More than 1,000 homeowners have had their properties repossessed across south and west Dorset since the financial crash, new figures show. 

Figures from the Ministry of Justice have revealed that banks have made more than 527 claims to repossess homes since the recession of 2008 across Weymouth and Portland and 425 in West Dorset. 
Meanwhile, in the rented sector, landlords made 1,951 claims to repossess homes in Weymouth and Portland while 1,343 claims were made in West Dorset which includes Bridport, Lyme Regis and Dorchester.

The homes were repossessed between the start of 2008 and March this year.

However, the rate has slowed markedly in recent years, with only around 22 repossessions by banks in either town in the past three months.

Jackie Bennett, director of mortgages at UK Finance, which represents lenders, said the situation had improved for homeowners.

She said: “The number of mortgages in arrears is at its lowest level since records began, while possessions remain at a historic low. This has been helped by low interest rates and lenders supporting borrowers through periods of temporary financial difficulty wherever possible.

“As ever, customers should not hesitate to contact their lender if they anticipate any payment problems and want to discuss what options are available. Repossession is always a last resort.”

Under current legalisation, lenders who repossess homes must have a court order to do so, while landlords seeking to evict tenants can either go through the courts or apply for accelerated possession – a quicker process, but one in which landlords sacrifice money owed to them.

The first few months of 2018 saw 26 claims by social housing owners to repossess homes in the region, with the majority of these being in Weymouth and Portland, with 16 homes repossessed. 

Meanwhile, eviction orders threatened renters across both areas, with claims for possession from landlords or housing associations at a rate of around 140 in every 100,000 households.

Polly Neate, chief executive of housing charity Shelter, said: “Every day at Shelter we hear from people who suffer in silence while they struggle to keep up with housing payments, and come to us in desperation when the court papers finally land on their doormat.

“It’s natural to feel helpless in the face of mounting bills, but getting expert advice as soon as you start having trouble with housing costs can make the difference between a family losing their home and keeping it.”