ICS Building Society today reported a 17 per cent rise in pre-tax profits last year on the back of unabated mortgage demand.
The Bank of Ireland owned-firm said profits came in at €80 million, with the mortgage book growing 26.9 per cent to €3.4 billion in the 12 months to December 2003.
In a statement ICS, which operates the Mortgage Store retail chain, said new mortgage advances were up 25.6 per cent at €1.2 billion.
Earnings from fees and commissions also showed a significant increase, up 26.2 per cent to €40 million.
ICS managing director, Mr Joe Larkin anticipated that house price rises should "stabilise" in 2004 due to expected new house completions.
