Keys to Ireland 🔑: Your Guide to Buying a Home in Ireland 🏡

About Keys to Ireland 🔑: Your Guide to Buying a Home in Ireland 🏡

Whether you're moving to Ireland 🍀 or buying your first home here, Keys to Ireland 🔑 is your guide to navigating the Irish property market. Hosts Katie and Mike cover mortgages, deposits, government supports, legal steps, and what to watch out for when choosing a home with extra tips for American 🗽 expats. With clear advice backed by Irish resources, estate agent insights, and real buyer experiences, this podcast helps you make smart, informed decisions whether you're buying a city apartment or a countryside cottage.

Publisher

Mike and Katie

Category

leisure

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 Apr 2025

Latest episode

3 Jun 2025

Latest episodes

6 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Jun 2025

   Italy’s 1 Euro Houses 💶: Dream Deal or Money Pit? 🌟Bonus Episode 🌟

   Hosts Katie and Mike explore Italy's One Euro House scheme, examining the application process, hidden renovation costs, and the realities of living in rural Italian villages.

2. 

   27 May 2025

   After the Keys 🚚: Moving In, Setting Up, and Living in Ireland

   Hosts Katie and Mike provide a guide to the crucial steps after closing on a home in Ireland, including setting up utilities and building a local network, ensuring a smooth transition.

3. 

   20 May 2025

   Navigating the Legal Side 👩‍⚖️: Solicitors, Contracts, and Closing Your Irish Home

   🎙️ Episode 4: Navigating the Legal Side – Solicitors, Contracts, and Closing Your Irish Home 🍀 Buying a home in Ireland means more than just finding the right place... it means navigating the legal system confidently. In this episode of Keys to Ireland 🔑, Katie and Mike break down the full legal journey from “Sale Agreed” to getting your keys. They explain the role of your conveyancing solicitor, what title deeds really mean, the importance of surveys, pre-contract checks, and what can cause frustrating delays. You’ll learn: What a solicitor does for buyers Why title checks and planning searches matter What happens during the Sale Agreed stage How stamp duty, LPT, and registration fees work Why the process takes 3–4 months (or more) Common mistakes buyers should avoid Whether you’re a local buyer, a returning resident, or relocating from abroad, this episode gives you a legal roadmap to close the deal with confidence. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Buying a Home in Ireland 00:54 – Role of the Conveyancing Solicitor 03:00 – Choosing the Right Solicitor 05:48 – What Happens at "Sale Agreed" 08:31 – Title Deeds Explained 10:21 – Stamp Duty, LPT, and Costs 12:04 – Timeline and Delays 14:16 – Common Pitfalls and Final Advice 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Wise.com – Buying Property in Ireland (https://wise.com/us/blog/buying-property-in-ireland) Reddit – How Long It Took People to Buy a Home (https://www.reddit.com/r/irishpersonalfinance/comments/1inxq9b/how_long_did_it_take_you_to_buy_a_house/) Summit Law – Key Factors When Searching for Conveyancing (https://summitlaw.ie/conveyancing/key-factors-to-consider-when-searching-for-conveyancing-in-ireland/) CitizensInformation.ie – Property Deeds (https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/owning-a-home/buying-a-home/property-deeds/) Auctioneera – What Does Sale Agreed Mean? (https://www.auctioneera.ie/what-is-sale-agreed) CitizensInformation.ie – Stamp Duty (https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/owning-a-home/buying-a-home/stamp-duty/) CitizensInformation.ie – Steps to Buying a Home (https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/owning-a-home/buying-a-home/steps-involved-buying-a-home/) Geaney Solicitors – Legal Process Overview (https://www.geaneysolicitors.ie/news-and-insights/the-legal-process-of-property-buying-in-ireland-2023) Property Solicitors Dublin – Role of a Conveyancing Solicitor (https://propertysolicitorsdublin.ie/the-role-of-a-conveyancing-solicitor-when-you-buy-property-in-ireland/) Michael Monahan Solicitors – Choosing a Solicitor in 2024 (https://www.michaelmonahansolicitor.ie/tips-for-choosing-a-conveyancing-solicitor-in-ireland-in-2024/) This is Episode 4 of Keys to Ireland 🔑, your practical guide to buying a home in Ireland from first searches to finally getting the keys. 📬 Contact us: keystoireland@gmail.com (mailto:keystoireland@gmail.com)

4. 

