Missing a mortgage payment by accident can be stressful — especially if it’s the first time it’s happened. Whether it slipped your mind, a direct debit failed, or your bank account had insufficient funds, it’s important to act quickly and not panic. Here’s a simple guide for UK homeowners on what to expect and how to handle it.
What Happens If You Accidentally Miss a Mortgage Payment?
If you miss a mortgage payment in the UK, most lenders will contact you to let you know. This usually happens within a few days. Your account will be marked as “in arrears” until the payment is made.
A single missed payment won’t usually lead to serious consequences straight away, but if it’s not sorted promptly, it can:
- Affect your credit score
- Incur late fees or charges
- Put your home at risk if the arrears continue
It’s not uncommon for someone to miss a payment accidentally. Lenders understand that mistakes happen — the key is how quickly you deal with it.
First Step: Contact Your Mortgage Lender
Don’t wait for them to chase you. Get in touch as soon as you realise the payment was missed. Explain what happened and ask about your options. If it was an honest mistake, most lenders are willing to work with you to resolve it quickly.
They may allow you to:
- Make the missed payment immediately
- Add it to your next monthly payment
- Arrange a short-term repayment plan if needed
It’s always better to talk to your lender before things escalate.
Will a Missed Mortgage Payment Affect Your Credit Score?
Yes — if the payment is late by 30 days or more, it may be reported to credit reference agencies. That can lower your credit rating, which could affect your ability to get other loans or credit in future.
However, if you catch it early and pay within a few days, some lenders won’t report it. Again, communication is key.
Common Reasons People Miss Mortgage Payments
In the UK, people miss mortgage payments for all sorts of reasons — not just financial hardship. Some common accidental causes include:
- Changing bank accounts and forgetting to update the direct debit
- A payment date falling on a weekend or bank holiday
- Unexpected expenses that drain your account
- Admin errors or delays in salary payments
You’re not alone if this happens. The important part is fixing it and preventing it from happening again.
How to Avoid Missing a Mortgage Payment in Future
To prevent further issues, consider the following tips:
- Set up a direct debit: This way, the payment comes out automatically each month.
- Check your account balance regularly: Especially close to the payment date.
- Set reminders on your phone or calendar: A simple alert can help jog your memory.
- Keep an emergency fund: Even a small buffer can cover a missed payment if something unexpected crops up.
Struggling to Pay Your Mortgage?
If you didn’t just miss a payment by accident, but are starting to struggle financially, seek help as early as possible. There are support services in the UK, such as:
- Citizens Advice
- StepChange Debt Charity
- National Debtline
- Your mortgage lender’s support team
You may be able to agree on a temporary payment holiday or a new repayment plan that fits your situation.
FAQs
Yes, it can — especially if it’s over 30 days late. Most UK lenders won’t report a missed mortgage payment straight away, but if it’s not cleared promptly, it could be recorded on your credit file and lower your score.
No, missing a mortgage payment is not a criminal offence. It’s a contractual issue between you and your lender. However, ongoing missed payments can lead to repossession proceedings if not resolved.
If a bank error caused the missed payment, contact both your mortgage lender and your bank immediately. Ask your bank to confirm the mistake in writing and pass this to your lender. Most lenders will be understanding if the issue wasn’t your fault.
No, a single missed payment won’t lead to repossession. Lenders in the UK must follow strict steps before taking legal action. Repossession is usually a last resort after several months of arrears and failed attempts to reach a solution.
Yes, it’s possible. Some lenders may agree to remove a late fee as a goodwill gesture, especially if it’s your first offence and you’ve maintained a good payment record. Always ask politely and explain the situation.
You should act straight away — ideally within a few days. The sooner you contact your lender and make arrangements, the better your chances of avoiding further issues.
In some cases, yes. Many lenders will let you “catch up” by adding the missed amount to your next payment. Always confirm this with your lender first to avoid confusion or further arrears.
It could. Lenders may view even one missed payment as a sign of risk, depending on how recent it was. If you’re planning to remortgage soon, explain the circumstances clearly and show that your payments are now back on track.
Usually, legal action doesn’t start until you’re at least three months behind. That said, it varies by lender. They must give you fair warning and offer help first — repossession is always the last step.
It can, especially if it affects your credit score. Mortgage lenders for your next home may be cautious if they see recent payment issues. Keeping your current mortgage in good standing is essential if you’re planning to move.
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