Finance Solutions, the mortgage broking division of global financial services firm Howden Group, has secured record mortgage approvals totalling €1.26 billion in 2025, representing 56 per cent growth on the previous year. The Dublin-based broker, which holds 13 per cent of the Republic's mortgage market, assisted 4,128 people in purchasing homes whilst advancing towards its €2 billion lending target by 2027.

The Irish Times reported that borrowers drew down €845 million in mortgages during the year, with brokers now accounting for close to half the total home loan market.

The average loan approved stood at €358,170, with three-quarters of borrowers classified as first-time buyers. One in three approvals were for solo applicants, whilst first-time buyers borrowed an average of 82 per cent of their properties' value.

Conor McGowan, managing director of Finance Solutions, said clients were approaching the company earlier in the home-buying process. "Not just when they are ready to apply, but when they are planning and saving," he added.

McGowan noted that many prospective buyers assumed banks were their only borrowing option, whilst brokers provide access to the entire market rather than a single lender. The company recommends clients contact brokers during the planning stage rather than waiting until they have identified a property.

Finance Solutions, established in 2011, forms part of Howden Group, which employs more than 20,000 staff globally. Howden operates mortgage divisions across the Republic, United Kingdom, Denmark, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong, alongside its core general insurance broking business.

Access the full story of Finance Solutions' record performance and market positioning in Ireland's mortgage sector.