Figures show there were 615 property repossessions by county court bailiffs in the borough in 2024, reports Joe Ives, Local Democracy Reporter

Enfield has the second highest rate of home repossessions in England and Wales, according to a new report.

Figures show there were 615 property repossessions by county court bailiffs in the borough in 2024, equating to nearly 188 repossessions per 100,000 Enfield residents – the second-highest rate across England and Wales.

The research by Jack Malnick, managing director at SellHouseFast, found eight of the top ten boroughs for repossessions were in London, with neighbouring Haringey in 8th. Newham topped the list with almost 197 repossessions per 100,000 of its population.

Repossessions have risen more than 500% nationally since a 2020 low during the pandemic.

The study used the latest available complete government data. It found that repossessions “seem to cluster where renting is common, housing is expensive, and incomes are unstable” – and that renter repossessions are now more than eight times higher than those stemming from mortgages.

A graphic showing the repossession data — credit Jack Malnick/SellHouseFast

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) approached Enfield Council for comment on how it was trying to addess these issues.

A spokesperson for the local authority responded, saying: “Enfield, like many London boroughs, faces significant housing pressures driven by rising private rents, increasing living costs, and a shortage of genuinely affordable housing.

“These factors have contributed to an increase in renter repossessions locally and across the capital. The figures published combine both private rented and council tenancies, and most repossessions in Enfield relate to the private rented sector.

“Council housing repossessions remain low, and enforcement action is always a last resort after every possible support option has been exhausted.

“The council is committed to working with families who face homelessness due to repossession of properties in the borough. The council’s prevention team works with owners and tenants to maintain tenancies wherever possible.”

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