The YouGov poll for Shelter of more than 2000 people showed that 5.6% of respondents had resorted to using credit cards to meet their housing payments, up from 3.8% in November 2009, equivalent to 2.6m people.
The charity warned that using credit cards to meet mortgage and rent payments was an unsustainable situation and many people could be facing homelessness if they default on credit card payments.
Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter said: “This research brings into sharp focus how keeping a roof over their head has become a daily struggle for millions across the country.
“This is a totally unsustainable situation and one which we fear could see thousands more families pushed into the spiral of debt, eviction or repossession and ultimately homelessness.
“Using credit cards to pay the rent or mortgage is simply robbing Peter to pay Paul. With the average credit card interest rate now standing at over 16%, it is the worst possible course of action.”
The North West of England was particularly affected, with 5%, more than 295,000 people in the region, using credit cards for housing costs. This was up from 2% in November 2009.
Robb said: “Already someone faces the nightmare of losing their home every two minutes and we would urge every single one of these people now relying on credit to keep their home to seek advice urgently.”
