Almost half of people surveyed by Housing Predictor say they will walk away from home mortgages if housing prices continue to drop.

The poll found that 45% of respondents said they would walk away if prices continue to decline, marking a sharp increase from the last survey in October 2009. In that poll, only 32% of respondents said they would walk. Currently, one in four homeowners owe more than their home is presently worth.

Lenders may seek recourse from private individuals to collect debts owed for mortgages. But homestead laws and other protections protect individuals from debts on home loans in some states.