Irish Mortgage Arrears Fall to Lowest Since 2009 Amid Restructuring Uptick

Recent data shows a continued decline in mortgage arrears, with principal dwelling mortgage accounts in arrears over 90 days dropping to their lowest level since 2009, standing at 3.5% of all home accounts. The Central Bank reported a 13% annual decrease in these arrears, with long-term arrears falling by 10%, while mortgage restructures slightly increased, marking the first rise since early 2023. Mortgage approvals in August 2025 were down 17% from July but still reflected a high annualized mortgage value, driven mainly by first-time buyers whose average mortgage values increased. In the U.S., existing home sales dipped slightly but saw a 2% rise in median sales price year-over-year, with affordability improving modestly due to declining mortgage rates and rising incomes despite persistent challenges from high home prices and limited inventory. While mortgage payment levels in the U.S. fell for the fourth consecutive month, affordability remains strained by elevated home prices and hesitant sellers reducing market inventory. Overall, both Ireland and the U.S. housing markets show signs of easing stress in arrears and mortgage payments, though economic uncertainties and price pressures continue to affect market dynamics.