Mortgage arrears rate remains at 20-year low

Though the arrears rate was static the number of mortgages in arrears rose slightly to 93,300 in Q3.

The UK’s mortgage arrears rate remained at a 20-year low of 0.84% in the third quarter of 2016 according to Council of Mortgage Lenders data.

The repossession rate also stayed at just 0.02%.

Though the arrears rate was static the number of mortgages in arrears rose slightly to 93,300 in Q3, up from 92,500 in the previous quarter.

This was driven by a rise in buy-to-let arrears and a modest increase in outstanding residential mortgages, the association said.

Paul Smee, CML director general, said: “The latest arrears and repossession data still paints a reassuring picture of a market in which financial difficulties are relatively rare, and repossession rarer still.

“However, there is no denying that economic uncertainty for households is increasing.

“We would strongly urge all mortgage holders to consider whether there are ways that they can plan ahead for possible changes in the future - whether this relates to employment prospects, mortgage payments, or other spending.

“Mortgage lenders are fully committed to ensuring that any home-owner who faces temporary financial difficulty gets help, as far as reasonably possible, to resolve it and to remain in their home.

“This will continue, whatever the economic climate. But the rise in the more serious arrears category perhaps suggests that we should not be entirely surprised if the number of mortgage repossessions rises a little in future reporting periods. “