Nearly half a million Britons missed a mortgage payment over the last six months, new research has revealed.

A study conducted by price comparison website MoneyExpert.com has shown around 463,000 people failed to make a monthly payment during the last half a year, prompting experts to urge immediate action.

Sean Gardner, chief executive of MoneyExpert.com, asserted that missing such a payment is a very bad sign as paying for their home is most people’s main priority.

"It’s clear that many homeowners are feeling the strain of successive interest rate hikes but if the result is that you can’t pay your mortgage then you should take action immediately," he stated.

Anyone struggling with their finances should be proactive about tackling their money problems, Mr Gardner continued.

Last year, homelessness charity Shelter revealed that one million householders, particularly younger people, had been forced to use a credit card to meet their mortgage or rent payment in the 12 months to October.