HOMEOWNERS are being warned not to switch to interest-only mortgages, take payment breaks or extend their mortgage terms to free up cash to pay other debts.

THE number of women in debt is on the increase according to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS).

HOMEOWNERS are putting their properties at risk by prioritising personal debts, such as credit cards, ahead of mortgage arrears, warns one industry expert.

THE taxpayer may foot part of the cost for the recent spate of rate increases by the bank and building societies, according to Eugene McDarby, chairman of Debt Management Association of Ireland.

Mortgage holders have been warned against accepting interest-only mortgages or mortgage moratoriums from their lender.