February data indicates mortgage demand 'remains robust, with first-time buyers continuing to drive activity across the market', says BFI. Photograph: iStockThe value of mortgage approvals reached almost €1.2 billion in February, an increase of more than 10 per cent compared with the same period last year. It was also the highest February value since the data series began in 2011. The value of mortgage approvals rose by 24.4 per cent month-on-month and by 10.1 per cent year-on-year, reflecting the steady of increase of house prices over that period. BPFI chief executive Brian Hayes said: “First-time buyers continue to dominate the market, accounting for almost two-thirds of approvals valued at €765 million, the highest February first-time buyer levels on record.

Source: The Irish Times March 31, 2026 18:32 UTC