Abhaile marks a decade supporting mortgage borrowers

Abhaile celebrates 10 years of vital support for mortgage borrowers The national mortgage arrears resolution service, Abhaile, marked its tenth anniversary with the publication of its 2025 Annual Report. Since its inception in 2016, Abhaile has offered free financial and legal advice tailored to individual circumstances, assisting borrowers in resolving mortgage arrears and staying in their homes. The service is jointly overseen and funded by the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and is delivered through a partnership of organisations including the Citizens Information Board, Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), Insolvency Service of Ireland, Legal Aid Board, and the Courts Service.

Key achievements and statistics

The 2025 report highlights that since 2016, Abhaile has supported over 34,000 borrowers, representing more than 30,000 households. The MABS Dedicated Mortgage Arrears (DMA) service has assisted 19,563 borrowers, while the Personal Insolvency Practitioner (PIP) service has supported 17,153 borrowers. Of those receiving advice from PIPs, 38% had a resolution in place by the end of 2025, with a further 36% progressing towards a solution.

In 2025 alone, the service helped 1,404 first-time borrowers with financial advice through MABS, issued 1,695 vouchers for PIP assistance, and provided 530 legal aid vouchers for solicitor consultations. Additionally, Court Mentors supported 3,242 unrepresented borrowers at 370 possession hearings, and Duty Solicitors assisted 837 borrowers at 371 hearings.

Central Bank data reveals a significant decline in long-term mortgage arrears, with the figure dropping by 12.5% since December 2023 to 13,043 accounts by the end of 2025 — a 66% decrease since the peak in June 2015. Despite this improvement, Abhaile continues to assist those still in long-term arrears.

Ongoing commitment and future outlook

The Government has extended Abhaile’s operation to the end of 2027, reflecting its ongoing importance. The Programme for Government commits to continuing support for Abhaile to help people overcome mortgage arrears.

Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, emphasised the service’s crucial role: “Abhaile continues to provide vital support to those facing the most challenging of circumstances, ensuring access to free and expert advice to help keep people in their homes.”

Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD, added: “Abhaile is a strong example of a joined-up approach to service delivery involving specialist agencies, public bodies and Government Departments, providing critical supports during difficult times.”

Up to October 2026, the service has continued to see uptake with an additional 799 households supported, 972 PIP vouchers, 416 legal aid vouchers, and other assistance provided.

For more information, borrowers are encouraged to visit the official MABS website at https://www.mabs.ie/en/abhaile to access support and advice.

Summary of Abhaile’s key details:

• Overseen and funded by the Departments of Social Protection and Justice
• Provides free financial and legal advice to help borrowers resolve mortgage arrears
• Established in 2016 initially for three years, with extensions now through 2027
• Has supported over 34,000 borrowers since inception
• Continues to actively assist borrowers in long-term arrears
• Ongoing awareness campaigns promote available supports

Abhaile remains a cornerstone in Ireland’s efforts to address mortgage arrears and keep families in their homes during challenging financial times.