Compare Ireland’s mortgage interest rates
Discover the best, low rate mortgages for switchers and first time buyers from Ireland’s top lenders.
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.
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 to apply for a mortgage
- Part 5 How to switch your mortgage
- Part 6 Other mortgage matters
Latest Update
Mortgages roundup
PTSB cuts four-year fixed rate and launches new green rate
22/03/2024: PSTB have cut their four year fixed rate for new customers by 0.3%.
The new fixed rate rates - 3.8%, 3.9% or 4.05%, depending on the loan-to-value of the mortgage - will come into effect from today.
A customer with a mortgage of €250,000 over 30 years would save €44 a month.
The bank is also launching a 3.8%, green three-year fixed rate for new customers.
Average interest rates increase to 4.27% in January
14/03/2024: Average mortgage interest rates increased to 4.27% in January.
The latest Central Bank figures show a slight increase of 0.08% from December, when rates sat at 4.19%.
After a sharp rise of interest rates in 2023 and despite a small increase in January, Irish rates are becoming more steady.
They are currently close to the Eurozone average.
Average interest rates drop by 0.06% in December
15/02/2024: Average mortgage interest rates dropped for the third month in a row last December.
New figures show the average rate for a new mortgage in December was 4.19%, a drop of 0.06% from the previous month.
The Central Bank said this meant Ireland had the 10th lowest rates in the Eurozone, but Interest rates here were still up 1.5% since last year.
Irish homeowners due up to €1,250 tax back
05/02/2024: As of 1 February 2024 mortgage holders can submit a claim online for interest paid in 2023 up to a maximum value of €1,250 under a new Mortgage Interest Tax Relief scheme.
The new tax relief is available for homeowners with an outstanding mortgage balance on their main residence of between €80,000 and €500,000. Over 200,000 mortgage holders are eligible to benefit from the scheme.
From 1 February PAYE taxpayers can submit a claim for this relief by logging on to Revenue’s myAccount service and filing an income tax return for 2023. The same tax relief will be available for self-assessed taxpayers from mid-February.
Finance Ireland reduces fixed rate mortgages by 0.45%
31/01/2024: Finance Ireland is reducing its fixed rate mortgages by 0.45%.
It’s the first time the lender has cut rates since July 2022, signalling the end of spiralling interest rates.
The lower rates will be available for those who drawdown their mortgage on or after 22nd of February.
Finance Ireland have also introduced new, 7-year fixed rate mortgages to their 3 and 5-year fixed rate offerings.
Avant Money offers €2,000 switching incentive
29/12/2023: Avant Money is offering a €2,000 switching incentive to householders planning to remortgage in the new year. The sum will be available to switchers who draw down their mortgage between 2 January and 15 March 2024. T&Cs apply.
Avant Money is also streamlining its mortgage process by reducing the documentation required to support an application. Bank statements and salary certificates will no longer be required accept in exceptional circumstances.
Mortgage switching drops by 78% in September
19/12/2023: Mortgage switching fell by 78% in Q3.
Despite interest rates reaching a record-high of 4.5%, the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) revealed a large drop in the number of people switching their mortgage compared to last year.
First-time buyers (FTBs) remained the single largest segment by volume (60.4%) and by value (61.2%).
Speaking on the report, Brian Hayes, Chief Executive, BPFI said: “First-time buyer volumes and values at their highest levels since 2007 and 2006 respectively, on a year-to-date basis.”
They was also a rise in housing completions - almost 31,600 new homes were completed in September - up from about 27,500 last year.
Source: BPFI.ie
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.
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 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.
They average interest rate on a variable mortgage is now at 4.46%*, so if you are coming to the end of your fixed deal, start your search in advance so you’re not languishing on your lender’s variable rate for too long.
Compare the indicative APRC (Annual Percentage Rate of Charge) to find the best deal and price in any cashback offers or fees.
*Source: Central Bank.ie
Eoin Clarke
How much can you borrow?
Our mortgage calculator can help you work out the most you might be able to borrow with a mortgage 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
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
Your mortgage payments will take a large chunk of your income each month, so it pays to 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:
- Help to Buy (HTB) Scheme: This is an incentive for first-time buyers or self-builders who are purchasing a property to live in as a home. It helps with the deposit you need to secure a mortgage. If you qualify you’ll get a refund of Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in Ireland.
- 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.
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Switcher mortgages
Is it time to switch your mortgage?
With interest rates on the rise, many homeowners are wondering whether it’s time to hunt for a better mortgage deal.
Consider a switcher mortgage when…
Talk to a mortgage broker or compare switcher mortgages to find out more.
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.