Buying Your First Home

By the Daft team

1. How much can you afford?
The first step in buying a home is figuring out how much you can afford. The amount that you can borrow will vary from institution to institution. The amount you can borrow is influenced by your credit rating and any existing debts that you may have. Most lending institutions will not let you borrow more than 92% of the value of the property. So you should have some amount of savings prior to loan application.

(AIB – Maximum loan to is 92% of purchase price or valuation, whichever is cheaper)

(BOI – The maximum mortgage is normally 90% of the property value.)

You should shop around the different banks, building societies, brokers and credit unions for the mortgage product that suits you best.

When successful with a mortgage application you will be given "Approval in Principle". This is how much the lending institution is prepared to give you (in principle - i.e. terms and conditions apply). You now know how much you can afford but you should take into account the costs of buying a home before you go house hunting.

2. Cost of buying a home
You should be aware that there are many costs involved in buying a home other than the obvious.

• Stamp Duty
  Stamp duty is a tax on the processing of the documents that relate to buying and selling property. Stamp duty ranges from 1% to 2%, depending on the price of the property. You should take the time to read about stamp duty.
• Legal Fees
  There is no standard charge for conveyancing (the term for the legal process of buying and selling property) but you should be prepared to set aside around 1% of the property price for your solicitor. Recently, due to the high price of property, some solicitors have started offering flat rate conveyancy. It's worth shopping around to get a deal that suits you best.
• Valuation Report
  Your lending institution will probably require a valuation report of the property you intend to purchase. This is needed as proof that the property you are buying is worth the money you are paying for it (This information is equally valuable to you). A valuation should cost no more than €150.
• Home Insurance & Life Assurance
  Most lending institutions will require you to take home insurance on your property in case of fire or other damage. Further, you may also be required to have a life assurance policy with mortgage protection.

3. Go house hunting...
The best way of finding a property suitable for a first-time-buyer is right here on Daft but don't take our word for it - check out the newspapers, other websites etc. and prove this for yourself.

When you find a home that interests you, you need to make an offer. There are two methods by which property is commonly sold: private-treaty & public auction.

• Private-Treaty
  If a property is for sale by private treaty. You simply make a verbal offer to the seller or estate agent. If the seller is happy with your offer you get the property. If there are a number of people making offers for the same property it is up to the seller to decide who wins - this is usually the person with the highest offer. The benefit to the purchaser in a private-treaty sale is that the offer made is not legally binding and you can withdraw your offer (you may loose any deposit made). If your offer is accepted, you can then finalise the details with your lender who when satisfied they will give you a Letter of Offer. This letter is a formal agreement to lend you a particular amount.
• Public Auction
  In an auction the person with the highest bid wins. A bid at an auction is legally binding and you are unable to withdraw your offer. Generally you are required to pay your booking deposit immediately after a successful bid. Due to the legally binding nature of an auction it is necessary to have a Letter of Offer (i.e. full mortgage approval) from your lender before bidding.

Once your bid or offer is accepted and you're lender has given you a Letter of Offer all that is left is the signing of the contracts.

4. Signing Contracts
Your solicitor will submit your offer officially in writing and will then perform some background checks (Searches) to confirm that everything is in order with the property & seller before you proceed. Meanwhile the seller's solicitor will draw up a contract for you to sign. If not already paid, a deposit will be due. A date will be agreed to complete the sale. Once your lender gives you the final cheque, your solicitor will make the final payment. You will be given the keys and will become the proud owner of your first home.

Discuss This Article

• Re: First Time Buyers

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Tuesday November 2, 2004 @05:18PM

  Well done daft!
  
  A user friendly web page and for once somebody else doing the sums to figure out the stamp duty!

  • Reply to this message

• Re: First Time Buyers

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Wednesday June 1, 2005 @01:55PM

  For all those asking about the 100% ... this is what I got from the Ulster Bank website. Hope that answers a few of your queries.
  
  100% finance for fully qualified professionals
  
  Our professional mortgage package is designed to help professionals get a foot on the property ladder. We will also consider second-time buyers and remortgagers needing a 100% loan. Applicants must be at least 23 years of age, earning a minimum of €32000 and be qualified and practising one of the following professions:
  
  Lawyers
  Doctors
  Opticians
  Accountants
  Dentists
  Vets
  Pharmacists
  Physiotherapists
  Actuaries

  • Reply to this message

• Re: First Time Buyers

  Posted By: Michael Reeb Date: Tuesday March 7, 2006 @06:47PM

  Have immigrated from south-africa . Hold German passport
  1st time buyer . 35 years of age ,married ,two chidren.
  leaving in Ballincollig .co cork
  current is 950 p/month
  living their now two years .
  salary of just over 35.000 per annum.
  have a site in mind ,for deveopmentof new house on counsil property . Bond amount 200000.00
  
  Thanking in advance for your effort
  
  Reeb family

  • Reply to this message

• Re: First Time Buyers

  Posted By: sara Date: Saturday March 18, 2006 @04:29PM

  what about nurses???

