Abhaile mortgage arrears support has helped thousands of borrowers across Ireland access free financial and legal advice. The national service has marked its 10th anniversary with the publication of its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting the continued role of public services in helping households find solutions and, where possible, remain in their homes.
The announcement was made by the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration on 10 November 2026. Since Abhaile was established in 2016, it has assisted 34,640 borrowers across 30,330 households.
Abhaile mortgage arrears support reaches more than 34,000 borrowers
Abhaile provides tailored assistance to people experiencing serious mortgage difficulties. Its services include financial guidance, personal insolvency advice, legal consultations and practical support for borrowers involved in possession proceedings.
The 2025 figures show the scale of the service:
- MABS Dedicated Mortgage Arrears advisers supported 19,563 borrowers since 2016.
- Personal Insolvency Practitioners assisted 17,153 borrowers.
- Among those receiving Personal Insolvency Practitioner advice, 38% had a solution in place and 36% were progressing towards one.
- In 2025, 1,404 new borrowers received financial advice from a Dedicated Mortgage Arrears adviser.
- A total of 1,695 Personal Insolvency Practitioner vouchers and 530 solicitor consultation vouchers were issued during 2025.
Court Mentors supported 3,242 unrepresented borrowers at 370 possession hearings, while Duty Solicitors assisted a further 837 borrowers at 371 hearings.
Mortgage arrears have fallen, but support remains necessary
Data from the Central Bank shows that the number of borrowers in long-term mortgage arrears has declined. At the end of 2025, 13,043 accounts were more than two years in arrears, representing a 12.5% fall since December 2023 and a 66% decrease from the peak recorded in June 2015.
Despite this progress, the figures underline why Abhaile mortgage arrears support remains important. The service is funded and overseen by the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Justice, with delivery involving MABS, the Citizens Information Board, the Insolvency Service of Ireland, the Legal Aid Board and the Courts Service.
Read more: Irish public services and household support
Abhaile service extended to the end of 2027
Initially introduced as a three-year programme, Abhaile has received several extensions. The latest extension, approved in July 2023, allows the service to continue until the end of 2027, including the MABS Dedicated Mortgage Arrears service.
Support has continued into 2026. By the end of October, an additional 799 households had received assistance, while 972 Personal Insolvency Practitioner vouchers, 416 Legal Aid vouchers and other specialist supports had been issued.
Borrowers facing mortgage difficulties are encouraged to contact MABS through Abhaile as early as possible. Professional advice can help clarify available options and identify a realistic route towards resolving arrears.
Explore more: Ireland housing and financial guidance
What borrowers should know
Abhaile mortgage arrears support is free and is designed for borrowers who need help understanding their financial, insolvency or legal options. Assistance is tailored to individual circumstances and may include advice from MABS, a Personal Insolvency Practitioner, a solicitor, an accountant or court support services.
Information about the service is available through MABS at mabs.ie/en/abhaile. The key takeaway is clear: people experiencing mortgage arrears should seek advice promptly rather than face the situation alone. Abhaile mortgage arrears support remains available to help households work towards sustainable solutions.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie