The latest statistics for writs of possession show a big rise in the number issued in some areas of western Sydney.

In the worst-affected areas the number has risen six or seven times since 2004.

The Sheriff's Office figures also show that the percentage of writs being enforced has increased dramatically in the same period.

Ms Lane said that, in general, lenders sell repossessed property for less than if the owner had sold before repossession.

``Plus, there is usually $20,000 or more in legal fees incurred by a lender that the homeowner would have to pay,'' she said.

``The lender is more interested in moving the property than the price it will fetch. Homeowners should seek professional help as soon as possible when it is easier to do something about it.''

Ms Lane said there had been a massive increase in the last two years in the number of people calling the centre with mortgage problems and worried about losing their homes.

``Seven years ago we would get one call a month about mortgage stress now we get two to three a week,'' she said.

``The main problem is that people have been lent more money than they can afford and don't have a buffer for a rise in interest rates.''

A report by Fujitsu Consulting and Wizard Home Loans recently predicted that a million households, or 15 per cent of all home-loan borrowers, could be in mortgage stress by year's end.

Consumer Credit Legal Centre free advice hotline: 1800 808 488. See the ``debt crisis'' blog on

blacktown sun.com.au.