MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE WITH CONFIDENCE
Costs of Buying a House in Ireland
Build an upfront cash budget that includes more than the deposit.
Ghar.ie editorial guide · Sources checked 27 September 2026
Group the money into three pots
The first pot is the amount you contribute towards the price. The second covers transaction costs, including stamp duty, solicitor fees and outlays, a survey and the lender’s valuation. The third covers moving, furniture, initial repairs and a reserve. Keeping these separate makes it easier to see whether an increase in your bid leaves enough cash to finish the purchase.
Replace examples with written quotes
A calculator cannot know the legal complexity of your purchase or the condition of the building. Ask what each quote includes and whether VAT, registration costs and other outlays are additional. A valuation for a lender serves a different purpose from the survey you arrange to investigate the property. Budget for each service you need rather than treating one as a substitute for the other.
Avoid counting the deposit twice
Track a booking deposit as part of the funds already paid towards the transaction, not as a second independent purchase deposit. Confirm the payment schedule and treatment with your solicitor. Keep a simple record of money already paid, money still required and the account where the remaining funds are held.
Work through one purchase budget
For a €350,000 second-hand purchase, a 10% deposit is €35,000. Add €3,500 standard stamp duty and illustrative other costs of €5,200: the starting cash target becomes €43,700. This is an example rather than a quotation. A separate emergency reserve would increase the target further. Do not deduct a hoped-for grant or refund until the amount and timing are confirmed.