Life doesn’t always go to plan. Whether it’s a job loss, unexpected illness, or the rising cost of living, many homeowners in the UK find themselves wondering how they’ll cover their next mortgage payment. If you’re currently struggling to make your mortgage payments—or think you might be soon—please know you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to get help and protect your home.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what to do, what support is available, and how you can take back control of your finances without feeling overwhelmed.
First things first: Don’t ignore the problem
If you’ve missed a mortgage payment—or know that one is coming up that you can’t afford—the worst thing you can do is nothing. Mortgage lenders are more understanding than you might think, and most will want to work with you to find a solution. After all, it’s in everyone’s best interest to keep you in your home and avoid repossession.
So if you’re struggling with mortgage payments, contact your lender as soon as possible. The earlier you reach out, the more options you’ll have.
Talk to your lender about mortgage support
Every major lender in the UK has a dedicated mortgage support team for people in financial difficulty. They may be able to offer short-term solutions such as:
- A payment holiday – This is a temporary break from your mortgage payments. While interest will still build up, it can give you the breathing space to get back on track.
- Switching to interest-only payments – This reduces your monthly cost while you deal with a change in income.
- Extending your mortgage term – Spreading your loan over a longer period can lower your monthly payments.
- Deferring part of your payment – Your lender may allow you to delay part of a payment until a later date.
It’s important to understand that while these options can help in the short term, they may increase the total amount you pay over the life of the mortgage. That’s why getting clear, tailored advice is so important.
Get free, professional advice
You don’t have to go through this alone. In the UK, there are several free and confidential services that offer advice if you’re worried about mortgage arrears:
- Citizens Advice – Helpful for understanding your rights and next steps.
- StepChange Debt Charity – Offers debt advice and can help you come up with a repayment plan.
- National Debtline – A free, confidential service offering practical advice on managing debt and dealing with mortgage companies.
Could remortgaging reduce your payments?
If your fixed-rate mortgage has ended—or is about to—it’s worth checking whether you’re now paying your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR), which is usually much higher.
In many cases, switching to a new mortgage deal can dramatically reduce your monthly payments, even if your circumstances have changed. As a whole-of-market mortgage broker, we at HLC Mortgages can search hundreds of deals on your behalf to see what’s available—often saving our clients hundreds of pounds a month.
Even if your credit score has taken a hit, or you’ve already missed a payment, there may still be solutions we can explore.
What happens if I miss a mortgage payment?
If you’ve missed a payment, don’t panic. Your lender will usually contact you within a few days. At this stage, your account will be marked as “in arrears,” but that doesn’t automatically mean you’re facing repossession.
Your lender will usually send a letter explaining the situation and asking how you plan to catch up. If you’re struggling, it’s best to respond with honesty and ask for affordable repayment options.
Just remember: Repossession is a last resort. Lenders are required by law to treat you fairly and help you find a solution before taking court action.
Protecting your home: Government mortgage schemes
If you’re claiming benefits or on a low income, you might be eligible for the Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) scheme. This is a government loan that helps pay the interest on your mortgage. It doesn’t cover the full payment, but it can make a big difference in helping you stay in your home.
Other schemes, such as Mortgage Rescue, may be available depending on your local council and circumstances.
You’re not alone – and there is help
We speak to homeowners every day who feel stressed, anxious, or even ashamed about falling behind on their mortgage. But the truth is, financial hardship can happen to anyone. Whether you’re worried about a missed mortgage payment or already behind, we’re here to help you navigate your options calmly and confidently.
At HLC Mortgages, we offer friendly, no-pressure advice to help you make informed decisions. Whether it’s reviewing your current mortgage, exploring better deals, or helping you approach your lender with confidence—we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Struggling to pay your mortgage doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means it’s time to reach out, get support, and take back control.
If you’re worried about your mortgage or just want to see if you could be paying less, give our team a call or book a free consultation. It might be the first step toward peace of mind.
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