Why work with DNG Mortgages?
Why work with DNG Mortgages?
We successfully help First Time Buyers achieve home ownership.
With the latest digital application capabilities, the most competitive options available in the market, decades of expertise, and a no-fee service, these are just some of the reasons why DNG Mortgages should be your home buying partner.
Customised mortgage guidance for first time buyers: Personalised support from consultation to securing your dream home. Trust us to make your home buying journey smooth and stress-free.
Explore market-leading mortgage options tailored for first time buyers. With the most competitive rates and personalised solutions, we're here to help you secure the most suitable mortgage for you.
DNG Mortgages: Your Trusted Home Buying Partner. Tailored solutions and expert guidance for first time buyers, ensuring a seamless journey to homeownership. Let us make your dream home a reality.
First Time Buyer Mortgage Eligibility in Ireland
Scheme for First time buyers
The First Home Scheme
The First Home Scheme is a government-backed initiative designed to help first-time buyers in Ireland bridge the gap between their mortgage and the property price. If your approved mortgage and savings aren’t enough to cover the full cost of your new home, the scheme provides support through a shared equity arrangement.
The Help to Buy Scheme
The Help to Buy Scheme is a tax refund initiative for first-time buyers in Ireland, allowing you to claim back income tax and DIRT paid over the last four years. This refund can be used towards your deposit, making it easier to take the first step onto the property ladder.
Mortgage Timeline for First-Time Buyers in Ireland
Mortgage Approval in Principle
Start by getting Approval in Principle (AIP) from your lender. This shows how much you can borrow and helps you focus on suitable properties.
House Hunting & Offer
With AIP in place, you can confidently make offers on properties within your budget.
Booking Deposit
Once your offer is accepted, you’ll pay a booking deposit to the estate agent.
Full Loan Application
Submit your mortgage application along with documents such as payslips, bank statements, and proof of savings.
Valuation & Survey
The lender will arrange a property valuation, and you may choose to carry out a structural survey.
Letter of Offer
If approved, the bank issues a formal Letter of Offer outlining your mortgage terms.
Conveyancing & Legal Work
Your solicitor will review contracts, carry out legal checks, and liaise with the seller’s solicitor.
Mortgage Drawdown
Funds are released by the lender to complete the purchase.
Getting the Keys
Once contracts are signed and the mortgage is drawn down, you officially become a homeowner.
Choosing the Right Type of Mortgage
When buying your first home in Ireland, one of the key decisions you’ll make is choosing the type of mortgage that suits your needs. Most lenders offer fixed rate and variable rate mortgages, with fixed terms typically ranging from 1 to 30 years.
The right option will depend on your financial situation, future plans, and how comfortable you are with potential changes in monthly repayments.
It’s also important to consider the length of your mortgage term. A longer term can reduce your monthly repayments, but you’ll pay more interest over time. A shorter term means higher monthly payments, but less interest paid overall.
Fixed Rate Mortgages
Your monthly expenses can be managed with ease. We've created an easy-to-use template to help you stay organised and in control.
Variable Rate Mortgages
With a variable rate mortgage, your interest rate can change over time, sometimes in line with movements from the European Central Bank (ECB). As a result, your monthly repayments may increase or decrease during the term of your mortgage.
Key financial terms you’ll come across
- Loan to Income (LTI): The amount you can borrow based on your annual income.
- Loan to Value (LTV): The amount you can borrow based on the purchase price and deposit.
- Repayment term: This refers to the period you require the home loan. Mortgage terms are usually offered between 5 and 35 years.
- Indicative APRC (Annual Percentage Rate of Charge): Shows the total cost of a mortgage, including fees, over the entire period of the loan.
- Approval in Principle (AIP): An approval in principle is a letter from a lender showing the amount they could lend you based on some initial checks. It’s free to get an AIP, and usually valid for six or 12 months.
Latest House Prices in Ireland
Ireland’s average house price for the 12 months to January 2026 is approximately €389,986, highlighting the continued demand in the property market.
