Your first home, made simple
From first question to keys, we’re with you every step of the way. We will talk through your numbers, explain the process in plain English, and help you make a plan that fits your life at no cost to you
Not sure where to start? Book a free call
Rates updated: 2026-06-08 20:00:05 UTC
We can help if...
- You want to get your accounts in order to be mortgage ready
- You’re renting and unsure if you can buy.
- You don’t know how much you can borrow.
- You’ve heard of schemes, but don’t know where to start.
- You're wondering about eligibility criteria for foreign nationals or expats
We work with all major lenders in Ireland to secure the best mortgage rate for you.
How we work
Working with IMC is really simple, from a quick call to final approval, we’re there to guide you
Initial assessment
We’ll assist with documents research and advise
Formal Assessment
We’ll prepare and submit your application
Mortgage protection
We’ll help you protect your investment
Loan offer
We’ll help you understand your loan offer in plain English
Funds released
We’ll coordinate with your solicitor and lender to ensure your funds are released on time
Helping you with what you need to know
We are Ireland’s largest and oldest mortgage broker over the last 36 years so we know a thing or two about mortgages. We’ll support you from application to keys in hand and check in again when it is time to review your deal.
Deposit & Central Bank rules
Under Central Bank of Ireland rules, LTI (loan-to-income) is the cap on how much you can borrow relative to your gross income, typically up to 4 times income for first-time buyers. LTV (loan-to-value) is the cap on how much of the property’s value you can borrow, with most home buyers needing at least a 10% deposit (so lenders usually finance up to 90% of the property price).
How much you can borrow?
First-time buyers can usually borrow up to 4 times gross annual income. Lenders can issue a limited number of loans above the standard limits as exceptions, but this is not a guarantee.
Typical timelines from first chat to keys
A typical mortgage journey in Ireland runs at roughly 3 to 6 months from first serious chat to keys in hand, assuming a relatively straightforward case and no major delays from sellers or solicitors. This is based on aggregated data, and timelines may vary based on individual cases.
36+ years and counting
We have an excellent rating on Google & Trustindex and Access to all main lenders and best available rates.
Read some of the reviews we’ve received from satisfied homeowners nationwide.
Answers to common first time buyer questions?
You can talk to any of our mortgage advisors for advice for free and unbiased information or take a look at our faqs
What lenders are looking for
Proven Repayment Capacity (PRC) is your money habits on paper. It is proof, on your bank statements, that you can manage a payment similar to your future mortgage. If you are aiming for a €1,600 mortgage repayment, lenders need to see this being demonstrated through rent, regular, existing mortgage or a build-up in the account, over a minimum period of 6 months.
Pitfalls that can slow or stop your mortgage
Unauthorised overdrafts or frequent dipping into the red, missed direct debits or unpaid fees regular gambling transactions, large unexplained cash lodgments (e.g. “help” from family with no clear paper trail) or even incomplete or messy paperwork can all be major factors in the slowing down or halting of your mortgage application.
How is loan to value calculated
Loan-to-value (LTV) is the cap on how much of the property’s value you can borrow. It’s calculated by dividing the mortgage amount by the property value and multiplying by 100 (LTV = (Loan Amount ÷ Property Value) × 100). For example, a €270,000 mortgage on a €300,000 home gives you an LTV of 90%.
What government schemes & supports are available in Ireland?
- Help to Buy Scheme — helps first-time buyers with the deposit for a new-build home or self-build, using a refund of income tax and deposit interest retention tax paid.
- First Home Scheme — a shared-equity scheme that helps eligible first-time buyers and some other buyers bridge the gap between their mortgage, deposit, and the price of a new home.
- Local authority and affordable housing supports — some buyers may qualify for local authority affordable purchase schemes or related government supports, depending on income, property type, and location.
- Property grants — grants may be available for certain works, energy upgrades, vacant homes, or accessibility needs, depending on the property and buyer circumstances.
The right scheme depends on whether you are a first-time buyer, buying new or second-hand, your income, and the property price.
Do I need mortgage protection insurance?
Yes – Mortgage protection is a type of life insurance that is designed specifically to clear your mortgage if you die during the term of the loan. In simple terms: if the worst were to happen to you, your mortgage protection policy pays off the remaining mortgage, so your family or partner is not left trying to cover the repayments on their own.
Buying a First Property in Ireland
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, providing essential information on mortgages, government incentives, and the home buying journey. Let’s get started!
Quick Cost Snapshot
A simple at-a-glance estimate of your monthly payments based on the loan amount.
To explore your options in more detail and get a more accurate figure, head over to our comprehensive mortgage calculator.
€345,000
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This repayment estimate assumes a rate of 3% over a 35-year term. Actual rates and repayments may vary depending on lender criteria and your individual circumstances.
How we helped Amy and Fraser
Amy and Fraser trusted our specialist advisor Michelle with their First Time Buyer application from first conversation to the keys in hand.
Ready to buy your first home?
A quick chat now can help you go to viewings with confidence, knowing exactly where you stand and what your next move should be.
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WARNINGS
If you do not keep up your repayments, you may lose your home.
If you do not meet the repayments on your credit agreement, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future.
The payment rates on this housing loan may be adjusted by the Lender from time to time.
Your interest rate may increase and the amount of your mortgage repayments may increase as a result.
You may have to pay charges if you pay off a fixed rate loan early.
The entire amount that you have borrowed will still be outstanding at the end of the interest only period.
You should consider the total cost of a mortgage loan, including any potential additional cost of an incentive offered with it.