  • Reply to this message

• Re: First Time Buyers

  Posted By: criss Date: Monday May 21, 2007 @11:12PM

  I am a nurse.....I intend to emigrate in your country....I hope to work in your health sistem........Iwant to ask you if I will can buy a house..........thank you and congratulations for your website!

  • Reply to this message

• Re: First Time Buyers

  Posted By: john Date: Wednesday September 12, 2007 @02:55PM

  Hey what about me?? im a student air traffic controller living in dublin and nobody wnts to give me a mortgage.......

  • Reply to this message

• Re: First Time Buyers

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Thursday March 19, 2009 @12:51AM

  Do they not consider Nurses on the list?

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: john sheehan Date: Tuesday January 26, 2010 @09:24PM

  apartment Douglas Road Cork
  
  
  EMAIL SHEEHANJOHN00@GMAIL.COM

  • Reply to this message

• Re: First Time Buyers

  Posted By: Paul Date: Wednesday June 15, 2005 @06:52PM

  Hi myself and a friend are thinking of buying a house together to get our step on the property ladder as its so hard for one person to buy solely as everybody knows! Say for instance,we are looking at a house for €335,000 and we have the 35,000 deposit and both of us earn a little over €30,000 per annum,would anybody be able to tell us would we get a mortgage for the remainder €300,000?
  
  Any info would be greatly appreciated,no matter if its not related directly to my question above,
  
  Thanks,
  
  Paul

  • Reply to this message

• Re: First Time Buyers

  Posted By: Dean Date: Tuesday September 13, 2005 @03:22AM

  If you go to http://www.boi.ie, there's a mortgage calculator that would give you and you friend E315,000. Happy hunting...

  • Reply to this message

• Re: First Time Buyers

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Friday February 3, 2006 @02:17PM

  hi paul
  You would be better off finding a property under E317,000 because then you will be excemp from stamp duty. You should have no propbem finding a mortgage once you and your friend are earning enough. You should also hold into some of that E35,000 to cover aditional expenses such as lawyers fee, engineers report, etc.

  • Reply to this message

• Re: First Time Buyers

  Posted By: emma Date: Thursday January 10, 2008 @09:42PM

  cause, you can get; ask in a few different places..

  • Reply to this message

• Re: First Time Buyers

  Posted By: PAMELA SHIELS Date: Monday September 25, 2006 @12:21PM

  RATES ON YOUR HOUSES

  • Reply to this message

• Re: First Time Buyers

  Posted By: Cora Date: Wednesday March 26, 2008 @08:55PM

  looking to get a mortage in limerick, but at present i am still living in edinburgh is their a possibilty i could acheive this ?

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home in Ireland

  Posted By: Paul Date: Tuesday September 14, 2010 @10:37AM

  Hi,
  
  i am looking at moving to Ireland in the next two years, will i be able apply for first time buyers grants as this is the first property that i have brought in Ireland and it will also be my home.

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Thursday December 23, 2004 @03:00PM

  Can you name any of the places where they give a 100% mortgage please?

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Daft Date: Sunday January 23, 2005 @09:54PM

  Most if not all of the 6 brokers in Daft Mortgage centre provide 100% mortgages.
  
  However, you have to belong to a certain profession e.g doctor, dentist, solicitor etc. Try contacting one of the mortgage brokers in the mortgage centre for more info

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: josie nacpil Date: Monday May 30, 2005 @02:29PM

  Am a nurse working here for almost 3 years and most of us now looking for a 100% house mortgage, we are many in our hospital, so please reply to my e-mail add jlnacpil@yahoo.com...thanks very much

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: laura Date: Thursday September 15, 2005 @10:27PM

  just a quick bit of info.you no longer need to be a doctor etc to recieve a 100% mortgage. all you need is for you or your partner to be in full time permanent employment for 3+ years and be first time buyers. we just got approved this way. happy hunting

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Lisa Collender Date: Wednesday February 15, 2006 @11:59AM

  Please could you tell me what lending agency you went through for this and any other info regarding it, me and my partner are in full time employment he is fully qualified next year and we are both looking to get our foot on the ladder please advice, you can mail me on Lisa.collender@xerox.com
  or
  Lisacollender@hotmail.com
  
  thanks a million

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Ann-Marie Hennessy Date: Tuesday March 1, 2005 @10:58AM

  Please can you send me information and mortgage provider names of those who provide 100% mortgages..
  