According to the Residential Property Price Index (RPPI), property prices have increased by 7% over the past 12 months. Prices in Dublin rose by 6.1%, while properties outside Dublin saw a slightly higher increase of 7.7%.
There is also significant regional variation in house prices. For example, Donegal remains one of the most affordable areas, with a median price of around €195,000, whereas Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is among the most expensive, with median prices reaching approximately €680,000.
Source: Central Statistics Office (CSO) – Residential Property Price Index
Financial Products to Support First-Time Buyers
Buying your first home involves more than just securing a mortgage. There are several financial products designed to protect you, your property, and your financial future throughout the home-buying journey.
Here are some key products first-time buyers in Ireland should consider:
Mortgage Protection Insurance
A policy typically required by lenders, ensuring your mortgage is paid off in the event of death. This provides peace of mind for you and your family.
Income Protection Insurance
Provides a replacement income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, helping you keep up with mortgage repayments.
Our financial advisors can help you choose the right combination of products to protect your home and your financial future. Get in touch today to discuss your options.
Join the DNG Mortgage Club Waiting List
Not ready to apply now, but want to enter our 6 month ‘getting mortgage-ready’ programme? Join our waiting list and we will contact you when a space becomes available.
Meet the team
contact our mortgage team
One of our expert Mortgage Advisors will be in contact with you soon.
Why choose DNG fs?
Our People
Our team comprises seasoned and highly skilled professionals in financial services, poised to be your trusted financial partners.
Our Locations
With our extensive nationwide presence, we're uniquely positioned to serve clients across the Republic of Ireland.
Our Experience
To empower you with clear, structured wealth management strategies, guiding you toward financial independence through collaborative partnership.
First Time Buyer FAQ
The most common first time buyer mortgage questions answered by DNG Mortgages, your home buying mortgage partner.
For a mortgage application in Ireland, you typically need proof of identity, address, income, employment, savings, and any debt you may have. Additional documents will include bank statements and proof of deposit. DNG Mortgages will provide you with a comprehensive checklist of documentation requirements needed for your mortgage application.
At DNG Mortgages, we don’t charge you a fee for mortgage applications. Benefit from our expert guidance and support without any additional charges, making your mortgage process hassle-free.
Why deal with one lender when you can access all lenders at once with a Mortgage Broker? A Broker will have agencies with multiple lenders, meaning they can access several options for you with one application. There’s also a lot of work in a mortgage application, so why not trust the best mortgage broker in Ireland to handle the hard work for you!
If you purchase a new build or self-build your own home, you may be eligible to avail of either or both of the Help to Buy Scheme and the First Home Scheme.
At DNG Mortgages, you will receive expert guidance, access to all leading lenders, personalised solutions, assistance in navigating complex paperwork, secure the most competitive interest rates, and save time and hassle in the mortgage process. All of this comes at no additional cost to you, as our mortgage service comes as a fee-free offering.
You can expect to be able to borrow up to 4x your ‘allowable taxable income’ as a first time buyer, this being the sum of your basic income plus a portion of your variable pay. Each lender will interpret your variable pay differently, so it is important you seek the expert guidance of a Mortgage Broker to ensure you understand your maximum mortgage borrowing ability.
Typically 10% of the property value.
Yes, subject to lender affordability checks.
Plan your budget with our mortgage calculator
Get an idea of how much you can afford to borrow and plan your budget with our mortgage calculator.
Insight & opinion
MortgagesDiscover the best mortgage options for first-time buyers in Dublin, including HTB, FHS, fixed vs variable rates, and expert tips to boost affordability.
Home Mortgage Regulatory Information
DNG Financial Services is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. Over 18s only. Security may be required.
WARNING: If you do not keep up your repayments you may lose your home.
WARNING: You may have to pay charges if you pay off a fixed-rate loan early.
WARNING: Your interest rate may increase and the amount of your mortgage repayments may increase as a result.
WARNING: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit report, which may limit your ability to access credit, a hire-purchase agreement, a consumer-hire agreement or a BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) agreement in the future.