The number of homeowners facing eviction in Northern Ireland has doubled in a year, it was revealed today.
There were 1,006 mortgage repossession actions from July to September this year. That compares to 521 in the same period last year and just 488 in 2004.
The five-year high in mortgage cases before the courts followed tightened lending conditions and the effects of raised interest rates.
Social development minister, Margaret Ritchie said the "worrying" statistics were "further evidence of the impact the global credit crunch is having on the ordinary person".
Lord Chief Justice Sir Brian Kerr is planning special arrangements to govern actions for repossession making court action for repossession a measure of last resort.
Housing rights charity representative Ursula Toner said: "Today's figures do not come as a surprise. We have experienced a 300 per cent increase in demand for our specialist debt service."
As Northern Ireland heads into recession and the numbers claiming unemployment benefits rise at the fastest rate in two decades she warned things would get worse.
"We believe today's figures are just the tip of the iceberg."
In a bid to assist growing numbers facing homelessness, the Housing Rights Service will be making an adviser available at court to assist those facing debt-related repossession.
PA