Stop Repossession
Stop Repossession With a Fast, Certain Sale
If you’re facing repossession, a genuine cash sale can complete in days to clear your mortgage arrears and protect your remaining equity before a court hearing forces a sale at auction for less. Act early: the sooner you start, the more options — and equity — you keep. Speak to your lender too; under FCA rules they must consider reasonable proposals, and you can sell right up until a repossession completes. This is general information, not financial advice — and free, confidential help is available from StepChange, Citizens Advice, National Debtline and Shelter.
What is your property worth?
Get genuine offers from checked & vetted buyers.
- 1–2 wksa genuine cash sale can complete
- 9–12 motypical repossession timeline
- Any stageyou can sell before it completes
- Freeconfidential debt advice exists
What are your best next steps?
Five quick questions about where you are — then clear, supportive guidance. There’s no pressure and no obligation, and free help is always an option.
What stage are you at?
Is there equity in the home?
Have you spoken to your lender?
How quickly do you need to act?
Have you had free debt advice?
Time is short — a fast sale could protect your equity.
With a court date close and equity to protect, a genuine, funded cash buyer who understands repossession timescales can sometimes complete in 1–2 weeks. Tell your lender a sale is underway, and get free debt advice alongside it. We’ll compare vetted offers confidentially, with no fee and no obligation.
Get confidential help →You have time to plan — use it well.
You’re not at crisis point yet, which means more options. Speak to your lender, get free debt advice from StepChange or Citizens Advice, and line up vetted offers so a fast sale is ready if you need it. Starting early protects more equity.
Compare your options →Free debt advice should be your first call.
Where there’s little equity or no court action yet, independent debt advice may open routes that don’t involve selling at all. StepChange, Citizens Advice, National Debtline and Shelter are free and confidential. We’re here if a sale turns out to be the right step.
Understand your options →The repossession timeline — and where you can act
Repossession isn’t instant — it typically runs 9–12 months from the first missed payment, and you can sell at any stage before it completes. The earlier you act, the more equity and choice you keep.
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Arrears & Pre-Action Protocol | Lender must explore alternatives first; 15 days’ written warning before court. |
| 2. Court claim | Possession claim filed (Form N5); you return a defence form (usually within 14 days). |
| 3. Possession hearing | In a judge’s chambers; you can propose a repayment plan or your own sale. |
| 4. Possession order | May be suspended if you keep to an agreed plan. |
| 5. Eviction (warrant) | The final stage — but you can still complete a sale before it. |
Why speed protects your equity
A lender-forced repossession often sells at auction below market value, with legal costs added to your debt — eroding or wiping out your equity. A controlled, fast cash sale lets you repay the arrears and keep what’s left, on your terms rather than the court’s.
Talk to your lender now
Under FCA rules and the Pre-Action Protocol, lenders must treat you fairly and consider reasonable repayment or sale proposals before pursuing repossession. Tell them you’re arranging a sale — it can pause or slow proceedings, and at the hearing the court can grant a suspended order if you have a credible plan. If you need to ask the court to pause matters, see the N244 form guide.
Get free debt advice
Before anything, get free, independent help. These services can review your whole situation, deal with your lender, and confirm whether selling is the right step. This is general information, not financial advice.
How we help, confidentially
We connect you with vetted cash buyers who understand repossession timescales and can move quickly, with no fee to you. It’s confidential and there’s no obligation — but the earlier you start, the better the outcome (see avoiding repossession).
Confidential, no-obligation help — and free advice alongside
If a fast sale is right for you, we’ll put several checked & vetted cash offers side by side so you keep the most equity. We’ll also always encourage you to take free debt advice. No pressure, no fee.
Get confidential help →Facing repossession? Act early to protect your equity
Confidential, no-obligation help comparing vetted cash buyers — and we’ll always point you to free debt advice too.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers, no sales talk
Can I still sell my house if it’s being repossessed?
Yes — until the moment a repossession completes you can sell. A fast cash sale that clears the arrears can stop the process and protect your equity. Tell your lender you’re arranging a sale, as they must consider reasonable proposals.
How fast can a sale stop repossession?
A genuine cash buyer can sometimes complete within 1–2 weeks. The key is starting early — before the court date — so there’s time to complete and settle the arrears.
How long does repossession take in the UK?
Typically 9–12 months from the first missed payment to eviction, though it can be faster or much slower. There are several stages — arrears, court claim, hearing, order, eviction — and you can act at any of them.
Will I lose all my equity if I’m repossessed?
You can — a forced auction sale below value plus added legal costs can erode or wipe out your equity. Selling yourself, quickly, before repossession completes is how you protect what’s left.
Who can I get free help from?
StepChange, Citizens Advice, National Debtline and Shelter all offer free, confidential debt and housing advice. Speak to them and your lender as early as possible.
