Compare fixed rate mortgages in Ireland
Find the best fixed rate mortgages in Ireland using our comparisons. Search by property value, mortgage loan and repayment term for the lowest interest rates.
LatestMortgage interest rates
The European Central Bank (ECB) sets interest rates for the euro area every six weeks.
As of 26 October, the latest headline rate is 4.50%, the highest rate since 2000.
When the ECB rate changes your lender can increase or reduce your mortgage rate if you’re on a variable rate, but is under no obligation to do so. Those on tracker mortgages may feel the impact of changes immediately.
If you have a fixed rate mortgage, the interest rate will stay the same until your deal ends.
What is a fixed rate mortgage?
It’s a mortgage where the interest rate is fixed for a set amount of time.
This means the amount you pay for your mortgage each month remains the same during the fixed rate period.
Fixed rate mortgages are suitable for:
Fixed rate terms typically last for between one and ten years, but you may be able to get one for up to 25 years. Most lenders will offer a range of fixed rates so you can choose the term that best fits your needs.
Fixed rate mortgages differ from variable rate mortgages, where the interest rate and your monthly repayment fluctuate throughout the mortgage term.
What is the Indicative APRC (Annual Percentage Rate of Charge)?
Mortgage lenders are required to quote the Annual Percentage Rate of Charge (APRC) when advertising a borrowing rate. Its purpose is to help you compare the true cost of borrowing.
The APRC shows you the total cost of a mortgage, including fees, over the entire period of the loan.
For example, a 2 year fixed rate mortgage with an introductory rate of 1.99% and a booking fee of €999 that reverts to the lender’s standard variable rate (SVR) of 4.19% for the next 23 years ends up with an APRC of 3.7%.
The rate is indicative because it’s based on a typical mortgage of €100,000 over a 20 year term.
How long are fixed rate mortgages for?
With the recent launch of longer term fixed rates, this type of home loan could be described as two distinct types of mortgage.
- Short-term fixed rate mortgages
- Lifetime fixed rate mortgages
Most lenders offer short term fixed rate mortgages for between one and seven years. However several lenders offer 10 year fixed rate mortgages and one offers ‘lifetime’ mortgages up to 30 years.
When your fixed rate mortgage ends, the lender will revert the mortgage to a Standard Variable Rate (SVR) unless you switch to a new mortgage loan.
Are there charges if you switch to a fixed rate?
If you’re on a variable rate mortgage, you’re not locked into a deal so you can switch whenever you like.
However, if you are tied into your fixed rate deal and switch before your fixed term ends you’ll have to pay an early repayment charge (ERC), which could be expensive. Check with your lender before switching.
Once your term has finished, you’ll switch to the lender’s standard variable rate (SVR), and can switch your mortgage without penalty.
What happens when your fixed rate mortgage ends?
When the term ends, you’ll switch over to the lender’s standard variable rate (SVR).
Once you are on your lender’s SVR you are free to:
- overpay your mortgage as much as you like
- redeem your mortgage and pay off the outstanding balance
- switch lenders
Are fixed rate mortgages cheaper than variable rate mortgages?
As interest rates stay sky-high across the board, some fixed mortgages have the lowest rates available right now. A fixed rate offers peace of mind during turbulent times too.
Figures from the Central Bank of Ireland reveal over 80% of new mortgages in Ireland are now fixed, as homeowners look for stability amid rising rates.
With such a big difference between the lowest and highest fixed rate on the market, you could still save thousands of euros if you switch once your fixed rate term ends.
How to choose the right fixed rate mortgage
You’ll need to decide the best fixed rate term for your needs, so several factors must be considered.
The stability of a long term fixed rate loan is good for budgeting, but if interest rates drop, you could be stuck on a higher interest rate. Take into account your financial outlook and the likelihood of interest rates changing.
The term that best matches your needs depends on your:
In the past, you’d typically pay a lower interest rate on a short fixed term and a higher rate if you want to fix it for longer. However, due to recent interest rate rises from the European Central Bank, that isn’t necessarily the case.
What is the cheapest fixed rate deal?
Choosing the best fixed rate mortgage isn’t as simple as picking the cheapest deal.
There are several factors to weigh up. For example, with cheaper, one or two year fixed rates you’ll need to factor in the costs associated with switching your mortgage. This is because you’ll need to remortgage more frequently with a shorter fixed term loan.
On the other hand, if you opt for a longer fixed rate and interest rates drop during your fixed period, you won’t be able to switch and take advantage of a cheaper deal while you’re tied in.
This could have a significant impact if you’re locked into your mortgage deal for a long time.
Tips for finding the best fixed rate mortgage
Use our mortgage search to find the best rates and apply directly to the lender or via a mortgage broker.
What happens next?
Once you’ve found the right mortgage deal, first time buyers, mortgage switchers and home movers will need to apply to the lender for a mortgage 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.
Check out our complete guide to mortgages for everything you need to know about home loans.