More mortgage-holders in west Wales risked losing their homes last year, new figures show.

A charity has warned the cost-of-living crisis and high mortgage costs are putting people in danger of becoming homeless.

Figures from the Ministry of Justice show 23 mortgage possession claims were made in Ceredigion in the year to March – although none ultimately led to a property being repossessed by a bailiff.

In Gwynedd, 34 mortgage possession claims were made over the same period and six homes were repossessed. In Powys, there were 19 such cases leading to one repossession. If a mortgage claim is successful, the defendant will be ordered to leave the property. If they do not come to an agreement with the claimant they can be evicted, leading to a repossession.

In the first quarter of 2024 there were 5,182 such claims made across England and Wales – a 28 per cent increase from 4,035 a year earlier.

Mortgage rates remain at high levels since surging in late 2021, albeit with some rates being cut in recent months.

The figures show renters are also suffering, with a 6 per cent increase in landlord claims over the same period across the country.

In Ceredigion, landlords made 24 claims in the year to March, with seven resulting in a repossession. This was down from 2022-23, when there were 57.

In Gwynedd, landlords made 34 claims in the same period, with eight resulting in a repossession. This was down from the year before when there were 50.

In Powys, landlords made 47 claims, with 12 resulting in a repossession. This was down on the previous year when there were 57.

Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: "We are concerned about the number of people who are at risk of becoming homeless.

"With the cost-of-living crisis and high interest rates, many are struggling with rent and mortgage payments and are at risk of losing their homes."

He cautioned legal aid is the only hope for many, but "remains out of reach", with more law firms no longer offering advice.

StepChange is a charity that offers advice and support for those in arrears with their mortgage or rent.

Policy manager Jonathan Chesterman said: "Rent or mortgage payments are priority bills, so if you are in arrears with these payments, they should always be addressed before any consumer credit debt. Mortgage lenders have a regulatory responsibility to treat borrowers fairly.”