THE EBS Building Society increased its share in the affordable housing market from 40 per cent at the start of 2009 to 46 per cent this year, having provided 1,100 loans to first-time buyers under the scheme last year.

The building society now hold the biggest share in the affordable housing sector, having provided in excess of €150 million in loans to first-time buyers participating in the Affordable Housing Scheme in 2009.

Dara Deering, the director of membership business at EBS, said that the company was committed to working with local authorities and providing continuing funding for the sector although the amount available under the 2010 fund has not yet been confirmed by the building society.

The fund, which was launched by the building society in January last year, is available to buyers seeking to purchase their first homes through the Affordable Housing Scheme.