Compare Ireland’s mortgage interest rates
Discover the best, low rate mortgages for switchers and first time buyers from Ireland’s top lenders. Get the latest mortgage fixed interest rates and save hundreds.
How it works
- Search Simply tell us about your mortgage requirements so we can search the market.
- Compare Choose the best deal for your needs from one of Ireland’s lenders.
- Apply Enter your details to arrange a callback from a mortgage broker.
Compare mortgage lenders
Guide
Your complete guide to mortgages in Ireland
Whether you’re buying your first home, switching your mortgage, or moving, we can help you prepare for your mortgage journey.
- Part 1 How mortgages work
- Part 2 Types of mortgages
- Part 3 Borrowing with a mortgage
- Part 4 How make a mortgage application
- Part 5 How to switch your mortgage
- Part 6 Other mortgage matters
Latest Update
Mortgages roundup
Irish mortgages hit euro average for first time in three years
10/07/2026: Irish mortgage rates have dropped to 3.48%, matching the eurozone average for the first time in over three years. Ireland is now the 12th highest mortgage market in the eurozone, up from 10th place in April.
The Central Bank attributes this dip from April’s average of 3.5% to increased market competition.
Although fixed-rate mortgages - which account for 93% of all new loans - dropped marginally to 3.44%, variable-rate mortgages fell more noticeably to 4.03%.
First-time buyers drive demand for new homes despite rising costs
10/07/2026: First-time buyers are continuing to push ahead in the property market, with mortgage activity rising across every region of Ireland in 2025, according to the latest BPFI Mortgage Market Profile Report.
The biggest growth has been in new-build homes. FTB mortgage volumes for new homes rose by more than 50% in seven of 12 regions between 2021 and 2025. Wicklow saw the sharpest rise, with volumes for new homes more than doubling, up 122%, followed by Cork, Limerick and the Midlands, where volumes jumped by more than 80%.
Wicklow was also the fastest-growing region for FTB mortgages overall, with volumes up 54% since 2021. Dublin rose by 26%, while Cork increased by 30%.
However, the figures also show how much more expensive it has become to buy a first home. The typical FTB property value has climbed by about €100,000 since 2021 to around €399,000, while the typical FTB mortgage has risen by about €80,000 to around €316,000.
Over the same period, the typical basic household income of FTB borrowers rose by 20% or €15,000, to €89,000, underlining how affordability remains a major challenge for buyers trying to get on the ladder.
ECB hikes rates by 0.25% for first time in three years
11/06/2026: The European Central Bank has raised its key interest rates by 0.25%, marking its first hike in nearly three years.
Driven by the Middle East conflict and surging energy costs, the deposit rate rises to 2.25% and the main lending rate to 2.40% to combat Eurozone inflation of 3.2%.
In Ireland, approximately 100,000 mortgage holders may face immediate increases, with tracker customers hit hardest. Homeowners on variable rates, or about to come off fixed terms, may need to review their mortgage and plan for potential rate rises.
ICS Mortgages to increase variable mortgage rates from July
22/05/2026: Non-bank lender ICS Mortgages is set to increase its variable mortgage rates for the third time this year.
From 1 July, ICS Mortgages’ variable rate for owner-occupiers will rise to 4.35%, while buy-to-let mortgage rates will increase to between 5.55% and 5.7%.
The latest hike could mean higher repayments for some variable-rate customers, and comes despite recent European Central Bank rate cuts giving many mortgage holders hope of lower borrowing costs.
If you’re on a variable rate or your fixed term is ending soon, it could be worth comparing mortgage rates to see if you could save by switching.
Núa Money to allow first time buyers to borrow five times income
04/05/2026: For the first time since the financial crash, new homebuyers in Ireland will be able to borrow up to five times their income under a new initiative from mortgage lender Núa Money.
Standard Central Bank rules generally limit borrowing to four times an applicant’s income, with a 10% deposit requirement. While lenders can grant exemptions for up to 15% of their mortgage book, Núa Money is currently the only lender in the market to enable first time buyers to borrow up to five times their income.
The game-changing move comes after Núa Money recently raised interest rates on its fixed-rate mortgages by up to 0.25%.
How much can you borrow?
Our mortgage calculator can help you work out the maximum loan you might be able to borrow based on your income and deposit in just a few clicks.
Visit our one-stop mortgage calculators page for more tools.
- mortgage repayment calculator
- stamp duty calculator
- how much can you borrow calculator
Our expert says
Buying a home is exciting but stressful, and choosing the right mortgage is daunting for even the most seasoned homebuyers.
One of the first challenges is to work out how much you can borrow to secure your dream home. You’ll also need to decide the mortgage term and whether a variable or fixed rate mortgage offers the best value.
Fortunately, there are mortgage products specially designed for every stage of the homeowning journey. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, switcher or home mover, there’s a lender to meet your needs and a mortgage to match. Many banks also offer discounted rates on green mortgages for homes with a Building Energy Rating (BER) of at least B.
If you’re a first-time buyer, take your time to understand how mortgages work and what steps you must take. If you need help choosing or applying for a mortgage, consider expert advice from a mortgage broker.
Home movers and switchers should always shop around before signing up for a new fixed rate mortgage. It’s tempting to stay with your bank, but you may find a better interest rate with another lender. Compare the indicative APRC (Annual Percentage Rate of Charge) to find the best deal and price in any cashback offers or fees.
Average new mortgage rates have now eased to 3.49%, lower than the 3.61% seen this time last year, so if you’re nearing the end of your fixed-rate term, make sure you’re not paying more than you need to. It could be an ideal time to switch, fix and save.
