The current economic climate is putting many households under increased financial pressure, and sometimes this translates into a short or longer term inability to make certain payments. If this happens to you and you have a mortgage with a building society, it is important to realise that building societies do not want to repossess your home - it really is a last resort.

If you are in arrears with your mortgage or fear that you may have difficulty making repayments in the near future you can increase in your chances of managing the issue by contacting your lender quickly.  The worst thing to do is to ignore the problem.

Building societies recognise that some people may not be able to pay their mortgage for a period of time and that there can be different reasons for this. They will be aware that some borrowers may struggle with their repayments because of changes in their personal circumstances.  These can include job loss, relationship breakdown and bereavement amongst others.   Building societies are committed to helping their customers remain in their home, and offer solutions that are tailored to the individual circumstances.

All building societies in the UK have signed up to a Customer Commitment which sets out how they will work closely with customers in financial difficulties.