In the first six months of this year, home loans

made by the Catholic Building Society rose by 24 per cent, according to a report issued by the society last week.
The report points out that this increase was achieved during a period when most building societies lent up to 20 per cent less, and was made without any assistance from Government funds as the CBS was not participating in the scheme to make funds available to the societies.
During the period the society's assets increased by nearly 9 per cent, from £1 As: .000 to £1,613,000. Sas ings invested during the six months were £332,639, against £265,009 in the same period of last year, and savings withdrawn totalled £192,310 (£139,427).
Statistics of home loans to June 30 of this year showed that the average price of houses and flats bought by families and young couples dropped to £10,636, compared with £11,343 from January to December last year.
The report continues: "The corresponding reduction in the average home loan, though small, produces a reduction of nearly £4 monthly in repayments on a 25-year loan." About 73 per cent of the amount ,advanced for home loans was to members buying their first house or flat, compared with 71 per cent in 1973, says the report.
"The society continues to give maximum priority to first purchasers, In addition, 27 per cent of the amount advanced was to women, compared with 17 per cent in 1973." The report says that after a sharp fall in the inflow of savings in March and April, higher interest levels on savings were introduced, restoring the position.
"The level of savings in July is high, and if maintained should allow a continued increase in the level of home loans to achieve a target increase for 1974 of 30 per cent more than 1973. The society has a long waiting list for loans, and demand continues at a high level.
"After prolonged negotiations the composite rate of tax paid by building societies on behalf of their inve,stors has been increased from 23.5 per cent to 26.5 per cent. This increase is back-dated to January I, 1974, in the society's case, and will cost over £5,000 for the full year."