   13 May 2025

   Finding the Right Home in Ireland 🏡: Research, Viewings, and Choosing Wisely

   🎙️ Episode 3: Finding the Right Home in Ireland: Research, Viewings, and Choosing Wisely Buying a home in Ireland is about much more than the right price - it is about finding the right fit for your life. In this episode of Keys to Ireland 🔑, Katie and Mike guide you through how to search smarter, view properties critically, and choose wisely. From understanding BER energy ratings to spotting red flags during viewings, they share practical tips to help you avoid costly mistakes. You’ll learn: Where to search (Daft.ie, SherryFitzgerald, local agents) How to evaluate listings and spot warning signs What BER ratings really mean for your bills and comfort The pros and cons of new builds vs second-hand homes Essential questions to ask during a property viewing How to research a neighborhood’s transport, safety, schools, and community vibe Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading, or relocating to Ireland, this episode gives you a clear, actionable checklist to find a home that truly fits. 🔗 References and Resources Mentioned: Zurich.ie – Questions to Ask When Viewing a House (https://www.zurich.ie/blog/questions-to-ask-when-viewing-a-house/) Sherry FitzGerald – What to Look For When Viewing a Home (https://www.sherryfitz.ie/advice/what-to-look-for-when-viewing-home) CCPC.ie – Step-by-Step Home Buying Guide (https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/housing/buying-home-step-by-step-guide/) Daft.ie Blog – Where to Start When Buying Property (https://www.blog.daft.ie/post/buying-a-property-here-s-where-to-start) Reddit – Estate Agent Red Flags and Tactics (https://www.reddit.com/r/irishpersonalfinance/comments/105py7v/estate_agent_red_flags_and_common_tactics/) RentDodo.ie – Guide to Avoid Rental Scams in Ireland (https://www.rentdodo.ie/articles/guide-to-avoid-rental-scams-ireland) ESRI – Neighbourhood Factors and Mental Health (https://www.esri.ie/publications/neighbourhood-factors-and-associations-with-mental-health) First Time Buyers Ireland – New Build vs Second-Hand Homes (https://www.firsttimebuyersireland.ie/blog/new-build-vs-second-hand-home-in-ireland) SEAI.ie – Understanding BER Ratings (https://www.seai.ie/ber/understand-a-ber-rating) Reddit – Questions to Ask When Viewing a Property (https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/10wxn5n/what_questions_to_ask_when_viewing_a_property_you/) This is Episode 3 of Keys to Ireland 🔑, your practical guide to buying a home in Ireland whether you're a first-time buyer, a returning resident, or moving from abroad. 📬 Contact us: keystoireland@gmail.com (mailto:keystoireland@gmail.com)

5. 

   6 May 2025

   Financing Your Irish Dream 💸: Mortgages, Deposits, and First-Time Buyer Supports

   🎙️ Episode 2: Financing Your Irish Dream: Mortgages, Deposits, and First-Time Buyer Supports Buying a home in Ireland? Whether you are a first-time buyer, an expat, or just trying to understand Ireland's mortgage system, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you get mortgage-ready. Hosts Katie and Mike break down: How to qualify for a mortgage in Ireland (income, job stability, credit history) Deposit rules and real-world averages How much you can borrow based on LTV (Loan-to-Value) and LTI (Loan-to-Income) rules Smart saving strategies and financial habits that banks love to see Essential supports for first-time buyers: Help to Buy (HTB) and First Home Scheme (FHS) What mistakes to avoid when applying for a mortgage Special tips for expats transferring deposits and building Irish credit history Whether you are moving from abroad or buying locally, this episode helps you navigate the financial side of getting your keys to a home in Ireland. References and Resources Mentioned: Bonkers.ie - Mortgage mistakes to avoid (https://www.bonkers.ie/blog/mortgages/9-mistakes-to-avoid-when-applying-for-a-mortgage/) Sherry Fitzgerald - Mortgage Central Bank Guidelines (https://www.sherryfitz.ie/media/structured_content/file_link/SF_Mortgages_Central_Bank_Guidelines_4_Pgr-Dec-2021.pdf) FirstHomeScheme.ie - Eligibility (https://www.firsthomescheme.ie/about-the-scheme/eligibility/) Central Bank of Ireland - Mortgage Measures (https://www.centralbank.ie/consumer-hub/explainers/what-are-the-mortgage-measures) MortgageLine.ie - Deposit amounts explained (https://mortgageline.ie/first-time-buyer-deposit-ireland-how-much-do-you-really-need/) CitizensInformation.ie - Help to Buy Scheme (https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/owning-a-home/help-with-buying-a-home/help-to-buy-scheme/) Harbourview Mortgages - Borrowing limits guide (https://www.harbourviewmortgages.ie/how-much-can-i-borrow-for-a-mortgage-in-ireland-a-comprehensive-guide/) Irish Life - Cost of buying a home in Ireland (https://www.irishlife.ie/blog/cost-buying-home-ireland/) CitizensInformation.ie - Mortgage Insurance Guide (https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/owning-a-home/buying-a-home/insurance-protection-on-mortgages/) Reddit - Irish deposit experiences (https://www.reddit.com/r/irishpersonalfinance/comments/1j9h0wj/what_is_the_average_deposit_you_have_heard_people/) Get your mortgage plan ready and open the door to your new home in Ireland!

