Mortgage repossessions jumped 31% in Q1 this year, new official statistics reveal.

Compared to the same quarter in 2024, there were increases in mortgage repossession claims from 5,182 to 6,765, according to the Ministry of Justice.

At the same time, repossession orders leapt from 3,013 to 4,624 (53%), warrants from 2,919 to 3,517 (20%) and repossessions by County Court bailiffs from 769 to 1,092 (42%).

Landlord possessions up

Meanwhile, there was a drop in landlord possession claims from 24,869 to 23,976 (4%), and warrants from 11,556 to 10,849 (6%).

But there were increases in orders from 18,140 to 18,713 (3%), and repossessions from 6,938 to 7,308 (5%).

Toby Leek, NAEA Propertymark President, says: “It’s extremely positive to see to see mortgage arrears drop to their lowest level since 2009. There has been much progress within the sector to help ensure the overall lending criteria is more robust and offers consumers a higher degree of safety regarding their affordability.

There is still an aftershock regarding the recent surge in the cost of living.”

“However, it is concerning to see repossessions witness an increase within the first quarter of 2025, as it demonstrates there is still an aftershock regarding the recent surge in the cost of living and support available to those who may need genuine help in the short to medium term.”

Earlier this month, the Bank of England cut the base interest rate by 0.25% in a welcome boost to many homeowners struggling with mortgage payments.

The rate was reduced to 4.25% in what could be the first in a series of cuts this year.

Read the full Ministry of Justice figures here