First Home Buyer Guide in Ireland 2026

Your First Home in Ireland — Where to Start

Buying your first home in Ireland is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. The process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear steps makes it manageable. This guide covers everything from saving your deposit to collecting the keys.

Saving for Your Deposit

Most lenders in Ireland require a deposit of 10% minimum for FTBs of the property price. The more you save, the better your loan terms and the less you pay in additional costs.

Save consistently for 6+ months before applying — banks assess your savings pattern. Open a dedicated savings account and set up standing orders on payday. The LTI cap means your savings discipline matters as much as the amount

Government Support for First-Time Buyers

Help to Buy (HTB) provides a tax refund of up to €30,000 for first-time buyers of new homes. The First Home Scheme provides shared equity of up to 30%. The Local Authority Home Loan offers below-market fixed rates for lower-income applicants. These can provide €20,000-60,000+ in support

Check our government grants guide for the full list of current programmes and eligibility requirements.

Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Pre-approval tells you exactly how much you can borrow and shows sellers you are a serious buyer. In Ireland, the process works as follows.

Get Approval in Principle (AIP) before house hunting — estate agents increasingly require this. Apply 6 months before you plan to buy. Check both main banks (BOI, AIB, PTSB) and newer entrants (Avant Money, Finance Ireland) for the best fixed rates

Use our mortgage calculator to model different scenarios before applying. Read our mortgage types guide to understand which loan product suits your situation.

Understanding the Full Cost of Buying

The purchase price is just the beginning. Budget for additional costs that can add significantly to your total outlay.

Stamp duty of 1% on properties up to €1 million (2% above that). Read our buying costs guide for a complete breakdown of every expense.

Common First-Time Buyer Mistakes

Not understanding the LTI cap (4x gross income for FTBs) which is usually the binding constraint, not applying for HTB before committing to a new build, underestimating how quickly properties sell in Dublin (hesitation loses deals), and not checking Avant Money and Finance Ireland alongside the big three banks

Avoid these pitfalls by taking your time, doing thorough research, and leaning on qualified professionals throughout the process. Our property inspection checklist covers what to check before committing.

Your Step-by-Step Timeline

The typical first home purchase follows these stages: establish your budget and savings target, explore government support options, get pre-approved for financing, search for the right property, make an offer, complete legal due diligence and inspections, and finalise settlement.

Our property buying guide walks through each stage in detail, and our mortgage guide covers everything about financing.

Next Steps

Ready to start? Use our mortgage calculator to see what you can afford, browse Ireland FAQs for quick answers, or explore our full property buying guide.