lenders register which will make obtaining
a future mortgage very difficult.
Do A Quick Sale make any charges for their service?
None, ever, guaranteed. If we are able to put forward a solution to save your home,
we'll cover all the costs, including survey and legal fees.
The service I received was of a very high standard. I would recommend you to all of my friends for the excellent way it was all carried out even to the point where I was picked up from my present home and taken to my house which I was selling. I am very satisfied with the company, keep up the good work.
Mrs Carol Woodward, Burton-upon-Trent
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