The legal framework
Mortgage repossessions follow either a court order under the Administration of Justice Act 1970 (residential), an LPA receivership under the Law of Property Act 1925 (commercial or buy-to-let), or a contractual right under the mortgage deed. The receiver acts as agent of the borrower, not of the lender, which affects who has liability for the contents and for the disposal. We work to instructions from the receiver or directly from the lender's asset-management team, and our documentation reflects whichever instruction route applies.
Initial property survey
Most repossession clearances begin with a property survey rather than immediate clearance. The lender or receiver wants to know the condition of the property, the volume and value of the contents, any visible damage that affects the property's marketable value, and any health, safety or environmental risks (damp, mould, biohazard, pest infestation). We produce this survey within 48 hours of access, typically as a PDF report with photographic evidence and condition ratings against your standard categories.
Inventory and valuation of contents
Where the former owner may make a claim for the contents — which is often the case in residential repossessions — we complete a written inventory with indicative valuations. Valuations are at second-hand market value, not original retail. Items of obvious significant value (antiques, collectables, fine jewellery) are referred to a partner valuer for a formal valuation.
Storage of the former owner's belongings
Repossessed homes often contain decades of the former owner's belongings. The receiver's obligation is to act as agent of the borrower in disposing of these — neither to retain them indefinitely nor to dispose of them improperly. The standard process: serve formal notice on the former owner at any address held by the lender, store for a defined period (three months minimum, often six), and dispose of uncollected items lawfully with proper accounting.
Clearance to marketable standard
Once the legal process has been satisfied, clearance to a marketable standard typically takes 5-10 working days, depending on the size and condition of the property. The property is handed back ready for the lender's estate agent or auction-house photographer, with a final condition report and a remedial-works schedule highlighting any work the lender may wish to consider before marketing.
Frequently asked questions
Do you work with all major UK lenders?
We are on approved-contractor panels for several major UK lenders and have worked for receivers acting for most others. Framework arrangements take 4-6 weeks to set up, including procurement compliance.
Can you handle the property survey before any clearance is committed?
Yes — this is the most common pattern. The survey is a fixed-price product (typically £150-£300 depending on property size and location) and gives the lender or receiver the basis to instruct clearance at an agreed budget.
Will you arrange storage for the former owner's belongings?
Yes. Secure storage at framework rates, by named-owner locker, with the standard notice-and-disposal protocol after the agreed period.
What insurance levels do you carry for repossession work?
£5m PL, £10m EL, plus contractor's all-risks cover and goods-in-transit cover. Certificates supplied at framework setup.
Can you coordinate with the lender's estate agent?
Yes, routinely. We hand the property back to the estate agent's specification (which may include re-keying to their lockbox arrangement) and we can attend with the agent's photographer if useful.