Homes stressed over rising costs

The struggle to keep up with expenses is causing arguments

Up to 790,000 households in London have been facing stress and depression trying to keep up with their mortgage payments and rents, a study has shown.

A report by the charity Shelter said the cost of housing forced many to spend less on food and about 213,000 took out loans in the past year.

The report, called Breaking Point, found 373,000 families spend more than 50% of their income on housing.

The struggle has led to family rows in more than 500,000 homes in London.

Regional campaign officer for Shelter Isabel de la Cour said: "People in the region are going to extraordinary lengths to ensure they pay their rent or mortgage, but the effects of stress or depression, having to sell possessions or deprive the kids of treats can be devastating to family life."

Missed payments

The study found 80,000 have missed a rent or mortgage payment and about 740,000 households spend less on food and about 400,000 sold possessions to pay for accommodation.

The report has urged the government to meet its target of building three million new homes by 2020, and provide 45,000 social rented homes every year by 2011.

About six million households in the UK are stressed by the costs, the report said.

Shelter called on mortgage lenders to support homeowners and use repossession as the last resort.