  My email address is ann-marietherese@hotmail.com and my address is
  
  55 Kill Abbey
  Deansgrange
  Blackrock
  Co. Dublin.

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Katherine O'Brien Date: Saturday May 17, 2008 @02:18PM

  If I buy a property worth, approximately, 400,000 Euros how much stamp duty would I have to pay.
  
  If I previously owned a property in another country would I still be considered as a first home buyer if I bought in Ireland.

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Wednesday May 11, 2005 @04:22PM

  Can you please provide details of where i can go for a 100% mortgage

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Monday December 27, 2004 @06:27PM

  Dear Daft,
  
  Can you please tell me where to go for 100% mortgage loan. I am a first time buyer and find it difficult to raise my own part of deposit. Could you please help me out. Thank you.

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Tuesday January 4, 2005 @01:15PM

  TSB have a good Save2 Buy scheme where you can save minimum 150 per month towards a deposit, i find it quite a good way of saving as you cant touch it once lodged.

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: M Date: Wednesday March 9, 2005 @02:04PM

  Ulster Bank will allow 100% mortgages for 'professionals' e.g. accountants, solicitors, etc. - could be worth giving them a call

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: WENDY Date: Wednesday April 27, 2005 @07:34PM

  PLS LET ME KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT GETTING 100% FOR MY MORTGAGE
  I'M IN PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT,BUT I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO RAISE DEPOSIT.PLS. I NEED YOUR ADVISE.
  
  THANKS

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: michelle Date: Friday May 26, 2006 @07:35PM

  i didnt have a clue either about 100% mortgages but now im pretty clued in. You have to be in employment for over 3 years in the same company, even if your not qualified thats the main thing.Have no loans to get the maximum but if you have a credit union loan you dont have to declare it especially not to the mortgage company. I found IFG mortgage company in south mall a brilliant help especially if your clueless and they offered us the most money.

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: lydia honniball Date: Wednesday August 3, 2005 @05:01PM

  i am a first time buyer only earning 24,000 a year and was wonderning what i could afford to buy on my own if you could help me i would be very grateful. i am on my own but my mother owns her own house in leixlip and said that she would go on gaurantee with me.

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Owen Date: Wednesday May 31, 2006 @11:29AM

  the most you could be approved for would be circa €112k based on salary of 24k per annum. all loans would have to be cleared. most of the banks will not accept a guarantor under their First Time Buyer products. i.e you must be able to afford it on your own back.

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Wednesday January 24, 2007 @08:57AM

  Lydia I Was In The Same boat as You. Try Your Local Council And get Some Info On Shared Ownership If You Dont meeet There Criteria On Your Single Status Try And Get A Family Member To join You ( Just On Paper ) Then You Are Showing Double Income comeing Into The House. If You meet There Criteria On Single or Double Income You Will Have To show Some Savings In The bank Maybe about 10k .
  When You Pick and Buy The House I Know That You Are Bound For A Couple Of Years about 2/3 Before You Have The Option To Buy The Council Out . In that Time Save Money in the Bank Then ask The Bank For A Mortgage To Buy Out The Council. Thats How I got My house And I know Other People who Done The same With Partners and Family members
  It Will Be Hard For The First Couple of Years But It Will Workout in The End
  Best Regards Gary
  Ps Keep Me Posted on How You Get On

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Wednesday February 16, 2005 @03:43PM

  Should one just buy now at a time when prices are at their highest or will they just keep increasing at the rate they are? It just keeps getting more and more out of reach to buy property nowadays.

  • Reply to this message

• Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: R.R.Iyer Date: Monday February 21, 2005 @11:57AM

  Can you kindly advise what Income tax benefits are offered to First Time Buyers in Ireland by the Irish Ministry of Finance ?
  
  Thanks........RR Iyer

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: ed kins Date: Monday June 2, 2008 @02:49PM

  laura,
  a word of advice - take your personal details off the internet. you are leaving yourself wide open to identity theft.
  ed.

