GOOD news for home buyers and switchers.

Bantry Credit Union is now doing mortgages.

It is one of a network of credit unions nationwide who are offering a new standard mortgage product under the ‘Credit Union Mortgages’ brand.

Bantry Credit Union CEO Finbarr O’Shea said: ‘We are very excited to be bringing a new mortgage product to our members who have been crying out for years for more choice in the mortgage market.

‘Now there really is a new way home, with a mortgage from your local credit union. This new product combines the benefits of a national standardised offering with all the much-loved features of a credit union loan.’

Finbarr explained that the mortgage team in Bantry is being headed up by Peadar Noonan, who joined the credit union two years ago as lending and business development manager.

From Dunmanway, Peadar has 25 years’ experience working in retail banking in West Cork.

This includes ten years as mobile mortgage manager with Ulster Bank. Bantry Credit Union’s loans officer Katrina Lynch and Finbarr are working with Peadar on the mortgage team.

‘We have made the process as simple as possible,’ Peadar said.

‘We believe that getting a mortgage should feel exciting, not overwhelming. So we will be with the member every step of the way, from initial chat through to drawing down their mortgage.’

The mortgage is designed to fit a variety of needs including those of first-time buyers, movers, switchers and self-builders.

Decisions are made locally and Bantry CU sets its own competitive mortgage rates.