Bank of Ireland €1bn mortgage finance 2012

The bank’s new mortgage lending in the second half of 2012 represented a 65pc increase on the value of mortgages advanced in the first half of the year.

“We are seeing early and positive signs of improving consumer confidence and an increasing desire to purchase a home amongst our customers,” said Jonathan Byrne, director consumer banking at Bank of Ireland.

“Our mortgage advisors in our branches have seen an increase in the level of inquiries from potential home buyers. Bank of Ireland has a strategic imperative to support customers who are seeking mortgage finance.”

Bank of Ireland has also released some insights into the profile of first time buyers who obtained their mortgage through the bank in 2012.

According to the bank, there are indicators of an improving mortgage market. At an industry level, on a year-on-year basis new mortgage lending in the third quarter of 2012 was up 7pc.  This is the first quarter since Q4 2006 to deliver positive year-on-year growth.