Equity release referral service Key Partnerships has claimed that estate agents are increasingly helping customers who have been forced to sell their homes to pay off interest-only mortgages ahead of looming repayment deadlines.

Its research found that 43% of estate agents said the number of customers forced to sell to pay off interest-only mortgage debts has increased over the past two years.

Mortgage debt issues are particularly affecting older customers trying to downsize to less expensive houses to release cash. Key’s research found 73% of would-be downsizers are paying off mortgages.

Estate agents are regularly asked for advice and guidance on mortgages and remortgages by clients – 58% say clients want support on mortgages.

However, the survey found growing demand for potential solutions to interest-only mortgage repayment issues, such as lifetime mortgages, with just 50% of estate agents believing they know enough about the plans. 52% say they would be more likely to suggest equity release as a solution if they had a partnership with an independent expert adviser.

Council of Mortgage Lenders’ (CML) data shows the number of outstanding interest-only mortgages has fallen by more than a third since 2012 – but Key Partnerships said what is not evident for maturing loans is how they are actually being repaid. The evidence points to the fact that far too many are having to sell their homes to clear the outstanding debt, the firm said.

Will Hale, director at Key Partnerships, said: “Selling up to pay off an interest-only mortgage can make financial sense but it is worrying if older homeowners are being forced to sell and are not aware of all their options.

“Equity release enables people to stay in their home and not have to downsize, or even in extreme cases lose their house. Some lenders are engaging with equity release as a solution and we would urge others to follow.

“Estate agents are valued as a source of financial guidance and it is clear that those who can discuss equity release as an alternative to selling will be able to benefit from an additional revenue stream by referring potential clients to a specialist.”