For buyers
Buying a home in Dublin, step by step
The Irish buying process has its own rhythm — Approval in Principle, sale agreed, contracts, closing. Here's how it all fits together.
1. Get mortgage Approval in Principle
Before you view a single property, secure Approval in Principle (AIP) from a lender. Most Irish banks lend up to 4 times your gross income for first-time buyers (3.5 times for second-time buyers), and you'll need a minimum 10% deposit (20% for subsequent buyers). AIP typically lasts 6–12 months.
2. Check the support schemes
The Help to Buy scheme offers first-time buyers a rebate of up to €30,000 (10% of the purchase price of a new build, capped). The First Home Scheme is a shared-equity scheme where the State takes a stake of up to 30% in your new home to bridge the affordability gap. Both apply to new builds only.
3. View properties and bid
Most Dublin sales are by private treaty. You register your interest with the selling agent and submit bids — often in competition. Bids are non-binding until contracts are signed, so move fast but never skip due diligence under pressure.
4. Sale agreed — then survey
Once your bid is accepted the property goes 'sale agreed'. Now book a structural survey (€400–€700) — essential for Dublin's older stock — and instruct a solicitor. Your lender will also arrange its own valuation.
5. Contracts, closing and keys
Your solicitor reviews title, planning and boundaries, raises queries, and you sign contracts with a 10% deposit. After loan drawdown, the sale closes, stamp duty (1% up to €1m) is paid, and you collect the keys. From sale agreed, allow 6–10 weeks.
Budget for the extras
- Stamp duty: 1% of the purchase price up to €1m (2% above)
- Solicitor fees: roughly €1,500–€2,500 plus VAT and outlays
- Structural survey: €400–€700
- Valuation fee: €150–€250
- Land Registry fees: €400–€800 depending on price
Where we help
We alert registered buyers to properties before they hit the portals, advise on realistic bidding levels street by street, and stay in touch from first viewing to key handover. Register with us and tell us what you're looking for.
Register as a buyer