Payment and budgeting support

Mortgage Charter

We're supporting the Mortgage Charter, which was announced on 23 June to provide further help if you're worried about your mortgage payments. Take a look at our “other options sections” to apply.

Don't worry - speaking to us won't affect your credit file in any way

How would you describe your current situation?

We're here to help

If you think you might not be able to pay for your mortgage, it's important that you tell us as soon as possible. Our friendly advisers are ready and waiting to find the best solution for your situation, so please don't feel worried about the conversation. Even if you've not missed any payments yet, we can make a plan that helps your mortgage feel more affordable.

Use our online budget planner

We have our own budget planning tool you can use if you have a mortgage with us. Simply use your mortgage account number to log in, and create a password.

  • View of all your money in one place
  • Get a budgeting plan that works for you
  • Create login details easily and securely using your 8 digit mortgage account number
Start your budget planner

Use our budget planner PDF

If your prefer to print something out, or want to take a quick glance at how to budget, you can use the PDF version of our budget planner.

Budget planner guide

View our handy budget planner PDF for more examples.

Manage your debts

It's really important to understand what your priority and non-priority debts are. Priority debts have the most serious consequences if your payment is late or missed, so you should pay these first. Take a look at the table for some examples of the different types of debts.

Priority debts

  • Mortgage
  • Secured loan/second mortgage
  • Overpaid benefits
  • Unpaid taxes
  • Hire purchase
  • Court fees and fines
  • Fixed penalty notices e.g. motoring offences
  • Rent
  • Council tax
  • Utilities
  • TV license
  • Child maintenance

Non-priority debts

  • Overdraft
  • Store cards
  • Unsecured loans
  • Personal debt to family/friends
  • Payday loans
  • Catalogue debts
  • Private parking tickets (not the same as a fixed penalty notice)

We're here to help

If you're in financial difficulty, it's important that you tell us as soon as possible. The sooner you get in touch, the more options you're likely to have. Our friendly specialists are here to find the best solution for you. We'll work together to make a plan that helps your mortgage feel more affordable.

Complete a budget planner

The first step is to complete a budget planner. This will help us to see to how we can best support you. To complete the budget planner, you'll need details of your income and what you spend your money on.

  • See where your money is going, and where you might be able to make savings
  • Receive support that's tailored to your needs
  • Share your budget planner with other providers, so you only have to do it once

How do I do this?

Online

To complete the online budget planner, you'll need to create an account with Paylink using your existing mortgage account number and a new password to do this.

If you complete this online, you can call to speak to one of our specialists as soon as you've completed it, if you would like immediate help. We've included the numbers for each type of mortgage under the 'Phone' section, just give them a call when you're ready.

Alternatively, once you've completed the budget planner online, one of our specialists will call you to talk through how we can help. We'll usually call you within five days.

This will take you to the Paylink website. Paylink Solutions Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Start your budget planner

Phone

If you prefer, you can complete your budget planner over the phone with one of our specialists instead. Just use the number below for the type of mortgage you have.

Our lines are open Monday to Thursday (8am to 7pm), Friday (8am to 5pm) and Saturday (9am to 12.30pm). We're closed on bank holidays.

How we'll help you

There are many ways that we can help you, depending on your budget and your circumstances. We'll work with you to find a solution, and we'll use your budget planner to make sure the options we suggest are affordable and suit your needs.

If you miss a payment, your mortgage will be in arrears. This will show on your credit file and may affect your ability to get credit in future. Missing payments might also mean that you get fees and charges added onto your mortgage, and interest will be charged on arrears.

We'll need to understand your circumstances first, including your budget and what's causing your problems. If you haven't already done so, you'll need to complete the budget planner.

Once we understand your circumstances, we'll talk you through your options and agree some next steps.

What options do I have?

This will depend on your circumstances, your budget and how long you think you might need help with your payments for. We have a range of options and we'll tailor a plan that best suits your needs, which might include a mix of these options. We'll make sure that anything we suggest is affordable. We'll also give you time to think about what you want to do and seek advice if you need it.

Short term options

If your circumstances are going to improve in the next few months, we have some options that can help.

Reduced Payments

We may be able to reduce your payments for a period of time. If we do, arrears will accrue and interest will be charged on these. We'll need to make an arrangement for you to repay the arrears when your circumstances improve and this will show on your credit file.

Temporary Switch to Interest Only

We might be able to switch your mortgage to Interest Only for a short time. This will reduce your payments, as you'll only be paying the interest on what you owe. However, this means your balance won't be reducing, so when the Interest Only period ends, your payments will be higher than they were before you switched to Interest Only.

Long Term Options

If you think you'll struggle with your payments for more than a few months, we have some other options available.

Changing your product

You may be able to change your product, which could reduce your interest rate and your mortgage payments. If you have any arrears, this could also help you to repay them.

Term extension

If you have a Capital & Interest mortgage, extending your mortgage term will reduce your monthly payments. However, your mortgage will take longer to pay off, and you'll pay more interest in the long run. If things improve in future, you can always reduce your term.

Help to sell your property

If you think you'll struggle to pay your mortgage long term, and don't see this changing, we can give you time to sell your property. We might also be able to help you with the sale, if you need it.

Independent advice

If you're struggling with your mortgage, you could also benefit from independent advice. On this page, we've included sources of free and impartial help and support.

A debt advisor can:

  • Help you see what the best option for you might be
  • Advise you on better ways to manage your money
  • Check to see if there are any benefits you can claim
  • Talk you through the different ways of dealing with debt
  • Help you get out of debt faster

Here’s some options

You may be able to switch your mortgage

Some things to bear in mind...

  • If you’re coming to the end of your product you may want to consider switching to a new product
  • You must have less than 6 months left on your current mortgage product or be on Standard Variable Rate (SVR) or Discounted SVR
  • Your monthly payments may reduce in comparison to SVR
Switch to a new deal

Other options available as part of the Mortgage Charter

Option 1

Switch to an Interest Only mortgage for six months

Temporary Interest Only means that you'll only pay the monthly interest for 6 months. There won’t be a reduction in your mortgage balance during the agreed period. The overall cost of your mortgage will increase.

Or

Option 2

Extend your mortgage term

Term extension means extending the term of your mortgage so you pay less each month. It’ll take longer to pay off your mortgage, you'll pay more interest, meaning the total cost will be more.

View these options in more detail

If you want to combine switching to a new product with switching to interest only for 6 months or extending your term please call us on 03450505062

Find out if you're eligible to reduce your payments

We've agreed to sign up to the Mortgage Charter scheme which is being backed by the government to help customers with the increasing rise of interest rates.

Visit our dedicated page that explains everything you need to know and how to apply.

Mortgage Charter

Frequently asked questions

Other places to get help

Your property could be repossessed if you don't keep up your mortgage repayments.