Anyone with a mortgage warned 'dam is bursting' as possession claims up sharply

Mortgage possession claims are on the rise, with experts warning that the "dam is bursting" for borrowers and lenders alike.

These claims are a legal action initiated by a mortgage lender to take possession of a property when the borrower fails to meet the terms of their mortgage agreement.

New Ministry of Justice data shows that mortgage possession actions — claims, orders, warrants and repossessions — have continued recent rises and are all currently above the previous year’s levels.

Compared to the same quarter in 2024, mortgage possession claims (6,537) are up 22%.

Additionally, mortgage orders for possession (4,429) are up 31%, warrants issued (3,787) are up 28% and repossessions (1,146) are up 32%.

Claims (22,364), orders (17,514), warrants (10,307) and repossessions (6,709) h