Mortgage rates are a major cause of concern as Britain remains in recession and inflation outstrips wage rises, a survey has suggested.
Research by Which? revealed that 14% of people are already struggling with their repayments.
And no fewer than 72% are worried about mortgage rates amid fears the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee is preparing to raise the base rate from its current record low of 0.5%.
The study found that only 36% of those struggling with mortgage repayments have approached their lender for help, a course of action recommended by Which? executive director Richard Lloyd.
He said rather than drift into arrears, mortgage holders should explore options such as moving from a repayment mortgage to an interest-only product.
"If you're struggling with mortgage repayments then your first port of call should be your lender," he added.