Conor Power suggests rising house prices could be a good thing and bemoans what he sees as our reverse negativity

Banks offering interest-only mortgages and other incentives to buy-to-let investors would help stabilise rents, Finance Minister Michael Noonan said, adding that the jump in Dublin house prices was not a cause for concern yet.

Rents in Dublin grew by 3.5% in the first quarter of the year - according to the latest index from the Private Residential Tenancies Board.

Irish households last month funnelled over €500m more back into the banks than lending institutions gave to stimulate economic activity, according to the Central Bank.

The banks are massaging their mortgage lending figures in an effort to meet their targets, according to members of the country’s leading brokers’ organisations.

Property prices could fall another 20% but may yet stabilise, ratings agency Fitch said in its outlook for 2013.

The Government is moving to close a loophole which stopped banks from repossessing homes.

There are so many voices advocating for the interests of property owners that another even more sizeable group in our society is completely ignored.

AIB has relaxed its lending conditions for people seeking a mortgage, in a move that will see more people qualifying.

Confusion over the possibility of the introduction of full or partial debt-forgiveness is increasing.

It has been reported that NAMA is entering debt forgiveness talks with a number of property developers.

BANKS have been accused of “cherry-picking” who they want to give mortgages to as brokers claim people can’t secure loans despite the number of applications increasing.

A HOMEOWNER could save thousands over the lifetime of their mortgage by increasing their repayments by €100 per month.

Mortgage lenders are today reported to be considering a proposal, offering tracker mortgage-holders credit for additional payments.

PERCHED on a chair overlooking a wood panel-lined room in Dublin’s High Court, a bespectacled Judge Elizabeth Dunne has become all-too-used to hearing from the victims of Ireland’s economic meltdown.

There is bad news for thousands of homeowners across the country today.

Experts are predicting further mortgage hikes for homeowners.

HOMEOWNERS could be hit by mortgage increases as soon as this month as experts predict a 1% hike and an end to fixed-rate loans.

HOMEOWNERS are likely to be hit by increases in mortgage interest rates in the first few months of the new year as lenders aim to claw back some of their massive losses.

Holders of variable rate mortgages should brace themselves for an increase in the rate next year, according to the company Irish Mortgage Brokers.

BANKS and building societies in Ireland are agreeing to cut loan and mortgage repayments by up to 90% for customers in genuine financial difficulty.

HOMEOWNERS have seen the cost of their mortgages rise sharply in the last year with an average 250k mortgage repayment rising by up to €130 a month.

The Government has denied claims that it didn't listen or respond to its own banking watchdog.

A warning has been issued that predicted increases in mortgage interest rates will push many homebuyers into debt.

IF the Government and banks do nothing to help the 30,000 house owners who are having serious difficulties paying their mortgage it could cost more in the long run.