Irish mortgage and lending rates compare favourably with those in the rest of the euro zone, according to a new survey launched today by the financial service regulator.
The new credit statistics survey which is jointly published by the Central Bank and the Irish Financial Services Authority (IFSRA) allows comparison of lending rates across the euro zone also found that non-interest charges are significantly lower in Ireland.
However overdraft rates are higher for both business and households on Ireland than in the rest of the euro zone.
Mortgage rates fell in line with ECB rate cuts but rates for household consumption are volatile with no discernible patterns, the report finds.
While overdraft rates for business decreased in line with ECB rates between January and September, household overdrafts remained broadly unchanged over the period. Overdraft rates include any interest penalties incurred for exceeding agreed limits, and interest charges applied to credit cards.
Loans to business also showed significant decreases over the period. As expected, rates are lower in the larger size category. The rate changes for deposits with agreed maturity and deposits redeemable at notice are particularly close to ECB rate changes.
Irish credit figures for October will be released by the Central Bank on December 19th.