Courts

Pepper Finance accused of ‘unconscionable’ attempts to increase mortgage interest after couple saw rates rise to 8.5%

Cork couple claim that Pepper’s imposition of a higher interest rate than that charged by original loan lender is unlawful

High Court: The case came before Mr Justice Mark Sanfey on an ex-parte basis this morning where John Kennedy, SC for the couple, said that the outcome of the case could affect thousands of other homeowners.

A Cork-based couple have launched High Court proceedings against Pepper Finance alleging that the firm made “unconscionable and unenforceable” increases on their mortgage interest rate.

Darren Hennessy and Emer Barrett, of Togher, County Cork, said the interest rates on loans they initially received from PTSB have risen to 8.5 per cent, which they said amounted to a difference of €7,400 a year in payments.

Pepper became the legal owner and servicer of the couple’s loans ...