These developments are especially disappointing given the stabilisation in labour market conditions. With employment rising by 1.1% in the year to Q1 2013, job cuts can no longer be blamed for the persistent and extended rise in arrears rates. Unfortunately, a confused regulatory approach, far too favourable to delinquent borrowers, has encouraged a weakening in payment discipline. Ireland now has significant numbers of solvent borrowers who can service their mortgage debt but choose not to do so.
Strategic non-payment of mortgage debt is probably more concentrated in the BTL sector, evident in banks' appointment of rent receivers to ensure rental income is not diverted. However, Central Bank Governor Patrick Honohan recently acknowledged that many delinquent owner occupiers in arrears are solvent. That is, they can pay their mortgages but have been slow to adjust their expenditure to their new circumstances, choosing instead to go into arrears on their mortgages.
Exacerbated by a confused regulatory response
The initial iterations of the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA) placed severe limitations on banks in contacting delinquent borrowers, breaking the golden rule that early engagement can avoid longer-term arrears. Furthermore, the government has only just passed legislation to address the 2011 Dunne ruling – preventing banks' from repossessing properties associated with delinquent loans. Without the credible threat of repossession and with limitations in contacting delinquent borrowers, it is not surprising that a weakening in mortgage payment discipline has emerged, especially with politicians encouraging unrealistic expectations for debt forgiveness.