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Laura Rochford Date: Tuesday April 5, 2005 @01:54PM

  Can you give me the names of any of the places where they give a 100% mortgage please? I am not a professional.
  My e-mail is laura.roch@vodafone.ie and my address is Croftwood Cresent, Ballyfermot.
  Or if there are any places which offer more than 92% but not quite 100%. We are both saving at moment but want to get started as soon as we can.
  Thanks, Laura

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Laura Rochford Date: Tuesday April 5, 2005 @01:56PM

  Sorry, my e-mail is: laura_roch@vodafone.ie
  Thanks,Laura

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Tuesday October 11, 2005 @10:33PM

  im doin that at the minute, a friend of mine had a deposit on a house and i was interested in buying my first house. what you could do is put the house up for sale, or take out th full mortage and then sell it on, since it has gone up in value you wont loose out

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Chris Monks Date: Tuesday April 12, 2005 @10:52AM

  Hi All,
  
  I'm in a real pickle. I've put a full deposit on a house in Balbbriggan for 14k. The total price of the house is 210k. I am trying to get out of this house as it's been 1 full year since I signed the contract and the house is still 4 months from completion. I also wantto keep the 14k deposit.
  I've contacted the auctioneers, they said there is noway out other than loosing the deposit. I've then contacted my solicitor who contacted the developers solicitors and they said No.
  I can't believe what I'm hearing. The house has risen by about 7k in the last year even though it isn't complete. From a developers point of view if they let us walk there going to make more money, but they won't its crazy.
  
  My solicitor then suggested that if I could find a potential buyer for the property then the might let them take over the depoist and we'd be able to walk.
  Has anyone ever some accross this scenario before and gottne out of it. I'm really really despereate to get out of the contract please please help me.
  
  Regards
  Chris

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: lola Date: Wednesday April 27, 2005 @09:44PM

  I like to buy property can u send me the address and contact no,what are the requirement of 100%loan thank my mail utkas@hotmail.com tell 0868701608

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: hm Date: Monday June 25, 2007 @04:07PM

  hi,
  how do you get your booking deposit back then, if you have already signed initial contracts. i was told you loose the initial deposit plus youare liable to buy the property, is this correct?

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Tuesday November 8, 2005 @08:33PM

  Give me a ring at 086 8272987 and I will help you get out of the situation

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Tuesday March 14, 2006 @12:04AM

  don't know if ireland has the same rules as building in australia - but this may help...most contracts for building of houses have a clause which states when the owner should be able to move into the property. If a similar clause exists in your contract then that might give you a way out. At home the usual default is that if the property is not finished within the stated time frame then they have to pay for your accomodation costs unitl it is.....

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: prendo Date: Monday September 11, 2006 @12:33AM

  i have not been in this situation but is it possible for you to start selling the house yourself for the higher price surely at this point you would get 210,000 plus 20,000 to 40,000 on top not a bad return for 1 years investment just a thought ,hope it works out for you.

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: deirdre Date: Monday April 30, 2007 @12:14PM

  Hi Chris,
  
  Did you manage to get out of the house sale after you signed contracts, without losing you deposit?
  I am currently in a similiar position.
  I signed contracts and have paid 12,500 so far to the builder. The apartment was supposed to be finished last Dec06/Jan07 but there is still no sign of the sale closing.
  I have some issues with the layout also, the total size is smaller that the auctioneer told me and the layout is not as in the plans (there was supposed to be a seperate kitchen and sitting room but it is now all the 1 room. I was only aware of this after the contract was signed). Do i have grounds to get my money back based on this.
  
  Any help would be much appreciated.
  
  Thanks.

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: patrick Date: Thursday April 28, 2005 @02:34PM

  is there any banks that give 100% mortgages.

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Christina Date: Thursday July 14, 2005 @09:38AM

  First Active have launched Ireland's first 100% mortgage for first time buyers.

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Tuesday September 27, 2005 @02:54PM

  You do not need to be a lawyer accountant etc to get a 100% mortgage. me and my boyf. just got one and we are neither. he is trademan, i am secretary.. not only is that not true its ridiculously discriminatory... i've never heard of a bank requesting these professions. as i said - we are proof.. please check facts before believing these posts...

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: jonjobrien@btinternet.com Date: Thursday September 29, 2005 @03:56PM

  Can somebody explain what a Tax incentive property is - the pros and cons if there are any ?
  thanks in advance

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Arunas Date: Friday December 16, 2005 @05:52PM

  how old is this forum?now,ALL lending institutions give 100% mortgages!regardless who you are.

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Sunday January 8, 2006 @07:16PM

  My husband and I have no debts but we defaulted on a loan (now paid off in full) and I was informed that this went on our credit rating. We make enough to get a small house. Does the loan default completely mess up chances of getting a house until it comes off our credit rating?

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Nickola Date: Tuesday January 17, 2006 @04:32PM

  This article gave me great help. Before i read this i was all confused and didnt know where to start as this is the first home me and my fiance are going to buy. I was worried about extra costs and didnt have a clue what i was going to be charged for but this article explained it all so clearly. I was really confused about the stamp duty and didnt know weither i would have to pay for it or not. i would just like to say that this is the most helpful website on buying your first home and would recommend to any first time buyer to log on and have a look before buying their first home!!
  Thanks
  Nickola

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Saturday January 21, 2006 @01:30PM

  Thanks for the help daft! You told me everything I needed to know!

