All mortgage actions have increased, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

Compared to the same quarter in 2024 there were increases in mortgage possession claims from 5,348 to 6,537 – representing an increase of 22%.

These increases in mortgage possession claims were recorded in all regions.

Reacting to the news, StepChange public policy manager Adam Butler said:

“Whilst interest rates are coming down, along with mortgage arrears, many are still struggling. With possessions rising, we are concerned that those in debt could be pushed further into crisis.”

For StepChange clients in mortgage arrears, the average level of arrears in the year to date now stands at £11,531, and forms one of the largest common arrear types. When compared with 2024, this has increased from £10,239 (12%), and £6,054 in 2023 (90%).

The MoJ data also reveals that all landlord possession actions have decreased. When compared to the same quarter in 2024 there were decreases in landlord possession claims from 24,491 to 22,364 (9%),

Decreases in landlord possession claims were recorded across all regions except the North East, South East, and Wales. All types of landlord claims remained concentrated in London.

The MoJ figures were released the same time as data from UK Finance which also revealed a rise in possessions – albeit a more modest one.