Is it cheaper to buy or rent in Ireland right now?

It depends on your time horizon. In most Irish cities like Dublin and Cork, buying becomes cheaper than renting after 4-7 years due to equity build-up and RPZ rent caps. Use our buy vs rent calculator to compare your specific situation with accurate property prices and rental costs.

How much is stamp duty in Ireland?

Stamp duty in Ireland is 1% on the first €1,000,000 and 2% on any amount above that for residential properties. First-time buyers purchasing new builds under €500,000 are exempt from stamp duty.

How much deposit do I need to buy a house in Ireland?

First-time buyers need a 10% deposit (90% LTV mortgage) while non-first-time buyers need 20%. For a €350,000 house, that's €35,000 for first-time buyers or €70,000 for others. Additional costs include legal fees (€2,500), survey (€500), and bank fees (€1,200).

What is the average house price in Ireland 2026?

The average house price in Ireland in 2026 is €365,000 nationally. Dublin averages €540,000, Cork €340,000, Galway €360,000, and Limerick €310,000. Regional areas range from €210,000 to €290,000. Use our market stats tool to see live prices by county.

How much can I borrow for a mortgage in Ireland?

Under Central Bank rules, you can borrow up to 3.5 times your gross annual income (4x in exceptional cases). For example, a €50,000 salary qualifies for a €175,000 mortgage. Couples combine incomes - €90,000 combined = €315,000 mortgage. Use our mortgage calculator for your exact affordability.

What is the Help to Buy scheme in Ireland?

The Help to Buy scheme provides first-time buyers with a tax rebate of up to €30,000 (10% of property value, max €500,000 property) when purchasing a new build. You must have paid income tax for at least 4 years and use the property as your main residence.

Are house prices in Ireland going up or down in 2026?

House prices in Ireland are projected to rise 3-5% in 2026 due to continued supply shortages and strong demand. Dublin growth is moderating to 2-3%, while regional cities like Cork, Galway, and Limerick are seeing 5-7% growth. Check our market trends for live county-by-county data.

Is buying a house in Ireland a good investment?

Buying in Ireland can be a good investment with average rental yields of 4-6% and historical price appreciation of 4-5% annually. However, it depends on location, property type, and your time horizon. Use our buy vs rent calculator to compare against alternative investments like stocks (5% average return).

How much does it cost to buy a house in Ireland including all fees?

For a €350,000 house, total costs are: deposit €35,000 (10%), stamp duty €3,500 (or €0 for new builds), legal fees €2,500, survey €500, bank fees €1,200, and moving costs €1,000. Total: approximately €43,700. First-time buyers can reduce this with Help to Buy (up to €30,000 rebate).

What is property tax in Ireland?

Local Property Tax (LPT) in Ireland ranges from €90 to €1,755 annually depending on your property's market value. Properties valued at €350,000 pay approximately €315 per year. LPT is payable by all residential property owners and is based on your property's 2013 valuation (next revaluation in 2025).

How long does it take to save a house deposit in Ireland?

At Ireland's national average price of ~€335,000, a 10% deposit is €33,500. Saving €1,000 per month takes around 33 months. The Help to Buy scheme can contribute up to €30,000 toward this target for new builds.

What is the average house deposit needed in Ireland?

First-time buyers need 10% of the purchase price. In Dublin (avg. ~€545,000) that is ~€54,500; nationally (avg. ~€335,000) it is ~€33,500. The Help to Buy scheme (up to €30,000) significantly reduces the savings gap for new builds.

Equity Gap Calculator

Bridge the gap between your savings and your dream home using government schemes.

Equity Gap (HTB + FHS)

Listed Price

Market Heat (+6.3%)

€450,000

Your Deposit

Total Income (Single/Joint)

Max Mortgage (4x): €320,000

Location

Funds Breakdown

Deposit€50,000

Mortgage (4x)€320,000

Help to Buy€30,000

First Home Scheme€50,000

Repayment (3.5%)€1,437/mo

Stress Test (5.5%)€1,817/mo

Fully Funded!

€450,000

You are ready to buy

What is the Equity Gap?

The "Equity Gap" is the shortfall between the price of the home you want to buy, and the total funds you have available (your deposit plus your maximum mortgage amount). In Ireland, the Central Bank rules generally limit your mortgage to 4 times your gross annual income.

The Help to Buy (HTB) Scheme

A tax refund scheme designed to help first-time buyers get the deposit needed to buy a newly built home. You can claim a refund of Income Tax and DIRT paid over the previous four tax years, up to a maximum of €30,000 or 10% of the property value.

The First Home Scheme (FHS)

A shared equity scheme where the State and participating banks pay up to 30% of the cost of your new home in return for a stake in the property. This bridges the gap for buyers who cannot secure the full mortgage amount required, even with a deposit and the Help to Buy scheme. Regional price ceilings apply.