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Joanna Date: Wednesday January 25, 2006 @10:24PM

  Myself and my boyfriend are both 21 and I earn 22,000 and my boyfriend earns 26,000 a year. We would like to build our own home in a few years and I was wondering how much we would need to save. Im not really sure how much it costs to build a house in full but neither of us have much expenditure as we both still live at home could you please give me a rough estimate?

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Thursday April 6, 2006 @08:49AM

  how about giving some timescale?

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Marie Date: Monday May 1, 2006 @05:24PM

  hi
  
  i am thinking of buying my own house but its in Dublin so im not sure if i will be approved for one or not! I earn between 36000 and 40000 p.a. however i do have a 10k loan that i have for a car!i am due 11k from my SSIA next April. I am just wondering if there is any bank that would consider me for a mortgage.I could afford to pay back 1k a month aswell as living comfortably but how do i prove this tot the bank! I would need to get a mortgage of 300k to buy even an apartment in Dublin! if they only give 4 or 5 times your wages then surely i dont stand a chance.
  
  Could someone please offer me some advice i would greatly appreciate it.
  
  thanks
  Marie

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Tuesday October 3, 2006 @03:01PM

  learn to stretch the truth some how on paper. the only thing is im not sure is that 1k a month will cover a 300k mortgage, especially after the 1st year. the banks give you a break the 1st year. i just found that out, but after life assurance, home insurance, utilities.

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Mary Date: Tuesday May 2, 2006 @10:04AM

  I am 26years of age and have decided that it is about time that I got on the property ladder.I have a very good Job as a fund accountant and earn between 36 and 40k a year!i do however have a car loan for 10k. I am very anxious to get a house of my own however the houses are so expensive in Dublin.The cheapest that i could get is in excess of 300k and with my wages i dont think that i would get a mortgage that would be enough!i do however feel that i could feasibly afford to pay back 1k a month on a mortgage as it would be like saving aswell and i am paying 400a month on rent that is a pure waste.I have an SSIA due to mature in Apr 07 and that will amount to 11k. does anyone know if i stand a chance getting a mortgate. Someone told me something about shared ownership can anyone shed some light on whether i could apply for that...even though i want to own the house myself! How the hell do people with Kids cope...
  
  I wait anxiously for someones reply!
  
  Thanks for reading this

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: rory walsh Date: Wednesday September 29, 2010 @04:49PM

  In reply to your message, I have a three bedroom house in Tullamore and wish to sell same at present, If you are interestred I would like to speak to you re same
  Pleast contact 0861053124 with reply

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Mary Date: Tuesday May 2, 2006 @10:07AM

  I am 26years of age and have decided that it is about time that I got on the property ladder.I have a very good Job as a fund accountant and earn between 36 and 40k a year!i do however have a car loan for 10k. I am very anxious to get a house of my own however the houses are so expensive in Dublin.The cheapest that i could get is in excess of 300k and with my wages i dont think that i would get a mortgage that would be enough!i do however feel that i could feasibly afford to pay back 1k a month on a mortgage as it would be like saving aswell and i am paying 400a month on rent that is a pure waste.I have an SSIA due to mature in Apr 07 and that will amount to 11k. does anyone know if i stand a chance getting a mortgate. Someone told me something about shared ownership can anyone shed some light on whether i could apply for that...even though i want to own the house myself! How the hell do people with Kids cope...
  
  I wait anxiously for someones reply!
  
  Thanks for reading this

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Margaret gosiasako@yahoo.ie Date: Tuesday August 1, 2006 @03:03PM

  Hi all!
  Me and my boyfriend are going to buy a house in here - Ireland. I am first time buyer but my boyfriend has got a summer house in France (15k€). Can we both buy a house in here as a first time buyers or he can't?
  I would really appreciate an advise as we are going to sent document for mortgage tomorrow!
  Thanks
  Margaret

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: mariefe Date: Sunday August 13, 2006 @04:58PM

  Hello there,I just want to ask information about buying a house, for example if I mortgaged a house payable in 35 years, then after I pay 10 years, I decided to sale my house, so I have still 25 years balance to pay,now I just want to know the computation about how I pay the remaining balance of 25 years and also I want to know if I should pay the interest untill 35 years mortgaged.OR is the computation change?,If you don't mind could you give me an example. "Please"...Thanks very much.

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Val Date: Monday October 2, 2006 @12:59PM

  hi we are returning home to ireland from oz but have a property in the uk we are considering selling. Would we qualify for first time buyers in ireland as we haven't purchased here before, also would we be able to obtain a 100% mortgage using that property as bond??

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: michael Date: Tuesday September 14, 2010 @10:42AM

  We are in the same position but we are in the uk and i have been looking to see what otions are out there for grants.

