Irish central bank sees mortgage limits as permanent

Dublin

IRELAND'S central bank expects to make permanent controversial loan-to-value and loan-to-income limits on mortgage lending introduced last year, though the levels may be calibrated, the deputy governor said on Sunday.

Politicians from across the political spectrum have criticised the limits, which aim to avoid a repeat of the 2008 property crash, saying the required 20 per cent deposit puts house ownership beyond the means of many.