What to Do if You’ve Fallen Behind on Payments

Falling behind on your mortgage can be incredibly stressful, but you're not alone and there are steps you can take to regain control. Whether you've missed a payment or are struggling to keep up, it's important to act early, understand your options, and get support before the situation worsens.

At Windsor Hill Mortgages, we believe no one should feel overwhelmed when it comes to their home. Here's a clear, step-by-step guide to dealing with mortgage arrears.

Step 1: Talk to Your Lender Straight Away

Your first move should be to contact your lender. The earlier you speak to them, the more flexible they can be. Most lenders have dedicated teams to support customers in financial difficulty.

They may be able to offer:

• A short-term payment holiday
• Switching to interest-only payments for a period
• Extending your mortgage term to reduce monthly payments

Remember, ignoring the problem won’t make it go away – it’s always better to be upfront and ask for help.

Step 2: Understand the Impact on Your Credit

Falling into arrears may affect your credit score, which can make borrowing more difficult in the future. But lenders are more understanding when you keep them informed and take action early.

Some options, like payment holidays or term changes, may not damage your credit if agreed in advance.

Step 3: Review Your Budget

Look at where your money is going each month. Could you:

• Cut back on non-essential spending?
• Temporarily pause subscriptions or memberships?
• Speak to other providers (like utilities or credit cards) about lower payment options?

Small changes can help free up cash to get back on track.

Step 4: Explore Government & Free Support Services

There are charities and government-backed services offering free, confidential advice:

• StepChange (debt advice and repayment plans)
• Citizens Advice (general financial support)
• MoneyHelper (budgeting and mortgage guidance)

These can help you understand your rights and what support you might be entitled to.

Speak to the Experts

If your mortgage no longer suits your situation, speak to an adviser. At Windsor Hill Mortgages, we can help you:

• Reassess your current mortgage deal
• Look at remortgaging options (even with arrears, in some cases)
• Work with your lender to agree on a manageable plan

We’re here to listen without judgement and find a practical way forward. Speak to our team today and we'll take you through your options.