Shelter says the Government and lenders must start planning now as hundreds of thousands of homeowners face being repossessed or falling into arrears as the effects of rising unemployment hit home, interest rates begin to climb again and mortgage support schemes come to an end.
Despite the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) saying repossessions this year could be 10,000 lower than its original prediction of 75,000, new figures from the Financial Service Authority (FSA) show repossessions are up 62 per cent in the last year, with a 33 per cent rise in arrears.
Shelter chief executive Sam Younger said: "With arrears escalating at an alarming rate, unemployment at its worst for 12 years and interest rates very likely to rise next year, we believe a second, more devastating wave of repossessions could occur within the next two years.
"The Government and lenders are working hard to help homeowners who are struggling now. But they must not be complacent, and we fear they are not planning adequately for the future."
The charity has seen a 250 per cent increase in the number of calls to its free helpline regarding mortgage arrears over the last year, with an 85 per cent increase in the number of calls on repossession problems. Many callers say they fear for their future and are worried they will no longer be able to keep a roof over their heads.
Mr Younger added: "At Shelter we speak to thousands of people who are just about managing to pay their current mortgage costs. But a sudden hike in payments or change in circumstance like unemployment can easily be the trigger that fires them towards mortgage arrears and ultimately repossession, often leaving them with no other choice but to rely on the kindness of family and friends and facing an uphill battle to rebuild their lives again."
Shelter believes planning for the future and being prepared for a second repossessions wave is the only way we will tackle the problem head on, or face an overwhelming number of repossessions.
Mr Younger added: "We are pleased the new housing minister has today increased the funding for legal advice at courts. But the Government must also find ways of expanding other advice services for vulnerable households and ensure repossession prevention schemes help more people.
"Lenders should also give homeowners cast iron assurances that their current, more sympathetic practices towards repossessions will continue during the difficult times to come."
The charity says it is encouraged that lenders are using more tolerant measures to keep people in their homes.
But Mr Younger said: "It is still a fact that every single day there are hundreds of hard working people losing their homes, and with thousands upon thousands drowning in arrears there is no question we are storing up huge problems for the future.
"It is vital that people understand the most effective way to prevent repossession is to seek advice early. We would urge anyone worried about their mortgage payments to contact our free mortgage advice line on 0300 3300 515."
