Buy-to-let repossessions increasing, says Shelter

Landlords are increasingly at risk of repossession, statistics have shown.

According to housing and homelessness charity Shelter, the number of buy-to-let repossessions is increasing twice as quickly as the figures accounting for all mortgages.

Calling on the government to provide support for those left homeless as a result of landlords falling into arrears, chief executive of Shelter Adam Sampson said that courts need to allow people enough time to find a new home.

"Mortgage lenders must take responsibility and make sure they inform both owners and tenants when taking action to repossess, so tenants are aware they are about to lose their homes," he added.

The number of mortgages granted for buy-to-let purposes that ended in repossession rose by 100 per cent in the first half of the year compared to 2007 figures, while there was a 48 per cent increase across the market.

Last week Mr Sampson told the Guardian that lenders are treating repossession as a first, rather than last resort.

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