Property
Ireland — Property: Mortgage Availability
Central Bank of Ireland rules cap first-time buyer loans at 4 times income and 90% loan-to-value, and mover loans at 3.5 times income and 90%.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceCentral Bank of Ireland — Mortgage MeasuresLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Why this matters
A relocating person should care about mortgage availability in Ireland as it significantly impacts their ability to purchase property and secure a home.
Key facts
- First-time buyers: loan-to-income cap of 4 times gross income and loan-to-value cap of 90%.
- Movers: loan-to-income cap of 3.5 times gross income and loan-to-value cap raised from 80% to 90% from January 2023.
- Buy-to-let: loan-to-value cap of 70%.
- Lenders may exceed the limits on 15% of first-time buyer and mover lending and 10% of buy-to-let lending.
- From April 2026 certain principal-home bridging loans are exempt from the loan-to-income limits; the loan-to-value limit still applies.
Steps
- Checking Eligibility — Individuals can check their eligibility for a mortgage by contacting banks and financial institutions directly or by using online mortgage calculators. It's essential to provide accurate financial information to ensure a realistic assessment of mortgage availability.
- Applying for a Mortgage — To apply for a mortgage in Ireland, individuals typically need to provide documentation such as proof of income, credit history, and employment status. The application process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the case.