HFA posts 26% increase in lending activity in first half

The Housing Finance Agency, which provides financing to support the delivery of social and affordable homes, has reported a 26% increase in lending activity for the first half of this year.

The HFA said its funding supported the delivery of 2,611 homes in the first half of 2026.

Figures published today show that the agency advanced more than €750m in new lending in the first six months of this year, which supported the delivery of 1,954 social homes and 657 Cost Rental homes.

It also said the outlook for further housing delivery remains strong as it approved almost €700m in new funding during the six month period.

This will support the planned delivery of a further 2,702 social and affordable homes in the coming years.

Publishing its annual report for 2025 today, the HFA said it advanced a total of €2.1 billion in new lending for the year, an increase of 44% on the previous year.

Together with support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, it said this funding contributed to the delivery of 4,769 social and 1,068 Cost Rental homes.

The HFA also approved more than €2.1 billion in new loans in 2025, supporting the provision of 7,660 homes nationwide.

€500,000 in funding was also awarded through the HFA’s Social Impact Fund which supports community-enhancing initiatives, including community cafes, children’s creativity programmes and communal spaces for elderly residents.

After a successful round of applications, the fund was increased to €750,000 for 2026.

Deirdre Collier, the HFA’s chief executive, said the agency’s financing supported the delivery of 5,837 social and affordable homes, accounting for 16% of all homes delivered nationally and providing new homes for more than 12,000 people last year.

“These results demonstrate what can be achieved through a shared commitment to delivering homes and building communities across Ireland,” Ms Collier said.

“That strong level of activity has continued into 2026, demonstrating the scale of the contribution HFA financing is making to housing delivery across Ireland,” the CEO said.

“As the scale and ambition of housing delivery increases, access to the right financing will continue to be critical. We will continue to work closely with our customers and partners to support projects, unlock delivery and help meet Ireland’s housing needs,” she added.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said it is essential that Approved Housing Bodies and local authorities have access to the financing they need to maintain the delivery of social and affordable housing at scale and help achieve the Government’s housing objectives.

“It’s important to remember that behind these figures are real people with real stories. Thousands of individuals and families who now have a secure place to call home, with keys in their hands and the certainty and dignity of having your own front door,” the Minister said.

“We know that housing delivery is not easy. It is a team effort that requires commitment, persistence, and partnership, and the Housing Finance Agency will continue to play a key role within that in the years ahead,” he added.