Mortgage & Lending Update – June 2026 ⚖️

The Irish mortgage market continues to evolve, with recent changes designed to improve accessibility for buyers and provide greater flexibility for existing homeowners.

Current Central Bank Mortgage Rules

The Central Bank's mortgage lending rules remain unchanged for most residential borrowers:

First-Time Buyers

• Borrow up to 4 times gross annual income.

• Minimum deposit of 10% of the purchase price required.

Second and Subsequent Buyers

• Borrow up to 3.5 times gross annual income.

• Minimum deposit of 10% required.

Buy-to-Let Investors

• Minimum deposit of 30% required.

Lenders retain limited discretion to approve a percentage of mortgages above these limits in certain circumstances. Prospective buyers should speak with their lender or mortgage broker regarding eligibility.

New Bridging Loan Changes

A significant update introduced in 2026 allows certain principal home bridging loans to be exempt from Loan-to-Income restrictions.

This change is particularly beneficial for homeowners wishing to purchase a new property before completing the sale of their existing home, helping to facilitate smoother property transactions and downsizing opportunities. Existing lending and affordability assessments still apply.

Mortgage Switching Improvements

New consumer protection measures introduced in 2026 aim to make mortgage switching easier for homeowners.

Lenders are now required to:

• Provide clearer information on switching options.

• Better explain cashback and incentive offers.

• Process title deed requests more efficiently when customers are changing lenders.

For homeowners coming to the end of a fixed-rate period, reviewing available mortgage products could result in significant savings.

What Buyers Should Consider

Before applying for a mortgage, buyers should:

• Obtain Mortgage Approval in Principle.

• Maintain a consistent savings record.

• Avoid taking on new debt where possible.

• Budget for legal fees, stamp duty, valuation and survey costs.

• Ensure all financial documentation is readily available.

Market Outlook

Demand for quality homes across Kildare and the Greater Dublin Area remains strong, with mortgage approvals continuing to support buyer activity. Securing finance early and obtaining professional advice can help buyers move quickly when suitable properties become available.

Information correct at June 2026. Mortgage criteria vary between lenders and individual circumstances.