If you’re struggling to make your mortgage payments or have already fallen behind, it’s important to seek advice as soon as possible. A mortgage is considered a priority debt, and not being able to pay it can lead to serious consequences, including the possibility of losing your home.

There are options available to help you manage your mortgage. This page outlines your main options as a single parent.

Talk to your lender

If you’re concerned about falling behind, the first step is to contact your mortgage lender. They will likely want to help you stay on track with your payments.

They may:

• Allow you to take a break from payments or accept reduced payments for a short period
• Offer a temporary or permanent switch to an interest-only mortgage, where you only pay the interest on your loan
• Extend the term of your mortgage, reducing your monthly payments (e.g., changing from a 20-year term to a 25-year term)

Check your insurance

Review your mortgage payment protection insurance, if you have it. You might have signed up for this when you first got your mortgage. If you’re unable to work due to illness, injury, or job loss, this insurance could help cover your payments. Be sure to read the policy carefully, as there may be many circumstances it doesn’t cover.

Use free money advice

If you haven’t already, look carefully at your spending to see if you can cut costs elsewhere and check whether you can claim any benefits to boost your income. Organisations like MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice and StepChange can help you to look at your budget, work out your options and negotiate with your mortgage lender. Our page on dealing with debt also has advice, including how to apply for 60 days of ‘breathing space’ where your creditors can’t take action against you.

Think about selling your home

No one wants to lose their home, but if you’re struggling to afford your mortgage and are worried about repossession, your lender may be able to help through an assisted voluntary sales scheme.

This option allows you to sell your home on your own, rather than having it repossessed. It can be less disruptive for you and your children, and you may also receive a better price for the sale. Additionally, it can help you avoid court action.

Shelter has more guidance on selling your home to avoid it being repossessed. And the National Homelessness Advice Service has a guide on assisted voluntary sales schemes.

Useful links

What to do if you’re struggling to pay the mortgage (MoneyHelper)

Advice if you fall behind with your mortgage payments (Shelter)

How to sort out your mortgage problems (Citizens Advice)