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: rosie Date: Tuesday October 31, 2006 @09:32PM

  Hi
  I am about to buy a house in mulhaddart.Can anyone tell me about the area if its good or rough.My friend think is not a good area.
  rosie

  • Reply to this message

• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Cora Date: Tuesday November 14, 2006 @06:26PM

  Once the bank has sent out their letter of offer are they going to require any further documentation/information before they release the money? A friend said her bank asked her for further bank statements just before they signed contracts. I thought the letter of offer was the banks final offer after they had studied all your statements/wage slips/savings etc?

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Majella Date: Tuesday January 9, 2007 @06:00PM

  Hi can anyone tell me i earn about €23500.00 a year before tax and my fiance about the same can you tell me how much we should be able to borrow to build our first home
  
  osheamajella@hotmail.com
  
  Thanks

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: El Date: Friday February 9, 2007 @01:13PM

  Any advice on shopping around for the best surveyers and solicitors or is it just a question of consulting friends and Golden Pages... We are just about to put an offer on a house and want to make sure we don't get ripped off at the next stage. Thanks for price guidance on this Daft.
  
  El

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Shideh Date: Wednesday June 13, 2007 @05:39PM

  Hi, I am a midwife and I work in a hospital in Dublin. Are midwives considered as professional group to be able to use the special services to by a flat?

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: bm Date: Tuesday July 17, 2007 @09:48PM

  HI Me and my husband both are chinese both are full-time staff over 3 years in company,we are planning to buy a house where is not so far from dublin,but we do not have any clue what should we do at all ,,where is good place...
  would it be anyone here can help us i'll be so pre..thanks.
  Best Regards
  BM

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Deirdre Date: Wednesday September 26, 2007 @11:40AM

  how much of a deposit is usually asked for,10%?

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: trish Date: Sunday December 30, 2007 @03:54AM

  hi my husband and i need to buy a house fairly fast due to illness we are first time buyers both unemployed due to illness dose this mean we are unsuitable for a mortgage please help we are really worried

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: GLENN Date: Sunday October 7, 2007 @10:34PM

  BUYING 1ST HOME. MARRIED WITH 4 CHILDREN. EARNING 550EURO PER WEEK. MY WIFE EARNS ROUGHLY SAME BUT HAS NO PROOF OF INCOME. CAN WE APPLY FOR JOINT MORTGAGE OR WOULD I HAVE TO APPLY SOLELY?

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: anon Date: Tuesday January 22, 2008 @08:31PM

  im minding children in my own home, will i b able 2 get a mortgage because i have no official proof of income???

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Frances Powers Green Date: Tuesday February 12, 2008 @08:33PM

  My great grandparents came to the USA in the 1850's and my husband's grandparents came in 1894. I've been advised that we could not purchase a home in Ireland since we are not Irish Citizens. I was also told my husband, because his grandmother and grandfather immigrated he may be able to apply for citizenship. Does anyone know what the law is on this issue. We would love to retire in Ireland as we have visited there and love it. Thank you.

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Dhanasekar Date: Wednesday March 5, 2008 @05:14PM

  Hi, I am working in ireland for the past 7 years. I have stamp4. My wife is here for 3 years and she has stamp 3. But now, in the banks, for the mortgage loan they are looking for Stamp 4 from bith of us. Anybody have any idea for this. Please help me.
  
  Thanks

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Francesca&Dominic Date: Saturday March 22, 2008 @01:33PM

  HI,
  
  Me and my partner are going to start talking to banks about mortgages next week and I need a suggestion about an important detail.
  I work as TL in a call centre that is moving to Bulgaria soon and I will be made redundant in about 6 months.
  This means that I will get a decent amount of money, that would constitute a good sum for a deposit, but it also means that I won't have a secure job and might be getting the Dole for a short period of time.
  
  Would you have any suggestion on how I should proceed or if the situation I am in would cause us problems in asking for a mortgage?
  
  Thanks in Advance,
  Francesca

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: shivvy Date: Wednesday May 21, 2008 @07:49AM

  Is there a first time buyers grant??? Also if bidding in a home what would be a reasonable and realistic price to undercut the guide value by?? I'm stumped, Hearing about dramatic fall in house prices but not seeing that translated to the market!!

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Dermot Date: Tuesday August 5, 2008 @07:52PM

  Quote: "Recently, some institutions have started 100% mortgages but the terms and conditions are quite strict". Exactly how recent, and relevant, is this article?!

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Wednesday November 12, 2008 @11:13PM

  what about engineers? like proper engineers

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: aisha Date: Monday January 5, 2009 @09:09PM

  hi,all. as prices are droping at the moment i'm thinking to buy my own house. (for the first time) could you tell me is this the right time or should i wait???

