--- title: "Mortgage arrears: the 6 options your lender won't tell you about | CrisisCompass Blog | CrisisCompass" source_url: "https://crisiscompass.co.uk/blog/mortgage-arrears-uk-guide" retrieved_by: "AnswerRail Edge Engine v1.1.0-parity-v20 (https://answerrail.com)" level_of_detail: "standard" token_payload_reduction: "92.6%" raw_html_bytes: 103524 compiled_body_bytes: 7657 entities_extracted: 5 currency_recall_static_html: "100%" monitored_currency_tokens: 23 link_recall_static_html: "100%" monitored_content_links: 14 omitted_dynamic_states: ["non_default_tab_panels", "volume_slider_tiers"] conversion_notes: "Origin renders alternate tabs and volume pricing sliders via client-side JavaScript; serving default static AST state." rfc_compliance: "RFC 9110" last_verified_at: "2026-10-25T08:52:44.467Z" cache_age_seconds: 0 origin_cache_control: "public, max-age=0, must-revalidate" --- > **Canonical Source:** [https://crisiscompass.co.uk/blog/mortgage-arrears-uk-guide](https://crisiscompass.co.uk/blog/mortgage-arrears-uk-guide) > > *If you're behind on your mortgage, repossession is the last resort — not the first. Here are 6 options to keep your home.* ### Organization: CrisisCompass | Field | Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Organization** | CrisisCompass | | **Official Website** | https://crisiscompass.co.uk | | **Overview** | Independent UK crisis management, financial support guidance, and emergency contingency portal. | ### Entity: CrisisCompass | Property | Detail | | :--- | :--- | | **Type** | WebSite | | **Name** | CrisisCompass | ### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) **Q: Is CrisisCompass free?** > A: Yes. All core tools — Survival Check, Benefits Finder, Hardship Letter Generator, Budget Calculator, Debt Priority Checker, and AI Chat — are completely free. Optional premium PDF documents start from £2.99. **Q: Is CrisisCompass financial advice?** > A: No. CrisisCompass provides general information and tools. For personalised financial advice, we recommend contacting StepChange (0800 138 1111) or Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848). **Q: Is my data safe?** > A: We store data locally in your browser wherever possible. The Financial Survival Check results are never saved to our servers. See our Privacy Policy for full details. Housing # Mortgage arrears: the 6 options your lender won't tell you about 27 March 2026 · 2 min read Share: Falling behind on your mortgage is terrifying. But repossession is a lengthy legal process, and you have many options before it reaches that point. ## Your lender MUST help you first Under FCA rules, your mortgage lender must treat you fairly and explore all options before seeking repossession. This is not optional — it's a legal requirement. ## 6 options to discuss with your lender ### 1\. Payment holiday A temporary break from payments (usually 1-3 months). Interest still accrues, but it gives you breathing space. ### 2\. Reduced payments Pay less than your normal amount for an agreed period. Often combined with an extended mortgage term. ### 3\. Extended mortgage term Spread your remaining mortgage over a longer period to reduce monthly payments. A 20-year mortgage extended to 25 years could reduce payments significantly. ### 4\. Switch to interest-only Temporarily pay only the interest portion. This significantly reduces your monthly payment but doesn't reduce the capital. ### 5\. Capitalise arrears Add the arrears to your total mortgage balance and spread them over the remaining term. This clears the arrears and returns you to normal payments. ### 6\. Assisted voluntary sale If you genuinely can't afford the property, selling it yourself gets a better price than a repossession sale. Your lender may agree to give you time. ## The repossession process Your lender cannot simply take your home. They must: 1\. Write to you about the arrears 2\. Explore all alternatives with you 3\. Apply to the court for a possession order 4\. Get a possession hearing (where you can make your case) 5\. Get a bailiff warrant if you don't leave This process takes \*\*6-12 months minimum\*\*. You have time to act. ## Free specialist help - \*\*National Debtline\*\*: 0808 808 4000 - \*\*Shelter\*\*: 0808 800 4444 - \*\*StepChange\*\*: 0800 138 1111 - \*\*Citizens Advice\*\*: 0800 144 8848 Contact your lender today. The sooner you engage, the more options you have. ## Free tools mentioned in this article [Financial Survival Check](/check)[Hardship Letter Generator](/tools/letters)[Benefits Finder](/benefits)[Budget Calculator](/tools/budget) 🏢 UK Limited Company Director Triage • Finance Act 2009 s.108 & ERA 1996 s.166PAYE • VAT • Corporation Tax • Bounce Back Loans ## Running a Limited Company with HMRC Arrears or Business Debt? 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