LENDING by the banks plunged in April while there was also a drop in consumer deposits.

ULSTER Bank is hiking its standard variable mortgage rates in a move that will add around €100 onto the monthly repayments of a €300,000 loan.

THE Government has been urged to provide long-term solutions immediately to mortgage holders in difficulty.

HOUSE prices have hit bottom, according to one of the world’s leading credit rating agencies — but it will be a few years before the market picks up.