6. 

   29 Apr 2025

   Keys to Ireland 🔑: How to Buy a Home in Ireland 🍀

   🎙️ Episode 1: How to Buy a Home in Ireland: A Step-by-Step Guide for Both Expats or Locals Buying a home in Ireland in 2025 can feel overwhelming, especially if you're navigating the process for the first time. In this kickoff episode, hosts Katie and Mike break down the entire journey from saving your deposit to collecting your keys. Whether you're a local first-time buyer, a returning Irish resident, or someone moving from abroad, this episode gives you the essential roadmap to owning a home in Ireland. 🍀 You’ll learn: How much you need for a deposit and how borrowing limits work in Ireland What supports are available for first-time buyers, like: The Help to Buy (HTB) scheme The First Home Scheme (FHS) shared equity option How to get mortgage approval in principle (AIP) and why it matters What "proof of funds" really means and why sellers care What extra costs to plan for (stamp duty, solicitor fees, surveys, BER, LPT, and more) What a solicitor (conveyancer) does, and how to find a good one How to use tools like Daft.ie, Sherry Fitzgerald, and mortgages.ie What to expect when buying new builds (snag lists, show houses, timelines, social housing allocation) How to research a neighborhood, compare real sale prices, and make a competitive offer Why surveyors and snag lists can save you thousands What to know about insurance, property registration, and getting your keys We have gathered real-world insights from official Irish government resources, local estate agents, Reddit recommendations, and our own research into listings and support schemes all tailored to American buyers entering the Irish market for the first time. 🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode: CCPC.ie - Step-by-step home buying guide (https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/housing/buying-home-step-by-step-guide/) First Home Scheme - Eligibility and info (https://www.firsthomescheme.ie/about-the-scheme/eligibility/) r/Cork - Solicitor recommendations (https://www.reddit.com/r/cork/comments/1ekof8m/good_conveyancing_solicitor_in_cork/?rdt=38131) Daft.ie - Property listings in Cork (https://www.daft.ie/new-homes-for-sale/cork) Mortgages.ie - First time buyer info (https://www.mortgages.ie/go/first_time_buyers/mortgages_explained) Sherry FitzGerald - First-time buyer guide (PDF) (https://www.sherryfitz.ie/media/structured_content/file_link/SherryFitz_New-Homes_First_Time_Buyers_24_Pgr-Dec-2021.pdf) Daft Blog - Supports for First-Time Buyers (https://www.blog.daft.ie/post/what-financial-supports-are-available-for-first-time-buyers) TPD Solutions - Pre-purchase surveys (https://tpdsolutions.ie/what-is-pre-purchase-survey/) 📑 Chapter Markers: 00:00 - Introduction to Buying a Home in Ireland 01:05 - Understanding Deposits and Borrowing Limits 02:11 - Government Schemes for First-Time Buyers 03:37 - Proof of Funds and Buyer Types 04:34 - Budgeting Beyond the House Price 06:24 - Navigating the Mortgage Process 07:47 - Essential Paperwork and Mortgage Protection 09:18 - Finding a Property Solicitor 09:28 - Understanding the Role of a Solicitor 09:55 - Solicitor Fees and Recommendations 11:53 - House Hunting Tips for Expats 14:33 - Making an Offer and Sale Agreement 15:55 - Finalizing the Purchase 19:13 - Recap and Final Thoughts 🏡 This is Episode 1 of Keys to Ireland, a podcast for anyone looking to understand the home-buying process in Ireland for both expats and locals alike. We are here to demystify the process and share the knowledge we wish we had when we started. Hit subscribe and follow along for future episodes covering everything from picking a solicitor to what to do after move-in day. 📬 Contact us: keystoireland@gmail.com

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

67

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Keys to Ireland 🔑: Your Guide to Buying a Home in Ireland 🏡

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.