Applying for a mortgage online is now a possibility and more and more people are comparing the various lenders through their Websites.

The most recent launch was AIB's two weeks ago. Potential AIB customers can now work out repayments of any given loan amount across a broad range of variable and fixed rates. They can compare the rates with what is on offer from competitors and can even make the mortgage application online.

Irish Permanent will also go some way down this route although it will be a few weeks before it has its site up and running properly again.

Bank of Ireland offers a more basic service, as does EBS.

The lenders are hoping that the Irish experience will prove similar to what is going on in the US, where up to 50 per cent of all mortgage applications are now initiated on the Internet and a presence is vital. In Ireland, some lenders do not even have an Internet presence. The AIB Website allows customers to receive an immediate "mortgage in principle" decision as well as the ability to submit a mortgage application via the Internet or phone.

It guarantees a sanctioned decision within 36 hours, provides information on both the process of buying a house and an economic analysis and forecast on the future. AIB, which currently provides the most advanced service, will ask questions about basic income and loan to value and if you fit as a straightforward customer you will be able to proceed with a detailed application. Those who are looking for a little extra will still need to go through their branch. A word of warning, though. It is important to remember not to use commas as AIB's software does not recognise them.

However, at the end of this stage you will have to speak to a customer representative. The bank says it still likes the human contact and feels more secure about money laundering requirements with this in place. The service has only been on offer for over a week and thus few applications have gone all the way. However, a spokesman for the bank says it is particularly happy with the quality of the loan applications it is receiving on line. Irish Permanent also has an online calculation facility as well as approval in principle. It is now updating the calculator which will then be able to work out the cost of mortgage protections and life assurance polices and add this to the total amount.

DESPITE having an award-winning Website, Bank of Ireland's mortgage information is not as developed. Its site features information about mortgages, costs, and steps to take in order to obtain a mortgage. ICS also allows approval in principle.

The EBS Website also has a mortgage calculator and a broad range of information about the different products. One problem is that no mortgage provider can actually take any application through to the finishing stages, as a signature is still needed. However, legislation is due over the coming months which should make an electronic signature valid.

At the moment, supporting documentation is also paper-based such as P60s, letters from employers and bank statements. But this too is likely to change.

Most of the lenders are likely to be coming out with enhancements to their service and within a year, it should be possible to get a mortgage without leaving your computer.