Court Service Stats Show Decrease in Repossessions

The Northern Ireland Court Service today published statistics for writs and originating summonses issued in respect of mortgages in the Chancery Division of the Northern Ireland High Court. 

During the fourth quarter of last year (October - December) 807 writs and originating summonses were issued, a figure that reflects a 14% decrease in the number of mortgage cases received in Chancery against the same period in 2008. Whilst it is hoped that these figures represent a decrease in the number of people struggling to pay their mortgage it is difficult to say if that is the reality of the current situation facing homeowners.

Since 2007 there has been a massive has increase in the number of applications made for possession, and despite 2009's final quarter figures being slightly less than their equivalent for 2008 there were still more applications made for possession last year than were made in 2008.

At Citizens Advice we are certainly continuing to see a large number of clients with concerns over their financial security, particularly with respect to their family home. We would advise anyone who has concerns over their ability to pay their mortgage, whether or no they are yet in arrears or are being threatened with copurt action by their lender, to seek advice and assistance from their local CAB as soon as possible.