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: angela Date: Tuesday April 14, 2009 @05:29PM

  iam thinking of buying house am first time buyer .house prices are falling wondering should i wait another while.How much would need to save? am living at home with my mam and brother .at 32years of age need my own space . was renting for a year i think is money down the drain. be greatful if could answer my question. thank you.

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Wednesday April 15, 2009 @08:03PM

  You need to have about 30k saved first before you buy a house banks are only giving 90% mortgages so if your buying a place for 300k you'd need at least 30k saved but don't forget the solicitors fees and then you have to think about covering the cost of home insurance and you may need life insurance as well the financial regulator has lots of information on its site as well if you go to itsyourmoney.ie they give impartial advice about mortgages and how to manage money in general and there is a phone number on their site that you can call to get a list of authorised financial advisors if you wanted advice about getting a mortgage its quite useful

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Tadas Date: Thursday March 19, 2009 @12:35PM

  In Ireland I work first yaer.
  Possible get 100% mortgage>>>?
  
  If possible can you give me the names of any of the places where they give a 100% mortgage please? I am not a professional.
  My e-mail is t.derkintis@gmail.com
  Thanks, Tadas

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Michael Date: Wednesday August 19, 2009 @08:10PM

  Hi
  
  I owned a property in the UK for 5 years but I have moved back to Ireland permanently now.
  
  Will I qualify as a first time buyer in ireland now or will I be subject to different rules since I sold a house outside Ireland?
  
  Any help is appreciated.
  
  Thanks
  Michael

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Paul Date: Tuesday November 24, 2009 @04:57PM

  The unfortunate truth is that the banks are just not lending.
  Spoke to all banks locally and approved our application but when they sent it to dublin for approval all answers were no. There is a mountain of property in the west of Ireland that is idle or even unfinshed. ( was looking for 200k to buy a five bed unfinished house @ 150k and use the remainer 50k to finish the property)
  We had almost 50k in savings. this builder needed a quick sale but still has not sold his house. The only thing keeping estate agents in work at the moment is rented property. I am a first time buyer but I do not feel confident in our banking system

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: steve Date: Friday December 25, 2009 @02:34AM

  Try bank of ireland. Just got a mortgage from them. (Carrick on shannon).
  If the earnings multiples are ok and you work local, they seem very helpfull.
  Reduce mortage to 170k, finish enough of house to make it habitable, save the rest. credit union may lend towards home improvements.
  Also ask bank to recommend a solicitor and even an estate agents, they will try to help you.
  There are vast estates of houses going to ruin through lack of occupation so if you miss one, there will be another.
  It took us 18 months to get a house! If you want any advice reply with your e-mail

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: david wang Date: Monday December 27, 2010 @10:10PM

  hello there i need to ask mortgage from any bank i am woking local is there any one can help me about mortgage???

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• no checks in the uk

  Posted By: peter land Date: Monday March 1, 2010 @02:27PM

  i bankrupt my self in the uk i ran up 99000 pounds on cr cards debt i went bank rupt and got away with it , i moved to dublin walk in to ulster bank and they gave me a cr card with 8000 euros they said my cr rating was fine ?? they done a cr check and all ok , is it because when thay do cr checks in the roi thay dont do checks in the uk i think this is the way as i am out of the bounderies of the uk , if so very good i am now buying a house and got my loan offer to day from ulster bank , over here the cr ref agencies are called ICB IN THE UK IS CALLED EXPRIEN WWW.ICB.IE THEY DONT SHARE INFORMATION AS STATES IN THERE WEB SITE EMAIL JOSEPH69799@HOTMAIL.COM

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: carrie Date: Tuesday March 2, 2010 @07:23PM

  does anyone know if i would have any chance of getting a mortgage on my own , i earn 23000 per year after tax, i currently pay 750 on rent each month so i feel i could put this to better use

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Nathalie Date: Tuesday April 6, 2010 @03:14PM

  Can a foreigner (French) buy a property in your country, considering it would not be only a "holiday" retreat, but our main residence ? Does it make a change if we are retirees ?
  Congrats on your "extremely" "cleverly" well done site !

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: sarah Date: Wednesday May 26, 2010 @08:34PM

  hi does anyone know if u can still get 100% morgage

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Michelle Date: Wednesday May 26, 2010 @11:26PM

  Can anyone tell me if i took out mortage for 250k and bought an un-finished house for 230k can i use the remaining 20k for refurb? cant seem to get a staight answer out of anyone! please help!

