The last two years have seen the number of homes repossessed in Northern Ireland double.
According to figures released by the Department for Social Development - which was established as part of the Northern Ireland Executive in 1999 - more than 1,000 householders and businesses were made to leave their dwellings in 2011 alone, Belfast Newsletter reports.
Gregory Campbell, MP for East Londonderry, noted the trend is indicative of the extent to which the country has suffered as a result of the economic downturn.
The politician added: "The actual situation will be worse than this as not all repossessions granted by the court are lodged with the Enforcement of Justice office, where these figures come from."
He recommended those having difficulty paying their housing costs should try to speak to their mortgage lender, as banks are often reluctant to try and push ahead with a repossession order when there are other routes it could go down.
Indeed, lenders who repossess a property may not be able to recoup the outstanding debt through the sale of the abode, such is the state of the current economic climate.
Northern Ireland repossessions have doubled
Fri, 27 Jan 2012
Recommended links
Stop home repossessionWhat happens after the granting of a possession order?
Repossession process overview
Stop repossession enquiry form
What to do if your lender wants to repossess your home
Debt guides
Rising unemployment could trigger repossessions
Next year will see home repossessions rise
London residents may face repossessions
South Wales repossessions create two-tiered market
Repossessions drive down cost of homes in Hartlepool
House price reductions leading to repossessions
Expected rise in home repossessions
Second charge repossessions have fallen
Home repossessions occur every 15 minutes
Levels of repossessions to rise before Christmas
Home repossessions should be a last resort
Outstanding repossessions remain stable for UK prime RMBS
Remortgaging to pay off debts can lead to repossessions
MP claims repossessions should be made easier
Lease option contracts may lead to repossessions
Repossessions may be avoided with offset mortgages
Repossessions being controlled by low interest rate
Needless spending may lead to more home repossessions
Low consumer confidence could signal repossessions upturn
Joined-up approach may prevent home repossessions
People have many options to avoid repossessions
Inflation could result in higher repossessions among the elderly
