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First time buyers
We guide first-time buyers through every step from figuring out what you can borrow, to getting the keys in your hand. Free, expert advice.
Your First Mortgage
As a first-time buyer in Ireland, you can borrow up to 4× your gross annual salary or combined income if you're buying with a partner. Banks are stricter than ever about their lending rules, so working with a broker at least 6 months before you're ready puts you in the strongest position possible. We handle the lenders. You focus on finding your home.
First Time Buyer Calculator
Estimate how much you may be able to borrow and the property price you could afford.
The 123 of Getting a Mortgage
Tell Us Your Dream
Share your goals first home, moving up, or switching. We'll quickly assess what you can borrow, stress-free and clear.
We Handle the Hard Stuff
We compare 20+ lenders, negotiate the best rate, and manage all the paperwork on your behalf. You focus on finding home.
You Celebrate
Mortgage approved, signed, and drawn down. Keys in hand. Feet up. We'll even be here for your next move or remortgage.
Fixed or Variable Rate?
A fixed rate mortgage which doesn’t change for a set period of time, so you know exactly how much you pay every month. A variable rate mortgage has an interest rate that can change, so your payments may vary.
Warning: If you do not keep up your repayments you may lose your home. You may have to pay charges if you pay off a fixed rate loan early. The cost of you monthly repayments may increase.
First Time Buyer FAQs
What exactly is a mortgage?
As a first-time buyer in Ireland, you can borrow up to 4× your gross annual salary or combined income if you're buying with a partner. Banks are stricter than ever about their lending rules, so working with a broker at least 6 months before you're ready puts you in the strongest position possible. We handle the lenders. You focus on finding your home.
What qualifies as a first time buyer?
As a first-time buyer in Ireland, you can borrow up to 4× your gross annual salary or combined income if you're buying with a partner. Banks are stricter than ever about their lending rules, so working with a broker at least 6 months before you're ready puts you in the strongest position possible. We handle the lenders. You focus on finding your home.
How much money do I need as a deposit?
As a first-time buyer in Ireland, you can borrow up to 4× your gross annual salary or combined income if you're buying with a partner. Banks are stricter than ever about their lending rules, so working with a broker at least 6 months before you're ready puts you in the strongest position possible. We handle the lenders. You focus on finding your home.
What's a fixed rate mortgage?
As a first-time buyer in Ireland, you can borrow up to 4× your gross annual salary or combined income if you're buying with a partner. Banks are stricter than ever about their lending rules, so working with a broker at least 6 months before you're ready puts you in the strongest position possible. We handle the lenders. You focus on finding your home.
What's a variable rate mortgage?
As a first-time buyer in Ireland, you can borrow up to 4× your gross annual salary or combined income if you're buying with a partner. Banks are stricter than ever about their lending rules, so working with a broker at least 6 months before you're ready puts you in the strongest position possible. We handle the lenders. You focus on finding your home.
How much will my repayments be each month?
As a first-time buyer in Ireland, you can borrow up to 4× your gross annual salary or combined income if you're buying with a partner. Banks are stricter than ever about their lending rules, so working with a broker at least 6 months before you're ready puts you in the strongest position possible. We handle the lenders. You focus on finding your home.
How long does it take to get a mortgage?
As a first-time buyer in Ireland, you can borrow up to 4× your gross annual salary or combined income if you're buying with a partner. Banks are stricter than ever about their lending rules, so working with a broker at least 6 months before you're ready puts you in the strongest position possible. We handle the lenders. You focus on finding your home.
What's a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio?
As a first-time buyer in Ireland, you can borrow up to 4× your gross annual salary or combined income if you're buying with a partner. Banks are stricter than ever about their lending rules, so working with a broker at least 6 months before you're ready puts you in the strongest position possible. We handle the lenders. You focus on finding your home.
Why do I need a mortgage advisor?
As a first-time buyer in Ireland, you can borrow up to 4× your gross annual salary or combined income if you're buying with a partner. Banks are stricter than ever about their lending rules, so working with a broker at least 6 months before you're ready puts you in the strongest position possible. We handle the lenders. You focus on finding your home.
What exactly does a mortgage advisor do?
As a first-time buyer in Ireland, you can borrow up to 4× your gross annual salary or combined income if you're buying with a partner. Banks are stricter than ever about their lending rules, so working with a broker at least 6 months before you're ready puts you in the strongest position possible. We handle the lenders. You focus on finding your home.
Stories From First Timer Buyers

Sarah & Ciarán M.
Dublin, First-Time Buyers
"The team at Mortgage123 made the whole process so easy. We were first-time buyers with no idea where to start they walked us through everything and got us a great rate."