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: boppy Date: Saturday October 16, 2010 @04:06PM

  Of course you can use the 20k on refurbishment! It's your money - you can buy a lifetime supply of feckin lego with it if you want! A mortgage is just a fancy word for a loan - it's up to you what you want to do with that money. Have you received the 250k yet or just "booked" it? If you just want to draw down the 230k and then receive the rest in stage payments - you might only need 15k so if you got a stage payment of say 10k, see how far that gets you with refurbishment and then if you need more draw down the rest. Tis just a suggestion. Good luck and congrats on getting your new home!!

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Wednesday July 28, 2010 @02:12PM

  Hi there,
  
  I have a shared ownership mortgage with council living in apt 4 years on my own. i am now in a relationship and would like to buy out council and sell apt.
  
  My partner is a first time buyer
  
  My question is should i put partners name on apt when buying out council if i do that i know he will lose his first time buyers grant.
  
  or should i just buy out council and so he does not lost his first time buyers grant the thing is we would need both wages to get mortgage my partner could not afford to buy house on there own.
  
  Can he buy a house and then later on put my name on deeds?
  
  my email is clare-blondy@hotmail.com

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Emer Date: Monday October 4, 2010 @03:08PM

  This could be updated to reflect the time we NOW live in!!

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: jennifer Date: Friday January 21, 2011 @09:33PM

  can anybody help me still live with parents i work full time were do i start with buying my first house

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Coco Date: Tuesday November 15, 2011 @10:19PM

  Self assess how much savings and assets you have?Talk to your Bank or Credit Union about getting a mortgage! Find out how much they will give you... 50%, 75% of the value. Credit Union quoted me up to 230K recently, but at a higher interest rate to the banks. Go to your bank or credit union and find out the facts for yourself! Thats the first step...

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Christian Date: Monday July 11, 2011 @12:12AM

  I'm currently in England and have English nationality but planning to move to Ireland and buy a house. As a first time buyer but not resident in Ireland yet will I have to pay stamp duty? I can't afford to move permanently over to Ireland until I have bought somewhere to live.

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: John Date: Wednesday August 10, 2011 @11:07AM

  Hi there, i've been thinking about buying a house the last couple of years. I'm 22 now and headin to australia for work. I'm currently working with bnm during the summer for the last 4 years.This is my only employment at the moment. I have planned on going back to college in 2or3years time but at the moment i'd need a place to live and i've been paying rent the last 5years and dont see the point anymore when i could be payin off a mortgage for the same price. Because of my situation having to go to oz for work i have the chance of making and saving good money,my plan is to live and rent out the spare room's in the house to help with the payments, my question is will i get a loan from any bank if can have the majority of the cost of a house, can i get a mortgage with my current job on contract work as i can prove my wages for the last 4years and its been up to 10k average and 20k last summer. And what grants are available to first time buyers.

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Sunday September 18, 2011 @09:24PM

  yea you have to pay taxes

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Saturday September 10, 2011 @04:28PM

  Hello,
  
  I`m living in Germany but will move back to Ireland early 2012. I plan to buy a small house in Co. Cork with minimal mortgage.
  I receive a monthly disability allowance from the German authorities of Eur. 1712.-
  monthly that I can use for utility costs.
  My query: Would I have to pay tax in Ireland?

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Coco Date: Tuesday November 15, 2011 @10:20PM

  Yes
  But not on the disability allowance

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Thursday December 29, 2011 @10:47AM

  I AM A SINGLE MUM.HAVE 3 KIDS .I WORK IN THE SAME COMPANY FOR OVER 9 YEARS .WAGES 370PER WEEK(AFTER TAX)
  .AND I HAVE 150 MANTAINANCE PER WEEK . 150 CHIRLD BENIFIT PER WEEK.
  
  SO IN TOTAL 670 PER WEEK INCOME.
  
  I AM THINKING BUYING A APTMENT FOR ABOUT 100K.
  
  CAN I GET A LONE FOR IT ?
  
  IF YES .WHERE I CAN GO TO ?

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: Anonymous Poster Date: Friday February 17, 2012 @07:28PM

  No because you only earn 370 per week. The other 300 should be going to your kids since it's for their maintenance/benefit and that's how the banks will look at it also - your €300 a week maintenance/child benefit that the taxpayer is forking out for is for child maintenance, NOT ADDITIONAL INCOME IN YOUR POCKET TO BUY HOUSES WITH!!

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• Re: Buying Your First Home

  Posted By: cristina Date: Saturday January 21, 2012 @01:38PM

  hi,sorry for my english,me and my husband we want o house in dublin,but we come from romania and we have not permit work only a contract,we working at full time 2 years in LTD company,and we have about 30000 per annum together,can we have a house?what you think about? and where to go for first? or we need to find for first a house?thank you so much,and sorry.

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