Buying your first home is one of the most exciting milestones in life — but it can also feel confusing, stressful, and overwhelming without the right guidance. From understanding deposits and government schemes to preparing your finances and navigating lender requirements, there’s a lot to consider before you even go sale agreed.
At DNG Financial Services, we work with first-time buyers across Ireland every day. We know the questions you’re asking, the challenges you’re facing, and the common mistakes that can delay or derail an application. That’s why we’ve created our First-Time Buyers Mortgage Guide — a clear, practical, step-by-step resource designed to help you approach the home-buying journey with confidence.
This summary gives you an overview of what you need to know and what’s covered in the full guide, which you can download by completing the form below.
Understanding the First-Time Buyer Journey
The mortgage process isn’t just about finding a property — it’s about preparation. Knowing what’s coming next removes uncertainty and allows you to plan each step properly.
In the full guide, we break the journey into simple stages:
- Speaking with a mortgage advisor early
- Securing Approval in Principle (AIP)
- House hunting within a realistic budget
- Going sale agreed and paying a booking deposit
- Receiving your loan offer
- Drawdown and getting the keys
Deposits, Costs & What You Really Need Saved
One of the biggest concerns for first-time buyers is understanding how much money is required upfront. While the standard deposit is 10% of the purchase price, that’s not the only cost to consider.
The guide explains:
- Booking deposits vs contract deposits
- Solicitor fees and legal outlay
- Stamp duty and valuation fees
- Surveys and snagging costs for new builds
Being prepared for these expenses helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures your purchase progresses smoothly.
Government Schemes You May Qualify For
Ireland offers several supports specifically for first-time buyers, but eligibility and conditions vary. Our guide clearly explains the key schemes, including:
- Help to Buy (HTB)
- First Home Scheme (Shared Equity)
- Affordable Housing Scheme
We outline how each scheme works, when they apply, and how they can help bridge the gap between your savings, mortgage, and property price.
Affordability, Credit History & Lender Expectations
Lenders don’t just assess your income — they assess your financial behaviour. This includes:
- Monthly savings patterns
- Rent payment history
- Credit card and overdraft usage
- Overall account management
The guide highlights what lenders view as green flags and red flags, explains how credit checks work through the Central Credit Register, and shows how small changes can significantly strengthen your application.
Insurance, Documentation & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mortgage protection and home insurance are mandatory, but many buyers leave these too late. The guide explains:
- What insurance is required and when
- How medical history can affect timelines
- What documents lenders will request
- The most common first-time buyer mistakes — and how to avoid them
This preparation can save months of delays and unnecessary frustration.
Why This Guide Matters
It’s about empowering you with knowledge. Whether you’re just starting to save or already viewing properties, having the right information early puts you in control of your decisions and your future.
Download the Full First-Time Buyers Guide
To access the complete First-Time Buyers Mortgage Guide (PDF), Simply complete the short form below and you’ll be able you’ll be able to view or download the guide instantly.