16/09/2026
We’re not buying for another year. Is it too early to speak to a mortgage broker?
Not at all. In fact, speaking to a broker early can give you more time to get mortgage-ready.
Even if you’re 12 months away from buying, a broker can help you understand:
💶 Roughly how much you may be able to borrow
🏦 The deposit you’ll need
📊 What lenders will look at when assessing your application
💳 Whether there are any financial commitments you should review
💰 How much you should aim to save each month
📄 What documents you’ll eventually need to have ready
Under the Central Bank of Ireland’s current mortgage measures, first-time buyers can generally borrow up to 4 times their gross income, while second and subsequent buyers are generally limited to 3.5 times gross income. Both typically require a minimum 10% deposit, although lender exceptions can apply.
You probably wouldn’t need to apply for Approval in Principle just yet, as AIP is typically valid for around 6–12 months.
But having the conversation now means you can spend the next year knowing exactly what you’re working towards.
A year away isn’t too early. It’s a great time to start preparing.
📩 Get in touch with Mortgage Buddy, and we can help you understand your next steps.
