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).

First-Time Buyer Ireland 2026: Grants, Schemes & How to Buy

Buying your first home in Ireland has never been more complex — but also never had more government support. Here's everything you need to know in 2026.

Schemes Available to First-Time Buyers

1. Help to Buy (HTB) Scheme

What: Tax rebate of up to €30,000 (10% of purchase price, max €500,000 property)
Who: First-time buyers of new builds or self-builds
How: Applied as a deposit via Revenue — you need 4 years of income tax payments
Status: Extended through 2029 in Budget 2025

2. First Home Scheme (FHS)

What: Government takes an equity stake (up to 30%) to bridge the gap between your deposit+mortgage and the purchase price
Who: First-time buyers of new builds in price-capped areas
Limits: €475,000 (Dublin), €400,000 (Cork, Galway, Limerick), €350,000 (other areas)
Key point: You buy back the government's share when you sell or refinance

3. Local Authority Home Loan (Rebuilding Ireland Mortgage)

What: Government-backed mortgage at fixed rates (4.0–4.5%) for people who've been refused by two banks
Max loan: €320,000 (Dublin/Cork/Galway) or €260,000 elsewhere
Status: Available nationally

Mortgage Rules (Central Bank 2026)

Max loan: 4× gross annual income for first-time buyers (was 3.5× until 2023)
Deposit: 10% minimum (90% LTV)
Example: €70,000 salary → max mortgage €280,000 → with 10% deposit, max property €311,000

The Buying Process Step by Step

Check affordability → Use our FTB affordability calculator
Get mortgage approval in principle (AIP) → 3–6 weeks
Find a property → Search live PPR data to understand true market prices
Make an offer → Use our bidding strategy tool
Pay booking deposit (typically €5,000–€10,000, refundable)
Instruct a solicitor → Conveyancing takes 6–12 weeks
Get a full survey (€400–€800)
Sign contracts & pay 10% deposit
Closing → Balance paid, keys handed over

Calculate Your Budget

→ First-Time Buyer Affordability Calculator → Stamp Duty Calculator → Mortgage Repayment Calculator