MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE WITH CONFIDENCE
How Much Mortgage Can I Borrow in Ireland?
Understand the difference between a borrowing ceiling and a comfortable home-buying budget.
Ghar.ie editorial guide · Sources checked 27 September 2026
Two limits work together
For standard principal-home borrowing, the calculator combines income and deposit limits. It uses four times gross income for first-time buyers, 3.5 times for subsequent buyers and a maximum 90% loan-to-value ratio. It does not assume a lender will grant an exception. Confirm how your lender classifies your circumstances before relying on either buyer category.
A deposit can be the tighter constraint
Consider first-time buyers with €80,000 combined gross income. Their modelled income ceiling is €320,000. A €40,000 deposit supports a €360,000 purchase using that loan. With only €20,000 available for the deposit, the standard 10% deposit constraint instead supports a €200,000 purchase, even though the income calculation is higher.
Keep buying costs outside the deposit input
A savings balance is not automatically the amount available towards the price. Set aside stamp duty, legal costs, survey, valuation and an emergency reserve first. Enter what remains. Otherwise, the result can suggest a purchase budget that uses money you also need to complete the transaction.
Check repayment comfort next
Take the estimated loan to the repayment calculator and enter a realistic rate and term. Compare that result with take-home income and actual household costs. Existing loans, variable earnings, childcare and future changes can affect what a lender offers and what you personally want to borrow. Approval in principle and a property-specific offer remain separate steps.