What's involved in the home repossession process? For nearly everyone who experiences it, repossession is a new concept and is full of the unknown, which can make it extremely frightening and stressful, and have a knock-on effect on family and friends.

Why are you facing repossession?

Your mortgage lender will begin the repossession process because you have missed a number of mortgage repayments. The number of missed payments that trigger repossession varies from one lender to another and depends on the way they run their mortgage schemes. For example, if you chose a mortgage that allows payment holidays, it may be 6 months or more before the lender starts chasing your payments. On the other hand, if your mortgage lender is very strict about payments, your first letter could come just a month or so after your first payment is missed.

The letters – and how to respond

You may have received several letters from your lender. The first will note your missed payments and ask you to catch up your payments, or contact the lender to explain why you can't. The first rule of fighting repossession is always to contact your lender, either by phone or in writing. This lets them know that you are facing the problem and looking for ways to sort it out. If you are able to, send some payment with your letter to show goodwill.

If you don't respond to the letters, or you can't sort out repayments with your mortgage lender, you will hear from the lender's solicitor who will then begin formal repossession proceedings. The solicitor is unlikely to be as accommodating as the lender and you may have more difficulty sorting out arrangements unless you can find a way to raise the money you need to pay off the outstanding debt.

The court summons – time to get independent advice

If you don't or can't sort out your affairs with the lender or the solicitor, you will receive a court summons. If you haven't already taken any repossession advice, you must do so now. You have to reply to the summons and you have to turn up at court – failure to do so will just get you into additional trouble. You must show the court that you are willing and able to repay the lender if you want to keep your home.

How you could avoid repossession

If you find good repossession advice, you will discover that you can stop the process at any stage, as long as you are prepared to talk to your lender and look at ways of getting hold of the cash you need to sort out your debts. For example, you can sell your home to raise the money you need, but rent it back so that you don't have to move out.

If you need help to get through your repossession process, contact us at Discount Property Auction. We're committed to helping you, whatever your circumstances. If you want to sell your home, you can use our dedicated online auction facility, which allows you to upload your property yourself and put it in front of genuine, interested buyers. Call us now on 0800 1313 999 or email admin@discountpropertyauction.co.uk to arrange a valuation today.