According to housing charity, Shelter, this is an increase of 44%.

1.4m people are also said to be falling behind on their monthly rent or mortgage payments.

The report, conducted by YouGov for the charity, highlighted the increasing number of people using payday lenders to help pay their rent or mortgage each month.

Campbell Robb, Shelter’s Chief Executive, said: “It’s shocking to think that so many families will be starting the New Year with a huge weight hanging over them, trapped in a daily struggle to keep their home.

“Payday loans may seem like a quick fix, but the huge interest charges mean things can quickly spiral out of control. It’s vital that anyone who’s having difficulty paying their rent or mortgage gets advice now.

“Don’t wait until things reach breaking point later in the year – it could leave your family’s home at risk.”

Shelter is urging those who are worried to visit their free, online advice pages, to avoid putting their home at risk.

Shelter says that the government’s austerity measures will affect even more families in the coming year, alongside rising energy prices and the cost of the living.

Brits are also being warned of the dangers of turning to short-term, high interest credit as a way to help meet housing costs.

According to the latest YouGov’s UK Household Economic Activity Tracker (HEAT), nearly 30% of those polled felt that their financial situation got worse last month, while 43% worry that their situation will get worse in the next 12 months.

Almost a third said that they had less cash to spend last month than in November.