If you’re approaching the end of your fixed deal, start your search in advance so you don’t languish on your lender’s variable rate for too long. Right now, mortgage holders could save up to €7,764 per year* by switching to secure the lowest available rate.
* Source: Doddl.ie Mortgage Switching Index Q1 2026
Eoin Clarke
Time to switch your mortgage?
Changing interest rates often prompt homeowners to question whether they should seek an improved mortgage offer.
Switcher mortgages are ideal if you want to take advantage of better interest rates or terms and move your mortgage to a new lender.
Not only is it a great way to save money on your monthly payments or to pay off your mortgage faster, but many lenders also offer incentives such as cashback or free legal fees to reduce the cost of remortgaging.
To find a mortgage with lower interest rates, compare switcher mortgages or talk to a mortgage broker.
What’s next for Ireland’s mortgage interest rates?
August 2026: Rates were very low pre 2022, when the European Central Bank (ECB) kept borrowing costs at rock-bottom levels. The picture changed quickly during 2022 as global inflation spiked, and the ECB aggressively hiked rates to combat inflationary pressures.
By late 2023, Irish mortgage rates had jumped to over 4.3%, and the cost of living had become a major concern for households.
Rates have since calmed, but remain well above the pre-2022 lows. Currently, new Irish mortgage rates are down to 3.49%, but still higher than in previous years.
Source: Central Bank of Ireland, Retail Interest Rates
What’s shaping the outlook?
The ECB delivered a series of rate cuts in 2024 and held rates steady through 2025; however, it raised interest rates on 11 June 2026 for the first time in nearly three years to stem inflation.
Although Irish house buyers have more mortgage options than before, thanks to new alternative lenders, such as credit unions, the market remains stuck because affordable homes are in short supply and borrowing limits are tight.
While most lenders have held their rates through the summer, any rate changes are likely to be gradual and limited, as the ECB remains cautious about the economic outlook.
The bottom line: Further easing is possible, but global instability and energy market volatility mean a return to ultra-low mortgage rates (< 3%) is increasingly unlikely, and any movement will depend on wider economic conditions.
Six essential first-time buyer tips
Get your credit record in shape
Your credit record indicates how likely you are to repay your debts successfully and is based on past borrowing on credit cards, loans or a mortgage. Lenders will review your credit record to help them decide:
- Whether they will lend to you
- How much they can lend you
- What interest rate they can offer you
Find out what steps you can take to boost your credit rating in our guide, How to check your credit rating.
Save as much deposit as you can
All lenders require a mortgage deposit when you buy a residential property in Ireland. You’ll need at least a 10% deposit as a first-time buyer.
The larger your deposit, the less you have to borrow to cover the cost of your home, and a low loan to value (LTV) can help you secure the cheapest mortgage interest rates. A smaller deposit may also restrict the choice of mortgage deals available.
Read our guide to learn more about mortgage deposits in Ireland.
Take time to compare lenders and rates
A first time buyer mortgage is not a specific type of mortgage, but rather a category that lenders may target with particular mortgage products.
Your mortgage payments will take a large chunk of your income each month, so shop around for the lowest interest rate and cheapest mortgage deals.
Don’t forget to factor in any product charges and legal fees. It’s worth considering cashback mortgages, but weigh up the potentially higher interest rate.
Always compare the Annual Percentage Rate of Charge (APRC) because this shows the overall cost of the mortgage.
Seek mortgage advice from a broker
A mortgage is often a lifelong commitment, so having an expert on hand to guide you through the application process and answer your questions can be helpful. Mortgage brokers know the mortgage market inside out and can find the best mortgage for your needs and circumstances.
A mortgage intermediary can be especially useful if you’re self-employed, planning a self-build or have bad credit. Read our article Should you use a mortgage broker? to learn more.
Secure an Approval in Principle
An Approval in Principle (AIP) is a letter from a lender showing the amount they could lend you. It isn’t a guarantee of a mortgage, but it can show sellers and estate agents you’re a serious buyer.
If you make an offer on a property, you’ll have a better chance of success if you have an Approval in Principle in place. Once you have a mortgage in principle confirmed it lasts 6 months.
Learn more about how the process works in our guide How to get a mortgage Approval in Principle in Ireland.
Explore Help to Buy schemes
There are several Government schemes that could help you buy your first property; these include:
- Enhanced Help to Buy Scheme: This is an incentive for first time buyers who buy or self-build a new residential property. If you qualify, you can claim relief up to €30,000. Qualifying property capped at €500,000.
- Local Authority Home Loan: This offers Government backed mortgages for first time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used to purchase new builds, older properties or for self-build homes up to 90% of the property’s market value.
- Mortgage Allowance Scheme: An option for local authority or housing association tenants who wish to buy a private house. Under the scheme, you could get an annual allowance payable over five years to help with your mortgage payments, worth up to €11,450.
- First Home Scheme (FHS): A new government-backed scheme to help first-time buyers get on the property ladder. The FHS aims to make house purchase more affordable by supporting homebuyers with the cost of up to 30% of a new home.
.
Mortgage jargon explained
Buying a house and getting a mortgage is like learning a new language. Here’s what the jargon means.
Indicative APRC
It’s the Annual Percentage Rate of Charge and covers the initial interest rate, all fees and future rates if you don’t switch. It helps people compare home loan costs fairly.
Loan to value (LTV)
LTV is how the loan’s size compares to the property’s overall value. So if the house you want to buy costs €300,000 and you need to borrow €255,000, you’ll have an LTV of 85%.
Stamp Duty
It’s a tax you must pay when transferring ownership of a property. Stamp duty is due when a Deed of Transfer or Deed of Conveyance is required to transfer ownership in Ireland.
Approval in Principle
An Approval in Principle (AIP), 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 months or 12 months.