Survey finds mortgage holidays aren`t being taken

Homeowners and professional landlords who are hard pressed financially could be entitled to a break in their monthly mortgage repayments, according to a new study.

Research by MoneyExpert found that 58 per cent of the mortgage products on offer allow customers some form of payment holiday facility - which many consumers do not know about.

The data uncovered that many mortgage lenders are now offering ways for consumers to offset the effects of the credit crunch.

Sean Gardner, from the financial company, said: "With around six in ten mortgage products coming with a potential payment holiday written into the terms and conditions, cash-strapped homeowners can at least enquire about taking a break."

Last week, the Bank of England outlined a plan to add extra liquidity into the mortgage market - by agreeing with banks to swap risky mortgage debts worth £50 billion with secure government bonds.