Data released by the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland revealed that mortgage approvals have gone up 35% May of this year in comparison to May of 2016.

 

There were a total of 4,124 mortgages approved in May, with a combined value of €884 million. This represents an increase of 1,078 mortgages and a €275 value compared to May of 2016.

 

This increase in mortgage approvals is likely caused by lower interest rates and by greater general confidence in the economy. It also represents a continuously growing demand in the housing market, and a supply that is slowly but surely catching up.

 

First time buyer mortgage approvals in particular are up 45.8%, the value of such mortgages also saw an even more dramatic increase of 60.7% compared to May of last year. This indicates growing confidence on the part of borrowers. First time buyers are purchasing more expensive housing and are seeing housing prices rise.

 

It is likely that mortgage approvals will continue to go up in the next few months as construction picks up and as the mortgage market heats up. Bank of Ireland cut its interest rates on the 15th of this month, and was the fourth lender to do so within the past two months. This signals greater competition between lenders in the market, which will greatly benefits home seekers.

 

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/mortgage-approvals-rise-by-45-in-may-by-value-1.3137698