Guide to buying a home in Dublin 9

From getting mortgage approval to collecting the keys: what happens at each step, what it costs, and the schemes that help first-time buyers.

1. Work out your budget

The Central Bank sets limits on how much banks can lend for a home. First-time buyers can usually borrow up to 4 times their gross income, with a deposit of at least 10%. Second and later buyers can usually borrow up to 3.5 times income, also with a 10% deposit. Lenders can make a limited number of exceptions.

Try the calculator to see what your repayments might look like.

Mortgage calculator

Monthly repayment –
Mortgage amount
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Loan to value
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Loan to income
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Total repaid over the term
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An estimate only, for a repayment mortgage at a fixed rate for the whole term. Your lender or mortgage broker will give you exact figures.

2. Get approval in principle

Before you start bidding, ask a bank or mortgage broker for approval in principle. It shows sellers and agents that you can buy. Agency Dublin will ask to see it before an offer is accepted, to protect you and the seller.

3. Schemes for first-time buyers

  • Help to Buy gives first-time buyers of a new-build home a refund of income tax paid over the previous four years, up to €30,000 or 10% of the price, on homes up to €500,000. Apply through Revenue.
  • First Home is a shared-equity scheme for new-build homes, where the State and participating banks take a share in the home to close the gap between your mortgage and the price.
  • Most homes in Drumcondra and Glasnevin are second-hand, so these schemes mainly help with newer apartment schemes. Agency Dublin can tell you which listings qualify.

4. Viewing and making an offer

Book viewings from any listing on this site. When you make an offer, Agency Dublin records it and passes it to the seller. You will be told when other bids are made, so you always know where you stand. The seller does not have to accept the highest offer: they may prefer a buyer with approval in place and no chain.

5. Sale agreed

When the seller accepts your offer, you pay a booking deposit to Agency Dublin. It is refundable until contracts are signed. Now instruct your solicitor, and arrange a structural survey by an engineer or surveyor, which is well worth the cost on older homes.

6. Contracts and closing

Your solicitor reviews the title and the contract. When your mortgage offer is ready you sign the contract and pay the balance of a 10% deposit. On closing day the rest of the money is transferred and you collect the keys. From sale agreed to closing usually takes 8 to 12 weeks.

What it costs to buy

  • Stamp duty: 1% of the price up to €1 million, 2% on the part between €1 million and €1.5 million, and 6% above €1.5 million. On a €450,000 home that is €4,500.
  • Solicitor's fees plus VAT and outlays such as Land Registry fees.
  • Survey and the lender's valuation fee.
  • Mortgage protection life cover and home insurance, which lenders require.

Last reviewed September 2026. Taxes and schemes change with each Budget, so check revenue.ie and centralbank.ie for the current rules. This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice.