Not all lenders will offer you the same mortgage amount
Understanding how a bank assesses a mortgage application will allow you to plan and understand more about how much you will be eligible to borrow.
Lenders assess an application based on your ability to repay the mortgage and require you to have a minimum 10% deposit to go towards the purchase.
While all lenders operate under Central Bank rules, which cap lending at 4 times allowable income for first-time buyers and 3.5 times for others, their interpretation of "allowable income" can differ significantly.
Outside of these standard income multiples lenders can apply exceptions which would allow a first-time buyer to go to 4.75 times income and second or subsequent buyers to up to 4.5 times.
By working with our team at doddl you get access to all major lenders, we can tell you what each lender will allow you to borrow and where exceptions are available.
Mortgage rates and options vary greatly
At July 2025, Mortgage interest rates range from just under 3% to over choosing the right rate is essential to reduces cost and avoid paying more than you need to on your mortgage.
Your mortgage repayment is determined by the amount you borrow, the mortgage term you choose and the interest rate you select. The necessary evil in that equation is the interest rate.
Interest adds no value to your mortgage and, in particular at the outset when the balance outstanding is at its highest. Choosing the best rate achievable is so important.
Green mortgage rates are the lowest rates on the market and available to those who purchase homes that are A or B energy rated. There are also lower rates available to those with a mortgage balance of €250,000 or higher or who have a large deposit of 20% or more of the purchase price.
Banks also have different options such as cashback offers, deferred payment periods and overpayment options, all of which might impact the lender you choose to take your mortgage with.
Our team at doddl can help you find the best rate and mortgage option for you. We are a team of over 50 mortgage specialists who work for you. We are a distribution channel for all major lenders and it is the bank that pay us a fee, not you. The fee is paid as we are your point of contact from enquiry to completion, this means the bank do not have to have staff and operating costs, they pay us in lieu of same. So we are fee free and working for you!
Government supports are available, but limited
While government schemes like the Help to Buy, First Home, and Local Authority Affordable Purchase schemes provide valuable support, they are limited to new-build homes.
Here’s a breakdown of the key schemes:
Help to Buy: Offers up to €30,000 (or 10% of the purchase price) as a tax rebate for new-build homes, which can be used as part of your deposit.
The help to buy scheme has been used to support over 50,000 homebuyers since it was launched and it is set to run to at least 2029.
First Home Scheme: Bridges the gap between your mortgage and deposit and the purchase price, offering up to 30% of the property’s value (20% if combined with Help to Buy).
Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme: Provides discounted new homes for moderate-income buyers, with the local authority retaining an equity stake proportionate to the discount.
There are various rules that relate to all schemes - if you are a first time buyer purchasing a new build home it is so important that you understand the schemes and how they can help you. Our team of mortgage advisors at doddl can help explain how these schemes could help boost your purchasing power.
Here to help -
The journey to home ownership in 2025 remains challenging, but being well-informed can make all the difference. From understanding lender criteria and rate variations to leveraging government supports, equipping yourself with knowledge—and seeking expert guidance where needed—will help you secure the best possible outcome for your mortgage and your home.
Need advice, just ask our team at doddl.
