For approximately five years there has been a dramatic reality in which many families are immersed who, as a consequence of their situation of unemployment or lack of economic activity, have stopped being able to meet their obligations to pay loans or credits that were granted to them. granted for the acquisition of your home.
Given this circumstance, banking entities begin the process of foreclosure (eviction of debtors), which is generating a serious social problem. So much so that, according to the March barometer of the Center for Sociological Research (CIS), evictions are the seventh biggest concern of Spaniards (followed by “cuts” and banks, for example). In fact, in 2012 there was a 20.6% increase in the number of foreclosures and, since 2008, there are now more than 350,000 in total, as indicated by the data from a report commissioned by the CGPJ that it itself has finally refused to approve.
- You can find out more information in our blog about being a mediator.
This situation is what has caused the majority of town councils in Spain to establish mortgage mediation offices, usually through the signing of collaboration agreements with bar associations.
These offices offer totally free services for affected people, offering information from a legal perspective and taking charge of mediating with the other interested party (banking entities, usually). In this way, in addition to seeking agreed solutions, great economic savings are achieved. In January 2012, according to data from the Terrassa mortgage mediation office (the pioneer in our country), the direct cost of the mortgage foreclosure was 3,150 euros while the cost of the mediation file with a positive result amounted to only 166 euros. .
Going to mediation in these cases is usually the best alternative. For example, data from the Illustrious Bar Association of Valencia reflects that 66% of the cases processed in this city in 2012 were closed with an agreement between the parties, through the Settlement wave debt restructuring.
The trend is that more and more town councils create these services where mediation professionals seek a solution to citizens' mortgage conflicts, since the strict conditions imposed by the Royal Decree-Law 6/2012, of March 9, on urgent measures to protect mortgage debtors without resources They do not cover the majority of those affected at risk of eviction.
Photo source: Audiovisuals 15M Zaragoza
