First Time Buyer

HomeFirst Time Buyer

Halpin Wealth and Mortgages

One of the most important financial decisions you will take in your lifetime. Our team will guide you through every stage of the mortgage journey, from your initial conversation to getting the keys to your new home

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Buying your first home in Ireland

Important financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. Understanding how the mortgage process works in Ireland is the key to making the mortgage journey smooth and seamless as possible for you and your family.

How much can you borrow?

The Central Bank of Ireland sets lending rules. As a first-time buyer, you can typically borrow up to 4 times your gross annual income, and you will generally need a minimum deposit of 10% of the property's purchase price.

Getting mortgage ready

Before applying, lenders will assess your income, employment history, savings record, and existing financial commitments. Having at least six months of consistent savings and a clean credit history will significantly strengthen your application.

The process

Getting a mortgage in Ireland typically involves three stages: mortgage approval in principle, formal mortgage offer, and drawdown on closing. We guide you through every step, from your first conversation right through to getting the keys to your new home.

Quick Facts

Max BorrowingUp to 4x your gross annual income
Minimum Deposit10% of the purchase price
Help to BuyUp to €30,000 tax rebate on new builds
First Home SchemeA government-backed shared equity scheme that bridges the affordability gap between your mortgage, deposit, and purchase price
Savings and Account ManagementDemonstrate you can afford your mortgage through consistent savings habits and responsible spending
Typical Timeline for Mortgage Approval1–5 weeks from initial consultation to approval in principle
Insurances RequiredMortgage protection and building insurance are both required by the bank
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Government Support

Schemes Available to First Time Buyers

Ireland offers two government schemes specifically designed to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder.

Help to Buy (HTB)

A tax refund of up to €30,000 to help fund your deposit on a new-build property. Available to first-time buyers purchasing or self-building a new home.

Up to €30,000 tax rebate • New builds only • Property value max €500,000

You can claim back income tax paid over the previous four years. Your mortgage must be at least 70% of the purchase price to qualify.

Check eligibility at revenue.ie →

First Home Scheme (FHS)

A shared equity scheme where the Government and participating lenders bridge the gap between your deposit, your mortgage, and the property price.

Up to 30% equity support • New builds • Works alongside HTB

The State takes an equity stake in your home which you can buy back over time. Particularly useful if you have a deposit but the property price is just out of reach.

Learn more at firsthomescheme.ie →

The Journey

Your Mortgage Made Simple

We guide you every step of the way — from your first conversation to getting the keys.

Getting Ready
1
Starting your Journey

We begin with a conversation to understand your mortgage goals and how we can best support you in achieving them.

2
Mortgage Consultation

We discuss your options, gather your information, and explain the process ahead.

3
Mortgage Application

We search for the best mortgage options for your situation and submit your application.

Securing Your Mortgage
4
Getting Approved

Once we have your mortgage approval, the search for your new home begins.

5
Appoint a Solicitor

Your solicitor will look after all of the legal work required when buying a new home, including reviewing your letter of offer from the bank.

6
Property Valuation & Engineer's Report

Valuation is required from Bank & Engineers report may be required on the basis of the engineer report.

Getting Your Keys
7
Securing Your Cover

You will need mortgage protection and building insurance. The bank requires both to progress your mortgage.

8
Exchange of Contracts

The seller's solicitor will draw up a contract and send it to your solicitor to review.

9
Getting the Keys

You receive your keys and the home is officially yours.

Ready to take your first step?

Book a free, no-obligation consultation and we will walk you through everything.

Book a Free Consultation Start Your Application

First Time Buyer Mortgage Calculator

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These calculations are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Speak to a qualified financial advisor before making any decisions.

Got Questions?

First Time Buyer FAQs

As a first-time buyer in Ireland, you can typically borrow up to 4 times your gross annual income under Central Bank lending rules. You will also need a minimum deposit of 10% of the purchase price. We will assess your full financial picture and give you a realistic figure before you approach any bank.
Approval in Principle (AIP) is a written confirmation from a lender that they would be willing to lend you a certain amount, subject to full assessment. Most estate agents and vendors require it before accepting a bid. We can help you get an Approval in Principle quickly and from the most appropriate lender for you situation.
The Help to Buy (HTB) scheme allows first-time buyers of new build homes to claim back income tax paid over the previous four years, up to a maximum of €30,000, towards their deposit. The property must be a new build valued at €500,000 or less, and your mortgage must be at least 70% of the purchase price. We will guide you through the application process. Check eligibility at revenue.ie.
The First Home Scheme (FHS) is a shared equity scheme where the State and participating lenders bridge the gap between your deposit, your mortgage, and the property price. The State takes an equity share of up to 30% in your home, which you can buy back over time. It can be used alongside the Help to Buy scheme. Learn more at firsthomescheme.ie.
As a first-time buyer, you need a minimum deposit of 10% of the purchase price. For example, on a €350,000 property you would need at least €35,000. Lenders will want to see that you have built this up through consistent savings over at least 6 months. If you are buying a new build, the Help to Buy scheme may contribute up to €30,000 of this.
Beyond your deposit, you should budget for: Stamp Duty (1% of the purchase price for first-time buyers), solicitor fees (typically €1,500–€3,000), valuation fee (€150–€200), survey and engineer's report (€300–€600), mortgage protection insurance, home insurance, and moving costs. We will give you a clear breakdown at your consultation so there are no surprises.
Yes, mortgage protection is a requirement in Ireland when taking out a mortgage on your primary residence. It is a life insurance policy that pays off your outstanding mortgage balance if you die during the term. We compare protection policies across all providers to make sure you get the right cover at the best price, and we handle this as part of the same process as your mortgage.
From the initial appointment to obtaining an Approval in Principle it may take 1-5 weeks depending on your lender. Once you have an offer accepted the lead time for the completion of the purchase is approximately 8-12 weeks”. Having your AIP in place beforehand means you can move quickly when you find the right property.
Yes, absolutely. Self-employed applicants typically need 2–3 years of accounts, tax returns (Form 11), and evidence of consistent income. We have extensive experience helping self-employed first-time buyers and know which lenders are most flexible in this area.

Ready to Buy Your First Home?

Book a free, no-obligation consultation with our mortgage team today.

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Halpin Wealth Management Ltd. t/a Halpin Wealth and Mortgages is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. These pages are for information purposes only and do not constitute financial advice.