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.

A bid to abolish the property tax and replace it with a site valuation charge once back in power has been rejected by Fianna Fáil.

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

Homeowners are being urged to respond to the Revenue Commissioners immediately with a counter-valuation for the Property Tax.

The Independent Mortgage Advisers Federation has denied claims by financial adviser Karl Deeter that up to a quarter of mortgage holders in arrears are voluntarily allowing their mortgages to slip towards default.

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

THE Government must get its priorities right and deliver on an important tax law change that is penalising some pension payers.

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.

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

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

NEGATIVE equity loans could kick-start the housing market at a time when 50,000 homeowners are expected to struggle to keep up mortgage payments.

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.

BANKS may be forced to write off millions of euro to help homeowners stuck in negative equity.