Here's a clear, step-by-step guide to help you feel confident at every stage of the journey.
Just the basics – your income, what you’re looking for in your first property.
We work with all major lenders to show you the first-time buyer mortgages available, explained clearly and simply.
Confident that you’re good to go with ‘approval in principle’, and with your expert broker just a click or call away.
You have found your first home. Now, we'll work with your chosen lender to secure your loan offer.
This is where your solicitor steps in. We’ll liaise with them and your lender, to make sure contracts, checks, and fund transfers stay on track.
We will manage the final completion process and minimise any stress in the final few days.
This guide outlines how the scheme works, what you could claim, and the steps to apply with confidence.
A simple walk-through of the buying journey in Ireland, so you know what to expect from your first viewing right through to getting your keys.
Simple, realistic ways to tidy up your finances and get your paperwork in shape, so lenders can see you’re ready.
A mortgage is a long-term loan used to buy property. You borrow money from a lender (usually a bank) and repay it over time, typically 20–35 years, with interest. The property acts as security for the loan.
A mortgage broker is a qualified intermediary who works on your behalf to find the best mortgage deal across multiple lenders. At Sherry FitzGerald Mortgages, our brokers offer expert advice, flexible appointments, and access to a wide range of products - not just from one bank.
Most first-time buyers in Ireland can borrow up to 4 times their gross annual household income. In some cases, lenders may allow up to 4.5 times income, but this is limited to a small percentage of applicants under Central Bank rules.
Approval in Principle (AIP) is a lender's initial confirmation that they're willing to lend you a certain amount, based on your financial details. It's not a formal offer, but it helps you know your budget when house-hunting. AIP typically takes 3 days to 3 weeks, depending on the lender.
Yes, but you'll need to provide more documentation. Lenders will look for consistent income, usually over 2-3 years and may require audited accounts or tax returns. Contract workers may need to show a history of renewals or long-term engagements.
Yes. First-time buyers must have a minimum deposit of 10% of the property price. For example, on a €360,000 home, you'll need €36,000. You can use the Help to Buy rebate (up to €30,000) towards this, reducing the amount you need to save.
From initial application to getting your keys, the mortgage process can take 6-12 weeks, depending on your readiness, the lender's speed, and legal steps. Getting mortgage-ready early helps avoid delays.
We are - and more! Sherry FitzGerald is Ireland's largest estate agency, but we also offer independent mortgage brokering through Sherry FitzGerald Mortgages. You don't need to buy a home through us to use our financial services.
This is a government-backed shared equity scheme for first-time buyers of new builds. It helps bridge the gap between your deposit, mortgage, and the property price - offering up to 30% equity support, or 20% if you also use Help to Buy. You repay the equity share later, either in full or in parts.
Help to Buy is a tax rebate scheme for first-time buyers of new homes. You can claim back up to 10% of the property price, capped at €30,000, based on income tax and DIRT paid over the past 4 years. It helps boost your deposit and is available until December 2029.
24/7 Begin your application now, complete it in your own time, we save your application progress.
You can choose to meet either virtually or in person, at a time that is most convenient for you.
Send us a message or call us now on 01 6431402, Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm