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Credit unions report 51 jump in mortgage lending in year to September

Credit unions fill the gap in affordable housing with significant growth in mortgage lending.

The Rise of Credit Union Lending

The Irish credit union sector has experienced a significant surge in mortgage lending over the past year, with a 51% increase in lending compared to the same period in the previous year. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing demand for affordable housing and the growing popularity of credit unions as a viable alternative to traditional banks.

Key Drivers of Growth

  • Increasing demand for affordable housing: The Irish housing market has experienced significant growth in recent years, with prices rising by over 50% in some areas.

    Credit unions benefit from Central Bank easing of restrictions on longer-term lending.

    2020 was a challenging year for the credit unions, with the COVID-19 pandemic causing significant disruptions to their operations. The Central Bank’s decision to ease restrictions on longer-term lending was seen as a positive move by the credit unions, as it would allow them to better manage their finances and invest in their businesses.

    The Impact of the Central Bank’s Decision

    The Central Bank’s decision to ease restrictions on longer-term lending has had a significant impact on the credit unions.

    Central Bank defends staged approach to scaling back lending limits to avoid disrupting economy.

    The Staged Approach to Scaling Back Limits

    The Central Bank’s decision to scale back its lending limits has been a topic of discussion among economists and policymakers. In a recent event, Central Bank deputy governor Sharon Donnery defended the staged approach to scaling back limits, citing the need for a gradual reduction in lending to avoid disrupting the economy.

    Key Points of the Staged Approach

  • The Central Bank aims to reduce lending limits by 1% each quarter, with the goal of reaching 80% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of The staged approach is designed to allow the economy to adjust to the reduced lending, minimizing the risk of a sharp contraction.

    This is a significant increase from the 2019 level of 24 per cent, which was €13.4 billion.

    The Rise of Non-Performing Loans

    The European Central Bank (ECB) has reported a substantial increase in non-performing loans (NPLs) across the sector. This rise is attributed to the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic led to a significant decline in economic activity, resulting in a substantial increase in loan defaults.

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