Frank Conway

There has been no rush to fixed-rate mortgages despite signs providers are beginning to back away from the low rates currently on the market. Moves by AIB to increase rates on longer term fixed-rate mortgages, where it is the market leader, prompted speculation the banks are increasing rates in anticipation of an ECB rate increase. However, sources say a rate rise remains some way off for those on trackers or variable mortgages and the increases in the fixed rate were prompted by increases in interbank lending fixed rates which are now falling back somewhat.

Frank Conway of the Irish Mortgage Corporation said queries on fixed rates had increased but consumers are playing a waiting game. "They want to enjoy their low mortgage payments for as long as they can," he said.