Mortgage Measures | Central Bank of Ireland (2024)

The mortgage measures are an essential element of the Central Bank’s macroprudential policy framework.

The mortgage measures aim to ensure sustainable lending standards in the mortgage market.

In doing so, the measures look to prevent the emergence of an unsustainable relationship between credit and house prices and ultimately support the resilience of borrowers, lenders and the broader economy.

The measures work by setting limits on the amount of money that people can borrow to buy residential property using loan-to-income (LTI) and loan-to-value (LTV) limits.

Loan-to-Income limit

Loan-to-Value limit

Allowances

Mortgage Measures | Central Bank of Ireland (1)

The Central Bank has set out the key principles of the framework for the macroprudential mortgage measures in its framework document.

The Central Bank regularly monitors the mortgage measures and housing markets more broadly and communicates its findings and judgements on these in its biannual Financial Stability Review.

Evolution of the mortgage measures 2015 - 2021

These measures were first introduced in 2015 and were reviewed on an annual basis until 2021.

The following provides previous reviews of the mortgage measures, associated research and Statutory Instruments.

Previous Reviews of Mortgage Measures

Research Papers

Previous Consultations

About the Mortgage Measures Framework Review

Over the course of 2021 and 2022, the Central Bank conducted a review of the mortgage measures framework. The purpose of the review was to ensure that the mortgage measures continue to remain fit for purpose, in light of the evolution of the financial system and the broader economy since the measures were first introduced in 2015.

The review considered the overall framework for, and strategy around, the mortgage measures. The conclusions of the review were informed by the Central Bank’s analysis of a wide range of evidence, lessons from international experience and the feedback received through engagement with the public and other stakeholders. The review concluded in October 2022 with the publication of the revised framework for macroprudential mortgage measures.

For further information see: Mortgage Measures Framework Review

See also:

  • Explainer – What are the Mortgage Measures?
  • Mortgage Measures - FAQ
  • Central Bank of Ireland's framework for macroprudential mortgage measures
Mortgage Measures | Central Bank of Ireland (2024)

FAQs

What are the central bank rules for mortgages in Ireland? ›

Loan-to-income limit

The Central Bank's rules limit the maximum amount someone can borrow. This is four times your gross annual income if you're a first-time buyer and 3.5 times your gross annual income if you're a second-time or subsequent buyer. The same rules apply regardless of how much you earn.

What are the new rules for mortgages in Ireland? ›

What Are The New Mortgage Rule Changes? Prospective first time home buyers will be able to borrow up to four times their income when applying for a mortgage, as of January 2023. As a result, this will make owning a home more attainable, especially for those on lower income salaries or single applicants, for example.

Who took over KBC mortgages? ›

In February, Bank of Ireland completed the acquisition of KBC assets including a loan portfolio of €7.8bn and €1.8bn in deposits. The vast majority of that loan portfolio, €7.6bn, were mortgages.

What are mortgage measures? ›

The mortgage measures aim to ensure sustainable lending standards in the mortgage market. In doing so, the measures look to prevent the emergence of an unsustainable relationship between credit and house prices and ultimately support the resilience of borrowers, lenders and the broader economy.

What is the Bank of Ireland mortgage scandal? ›

On 27 September 2022, the Central Bank of Ireland (the “Central Bank”) reprimanded and fined The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland (“Bank of Ireland”) €100,520,000 pursuant to its Administrative Sanctions Procedure (“ASP”) for a series of significant and long-running failings in respect of 15,910 tracker ...

What is the 3 rule for mortgages? ›

If you really want to keep your personal finances easy to manage don't buy a house for more than three times(3X) your income. If your household income is $120,000 then you shouldn't be buying a house for more than a $360,000 list price.

Does Ireland have 30 year mortgages? ›

The leading score on rate, whilst not dropping many points on the basis of flexibility, makes Avant Money's 15-30 year Fixed rates the best mortgage rates Ireland 2024 choice overall across all loan to values and also the best fixed mortgage rates in our comparison of the whole mortgage market.

What is the 5 year rule for mortgages? ›

The 5 year rule for home ownership refers to the requirement that individuals must have owned and used their home as their primary residence for at least 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years in order to qualify for certain tax benefits, such as the capital gains exclusion.

Why is it hard to get a mortgage in Ireland? ›

If you have a history of bad credit, you may struggle to obtain mortgage approval. This can happen if you didn't pay off previous loans, or missed repayments in the past. When you apply for a mortgage, a lender will run a check to view your credit history on the Central Credit Register (CCR).

Is KBC Bank closing in Ireland? ›

As KBCI (now Exicon) would no longer be operating in the Irish market, on the 25th May 2023 KBCI (now Exicon) and KBC Bank NV (Exicon's Belgian parent company), acting through its branch in Ireland agreed the transfer of any remaining accounts and servicing activity to KBC Bank NV Dublin Branch (“KBC Dublin Branch”).

Who owns KBC Bank Ireland? ›

Who is the main owner of KBC? ›

The rights to the show are owned by Sony Television in India, and it is estimated that the show generates a significant amount of revenue through advertising and sponsorships. In terms of TRPs (television rating points), KBC has been one of the highest rated shows in India, especially during its early seasons.

What are the new mortgage rules in Ireland? ›

Central Bank announces targeted changes to Mortgage Measures Framework. Changes follow a comprehensive review, including engagement with the public. New rules will take effect in January 2023. First-time buyers will be able to borrow up to 4 times their gross income.

What is the golden rule of mortgage? ›

The 28/36 rule is a calculation that helps you know how large a mortgage you can afford. Lenders want your housing costs to be 28% or less of your income, and for all your expenses to be under 36% of your pay.

What is the minimum mortgage amount in Ireland? ›

What's the minimum amount I can borrow? The minimum loan amount you can borrow for a mortgage is €40,000. The minimum loan amount for further advances is €25,000.

Who regulates mortgages in Ireland? ›

With the mortgage measures, the Central Bank aims to ensure sustainable lending standards in the mortgage market.

Is Finance Ireland regulated by the Central Bank? ›

Finance Ireland Credit Solutions Designated Activity Company, trading as Finance Ireland Residential Mortgages, Finance Ireland Agri, Finance Ireland Leasing, Finance Ireland Commercial Mortgages and Finance Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

How does the Central Bank of Ireland work? ›

The Central Bank of Ireland serves the public interest by safeguarding monetary and financial stability and by working to ensure that the financial system operates in the best interests of consumers and the wider economy. Our Strategy outlines how the Central Bank will deliver on its mandate in the coming three years.

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