Patrick K.
Cork, Mortgage Switch
"The team at Mortgage123 made the whole process so easy. We were first-time buyers with no idea where to start they walked us through everything and got us a great rate."

Sarah & Ciarán M.
Dublin, First-Time Buyers
"The team at Mortgage123 made the whole process so easy. We were first-time buyers with no idea where to start they walked us through everything and got us a great rate."
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Seamus MTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The Mortgage 123 team & especially Zoe & Darragh were amazing, made the whole process, despite not being in country to do most of the paperwork, very smooth & clear to follow. Overall a 5 star experience!![]()
Cathal DTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Could not recommend Mortgage123 highly enough. They assisted us completely throughout our mortgage journey, in particular our advisors Derry and Julio.![]()
Iulia iTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We would highly recommend Therese Byrne. She was so helpful and supportive throughout the whole mortgage process. Always professional, friendly and quick to respond whenever we had questions. Thank you so much, Therese, for making the process so much easier for us!![]()
Colm MTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I couldn’t recommend the Mortgage123 team enough! As a first-time buyer, Aisling and Lisa were there for me from day 1 to closing date. They were so supportive and re-assuring the whole way through. I had a fantastic experience with them and will always be grateful.![]()
Conor LTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Lisa was incredibly supportive throughout the entire process. It was invaluable to have someone so organised and on the ball for us as first time buyers. Even when our purchasing journey took longer than expected, Lisa kept engaged and focused, and provided consistent communication throughout. I would highly recommend Mortgage123 as a broker to friends or family.![]()
Ronan KTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We received a great service from Kyle at Mortgage 123. He made the whole process as straightforward as possible and was very responsive any time we had a query or problem.![]()
Sandra STrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I highly recommend Mortgage123. Lisa and Aideen were incredibly professional, helpful, and supportive throughout the entire mortgage process. They made everything so straightforward and stress-free, always responding quickly and keeping us updated every step of the way. Thank you both for all your hard work and support. You made what could have been a very stressful process a really positive experience. We truly appreciate everything you did for us and would highly recommend you to anyone looking for a mortgage broker!![]()
Jordan PTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Needed information as we were trying to buy a house while living in the UAE before returning home to Ireland. Darragh was extremely knowledgable regarding the requirements needed for the Expat mortgage. He was able to guide us in the right direction and advised us on what specific documents were needed for our scenario before sending in our application. Once we got our Mortgage Approval in Principle, we then began working with Zoe. Both Zoe and Darragh were very helpful in following up with any issues that arose, regarding the particulars of our contract type and following up on money. Would definitely recommend to anybody looking to buy in Ireland from abroad who intends to buy before moving home.![]()
Jeremiah PTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had an excellent experience with Kara Johnson and Aideen McBrearty throughout our mortgage application. From the initial stages through to completion, they were highly professional, responsive, and supportive. They were always quick to respond to our queries and, importantly, took the time to explain everything clearly whenever we had questions or needed clarification. Their patience, attention to detail, and willingness to help made the entire process much easier and gave us confidence at every stage. The process was handled efficiently and professionally, and we greatly appreciated the consistent communication and support throughout. We would highly recommend Kara and Aideen to anyone looking for knowledgeable, professional, and customer-focused mortgage advisors. Jeremiah & Rhema![]()
Kun gTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had a very positive experience with my broker Derry Griffin throughout the process of purchasing my house. He was highly professional, helpful, and extremely supportive from start to finish. He explained everything clearly, kept me informed at each stage, and were always available to answer my questions. Buying a house can be a stressful process, but his guidance and attention to detail made everything much easier and gave me great peace of mind. I really appreciate all the hard work in helping me complete my house purchase. I would happily recommend the services to anyone looking for a reliable and professional mortgage broker.
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