IT could be 2014 before the European Central Bank (ECB) raises rates again, according to an Irish Examiner survey.

TRACKER mortgage holders could be hit with up to five interest rate hikes by the end of next year — adding €150 a month to a €200,000 mortgage.

Experts are predicting further mortgage hikes for homeowners.

AN EXPECTED rise in interest rates coupled with continuing increases in unemployment could mean this will be the toughest year yet for homeowners struggling to pay mortgages, Ireland’s largest housing charity has warned.