Irish mortgage guide 2026
Buying a home in Ireland is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. Understanding how mortgages work — rates, limits, costs — helps you borrow smart and avoid surprises.
Current Irish mortgage rates (2026)
Mortgage rates in Ireland change frequently. As a guide, the weighted average fixed rate on new Irish mortgages was around 3.44% and variable rates around 4.09% at the start of 2026, per the Central Bank of Ireland — but rates may have moved since. The rates shown in the snapshot cards above are indicative only. Always compare current rates directly with lenders or via an independent mortgage broker for up-to-date figures.
| Rate type | Range (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed rate (best) | 3.0% – 3.5% | 4-yr fixed, low LTV, green mortgage |
| Fixed rate (typical) | 3.3% – 4.5% | Varies by LTV, lender and term |
| Variable rate | 3.5% – 5.2% | Flexible but less certainty |
| Green mortgage | From 3.0% | BER A or B rated homes |
Central Bank borrowing limits
The Central Bank of Ireland sets loan-to-income (LTI) and loan-to-value (LTV) limits to protect borrowers:
| Buyer type | Max LTI (income multiple) | Max LTV (min deposit) |
|---|---|---|
| First-time buyer | 4× gross income | 90% (10% deposit) |
| Second / mover buyer | 3.5× gross income | 80% (20% deposit) |
| Switcher | 3.5× gross income | 80% — existing equity in current property typically acts as the deposit |
Help to Buy scheme
The Help to Buy scheme continues to offer tax rebates of up to €30,000 for qualifying first-time buyers purchasing newly built homes. The rebate is based on income tax paid over the previous four years and is paid directly to the developer.
Additional costs to budget for
- Stamp duty — 1% on first €1m; 2% on €1m–€1.5m; 6% on amount above €1.5m
- Solicitor fees — typically €1,500–€3,000 plus VAT and outlays
- Valuation fee — typically €150–€200 (required by the lender)
- Mortgage protection insurance — typically €30–€80/month depending on age and loan amount
- Home insurance — typically €400–€800/year
- Surveyor/engineer report — optional but recommended, €300–€500
Fixed vs variable rate in 2026
Over 80% of new mortgages in Ireland are now taken out on fixed rates — a significant shift from several years ago when 80% were on variable rates. Fixed rates are currently lower than most variable rates in Ireland, which is unusual by historical standards. For most borrowers seeking certainty, a fixed rate makes sense in 2026.