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What is Negative Equity & How to Get Out of It?

trying to sell a property and getting in negative equity due to it's value and the homeowners debt

If your mortgage is bigger than what your home is worth, you’re not alone. Thousands of UK homeowners find themselves in negative equity, especially after dips in the housing market. It can be worrying, but there are practical steps you can take to manage it and move forward.

3 Key Takeaways:

  • Negative equity means your mortgage is higher than your home’s current value.
  • It affects your ability to move, remortgage, or secure better interest rates..
  • You can tackle it by overpaying, waiting for prices to rise, or renegotiating your mortgage.


  • MENU CLOSED
  • OPEN MENU
    1. What is Negative Equity?
    2. How to Check if You’re in Negative Equity
    3. How to Get Out of Negative Equity
    4. How to Avoid Negative Equity in the Future
    5. Negative Equity vs Negative Debt-to-Equity Ratio
    6. Alternatives if Negative Equity Prevents a Sale
    7. Frequently Asked Questions

What is Negative Equity?


Negative equity happens when your home is worth less than the outstanding balance on your mortgage. It's common when house prices drop sharply, leaving you owing more than your property is currently worth.

How to Check if You’re in Negative Equity


To find out if you’re in negative equity, just follow these simple steps:

Step What to Do
1. Check Mortgage Balance Look at your latest mortgage statement or contact your lender.
2. Get a Property Valuation Use a local estate agent or an online valuation tool to estimate your home's value.
3. Do the Calculation If your home’s value is less than your mortgage balance, you’re in negative equity.

Related Read: How much is your house worth?

How to Get Out of Negative Equity


how to get out of negativity


If you’re stuck in negative equity, there are practical steps you can take to reduce or eliminate it over time:

  • Overpay your mortgage: Making extra payments reduces the amount you owe and helps rebuild equity faster. Always check for overpayment limits to avoid early repayment charges.

  • Wait for house prices to recover: If you're not planning to move soon, holding on until the market improves may naturally lift you out of negative equity.

  • Consider a negative equity mortgage: In rare cases, some lenders offer mortgages that let you transfer negative equity to a new property. These usually come with higher rates and conditions.

  • Rent out your property: If your lender agrees, renting your home could help cover repayments while you wait for prices to recover. You may need to pay a ‘consent to let’ fee and switch to a buy-to-let mortgage.


As of November 2024, the average UK house price rose to £290,000 — a £10,000 increase in just 12 months.

If this trend continues, homeowners in negative equity may see their equity position improve without taking further action, simply by holding on until the market recovers.

Expert advice from our property expert Paul Gibbens:

"In many of the cases I’ve dealt with, the best first step out of negative equity is overpayment — even small monthly contributions can make a big difference over time. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. If someone is unable to wait or needs to relocate quickly, we have also helped them explore options such as renting out the property or negotiating directly with lenders.

The key is not to panic — there are always routes forward."

How to Avoid Negative Equity in the Future


While you can’t control the housing market, there are smart steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling into negative equity:

  • Put down a larger house deposit: The more you put in upfront, the more equity you start with, providing a buffer if prices fall.

  • Choose a repayment mortgage: Unlike interest-only deals, repayment mortgages reduce your debt over time, steadily building your equity.

  • Buy at the right time: Avoid buying when property prices are inflated. Research market trends and consider consulting with a local agent before making a commitment.


From our experience helping hundreds of homeowners, we’ve seen how putting down a strong deposit and avoiding interest-only mortgages can make a real difference down the line. Our sales team often advises people to look beyond just the monthly payment; it's about protecting your future equity, too.e
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Negative Equity vs Negative Debt-to-Equity Ratio


In property terms, a negative debt to equity ratio simply means your mortgage debt is higher than the current market value of your home — in other words, you’re in negative equity. While the phrase is more commonly used in business or finance, it describes the same situation: your asset (the property) is worth less than the debt secured against it. In residential property, this often happens when house prices fall or a large deposit wasn’t put down at the start.

Alternatives if Negative Equity Prevents a Sale


At Housebuyers4u, we’ve supported many homeowners dealing with negative equity, including those who thought they had no way out. When traditional sales fall through due to a shortfall, we offer fast, guaranteed solutions that help you move on without added stress.

Here’s how we can help if you're struggling to sell:

  • Guaranteed cash offers: Even if your property’s value has dropped below your mortgage balance.

  • Advice on practical next steps: including product transfers or lender negotiations.

  • Flexible sale options: Tailored to your timeline, with no fees or long chains.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1Is Negative Equity Bad?
Yes, negative equity limits your financial flexibility and can make it harder to move or remortgage. That said, it’s often temporary, equity can rebuild through market recovery or mortgage overpayments.
2Can You Sell Your House if You Have Negative Equity?
Yes, but you’ll need your lender’s consent. You’ll also need savings or a plan to cover the shortfall between your home’s sale price and the remaining mortgage balance.
3Do You Still Owe Money After Selling a House in Negative Equity?
Yes, if the sale price doesn’t fully cover your mortgage, you’re still responsible for paying the remaining debt to your lender. This is known as a mortgage shortfall.
4How Do You Fix Negative Equity?
You can fix negative equity by overpaying your mortgage, waiting for house prices to rise, or negotiating with your lender. In some cases, switching to a better mortgage deal or renting out your property (with permission) can also help reduce the financial impact.

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