Arrears and possessions

Latest Data - Q1 2026

Published on 14/05/2026

Key data highlights:

• There were 79,110 homeowner mortgages in arrears of 2.5 per cent or more of the outstanding balance in the first quarter of 2026, 2 per cent fewer than in the previous quarter.
• Within the total, there were 27,290 homeowner mortgages in the lightest arrears band (representing between 2.5 and 5 per cent of the outstanding balance). This was 2 per cent fewer than in the previous quarter.There were 8,960 buy-to-let mortgages in arrears of 2.5 per cent or more of the outstanding balance in the first quarter of 2026, 6 per cent fewer than in the previous quarter.
• Within the total, there were 3,220 buy-to-let mortgages in the lightest arrears band (representing between 2.5 and 5 per cent of the outstanding balance). This was 7 per cent fewer than in the previous quarter.
• Mortgages in arrears accounted for 0.91 per cent of all homeowner mortgages outstanding, and 0.47 per cent of all buy-to-let mortgages outstanding in the first quarter of 2026.
• 1,250 homeowner mortgaged properties were taken into possession in the first quarter of 2026, 3 per cent greater than in the previous quarter. This remains significantly below the long-term average (see chart below).
• 810 buy-to-let mortgaged properties were taken into possession in the first quarter of 2026, 5 per cent greater than in the previous quarter.