Situation Guides
Keeping your home
Whether you can keep your home depends on the solution, equity, joint ownership and payment of secured debts. IVAs, bankruptcy and Scottish options treat homes differently — get advice before assuming any outcome.
In England and Wales, personal insolvency solutions include IVAs, bankruptcy and Debt Relief Orders. Different rules apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Reviewed: 1 March 2026 by Editorial Team
Related next steps
- Read the relevant service hub (IVA, bankruptcy, DRO or DMP).
- Check nation-specific pages if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
- Use the find-help wizard for a structured options summary.
Frequently asked questions
- What should I do first about keeping your home?
- Stabilise priority bills if you can, avoid ignoring court deadlines, and contact a free regulated advice service before signing any paid plan.
- Can formal insolvency help?
- Sometimes. Whether an IVA, DRO, bankruptcy or Scottish option helps depends on debts, assets and income. This hub explains context only.
- Will this affect my credit file?
- Many solutions affect credit records. Ask an adviser how each option is reported and for how long.
- Is this personal advice?
- No. The Insolvency Directory publishes general information and referrals only.
- Where can I read related guides?
- Browse our guides library and comparison pages, then use find-help if you need a regulated firm introduction.
Primary source: The Insolvency Service (GOV.UK)