Buying property in Ireland as a newcomer is very achievable — but the process has its quirks. From getting mortgage approval to paying stamp duty, this guide walks you through every step.
3 guides in this topic
How the Irish mortgage process works — from approval in principle to drawdown — and what lenders look for from newcomers.
7 min read
The Help to Buy scheme gives first-time buyers of new-build homes a tax rebate of up to €30,000. Here's exactly how to qualify and apply.
5 min read
Yes. There are no restrictions on non-Irish nationals purchasing property in Ireland. EU citizens have identical rights to Irish citizens. Non-EU nationals can also buy property freely — your immigration status doesn't affect your right to purchase. What matters is your ability to get a mortgage, which depends on your employment history and residency in Ireland.
Irish banks generally require you to have been in permanent employment in Ireland for a minimum of 6–12 months before they'll approve a mortgage. Most lenders want at least 2 years of Irish tax history (P60s/P21s). You'll also need a strong credit history — if you're new to Ireland, start building it early (credit union savings account, credit card used and cleared monthly).
The Central Bank of Ireland imposes mortgage lending rules: first-time buyers can borrow up to 4x their gross income, and must have a minimum deposit of 10% of the purchase price. Second and subsequent buyers need a 20% deposit.
The Help to Buy (HTB) scheme is a tax rebate for first-time buyers of new-build homes. It gives you back up to €30,000 (or 10% of the purchase price, whichever is lower) of income tax and DIRT tax you've paid in the previous four years. You must be buying a new-build home valued under €500,000. The rebate is paid directly to the builder. Apply through Revenue's myAccount — you need a verified MyGovID to apply.
To qualify, you must not have previously purchased or built a home, and the property must be your principal private residence.
How the Irish mortgage process works — from approval in principle to drawdown — and what lenders look for from newcomers.
The Help to Buy scheme gives first-time buyers of new-build homes a tax rebate of up to €30,000. Here's exactly how to qualify and apply.
From making an offer to getting the keys — a plain guide to how buying a home in Ireland works, step by step.