Mortgage deal is to be welcomed

AT last some good news for homeowners struggling to pay mortgages and cope with increased taxes and reduced incomes.

Seven banks have been cleared to offer such homeowners a chance to "warehouse" or park part of their mortgage for a number of years, allowing vital breathing space for some families who may be seeking time to get their finances in order.

Some 116,000 mortgage holders are either in arrears for three months or longer or have had to do a deal with their bank to lower monthly repayments.

But the idea of splitting the mortgage comes at a price, with the banks planning to impose interest charges on the part being set aside, despite the objections of the Central Bank.

The split mortgage deals will be reviewed every three years.

Still the move is to be welcomed and widens the options available to both banks and homeowners before lenders move to repossess homes.