Buying a House or Apartment

Begin your journey by researching the property market in the area that you would like to live in. Websites like Daft.ie and MyHome.ie provide comprehensive listings and give you an overview of available properties and current market trends. Estate agents may also have some information on properties you may be interested in.

The first step is determining how much you can afford to spend on a home.

You can explore mortgage options available from various banks and financial institutions in Ireland. Important factors include interest rates, repayment terms, and the length of the loan. A common approach is to engage with a mortgage advisor. A mortgage advisor can discuss what mortgage products are best suited to your needs.

It’s important to research government schemes and grants that may assist you as a buyer. Resources like the Local Authority Home Loan provide low-interest rate mortgages for those struggling to secure financing. You could also explore incentives such as the Help-to-Buy scheme, or the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant which is for homes built before 2007 and that have been vacant for at least two years. Grants could be an important factor in your decision to buy a new or second hand home, or whether to build one yourself.

Identify areas that meet your personal needs. For example; amenities, schools, commute times, safety, where you would like to live, and budget. Attend open houses, research property listings online, and work with an estate agent to find potential homes that meet your needs.

It can be a good idea to get in contact directly with estate agents to communicate your preferences, priorities, and budget to help them find suitable properties for you.

Schedule viewings of properties that interest you and carefully assess each home’s features, condition, and potential for future resale value. To prepare an offer on a property that meets your criteria, consider factors such as market conditions and comparable sales.

The purchase of a home will require a solicitor to make sure you are protected and if you will have a loan on the home. Solicitors who specialise in conveyancing play an important part in the process. The Law Society of Ireland can help you find qualified legal professionals.

Understanding the property’s value and current market conditions will help you make a competitive yet realistic offer.

Once your offer is accepted you will be considered sale agreed and your solicitor will guide you through the next steps of the process. They will ensure all necessary searches and paperwork are completed. They will also prepare the contracts. When you sign the contracts and pay the money, you officially and legally buy the house.

If you are buying a second-hand property, it’s a good idea to get a building survey done. This survey will identify any potential issues with the property. This survey will make sure that the property has no major issues and is structurally sound, before finalising the deal.

If you are buying a new build you will need to choose finishes. You will also need to do up a list of snags, that need to be fixed before you move in. Snags are small defects that exist after a builder has finished.

Before you buy your house, you must get home insurance and mortgage protection. You should compare quotes from various insurers to find the best coverage for your needs.

When your bank says they are ready to give you the money your solicitor will arrange for you to sign the contract. After this, the bank will release the money to the seller of the home so you can buy the house. You will then receive the keys to your new home.

You should be aware of additional costs, such as stamp duty and legal fees. The Revenue Commissioners website offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and calculating these costs.

On the day you get your keys and ownership of the home has transferred to you, it’s important to take electricity and gas meter readings and set up accounts with utility providers. You can choose whichever utility provider you prefer.

You should consider developing a household budget so that you can monitor your payments. Payments include mortgage payments, utilities, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses.

When you have purchased your home, there may be grants available to you in order to do some work to your home. For example, SEAI home energy grants, or the vacant home refurbishment grant, if the property was previously vacant for 2 years.

It might be best to look for properties that already have accessibility features in place or are easily modifiable to accommodate your needs in an area that you would like to live in. Features such as wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, and accessible bathrooms can significantly enhance the livability of a home for people with mobility impairments.

Grants and financial assistance programs are available for Disabled people to make necessary modifications to their homes. Learn more about these grants.

Research the accessibility of the local community and available support services for people with disabilities. Consider factors such as accessible public transport, nearby healthcare facilities, and availability of disability-friendly amenities, when choosing a neighbourhood.

You can advocate for accessibility improvements in public spaces and facilities to create a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities.