GOING UP...

Predictions for a significant leap in repossessions this year appear to be borne out by the latest official figures. The Ministry of Justice reports that the number of homeowners in arrears and threatened with a repossession order has shot up by 17 per cent in England and Wales, with 27,530 orders made in the first quarter of 2008. That is the highest number since 1991 - but still way below the peak of 143,000 that year. However, almost 50 per cent of this year's orders have already been suspended, giving the borrower time to catch up with their payments. But catching up may be difficult in the current climate.

GOING DOWN...

Estate agent Hamptons claims that, on average, 1m homes ...