01
First-time buyers
Your first home
Clear guidance on how much you can borrow, the deposit you'll need, and how Help to Buy fits in.
Mortgage advisory 
Getting mortgage ready.
Help with your first home, your next home, or switching to a better rate - explained in plain English by someone who'll actually pick up the phone.
Your mortgage advisor Leah Maguire QFA · BA (Hons) Insurance Practice
Meet your mortgage advisor
Leah leads mortgage advisory at Eolas - and she'd rather you asked the "silly" question.
Leah works with first-time buyers, movers, and clients looking to remortgage, guiding them through every step with clarity and care.
She takes pride in making the mortgage process straightforward, explaining complex options in plain language, and finding the solution that works best for you.
Feel free to book a Mortgage Discovery Call with Leah to talk through your options. It's free, and there's no obligation.
Book a discovery call with Leah How we can help
How can we help you into the mortgage market?
Most people land in one of these buckets. If you don't see yours here, ring us - it's almost certainly one we've worked with.
Up to four times your income what a first-time buyer can borrow (3.5 times for everyone else)
At least 10% deposit of the price, from your own savings
The price you can go to before fees, stamp duty and furnishing it
Central Bank lending rules, 2026. Help to Buy can add up to €30,000 for a first-time buyer of a new home priced up to €500,000.
02
Movers
Your next home
Trading up, downsizing, or moving sideways - we'll sort the numbers so the decision is about the house, not the maths.
03
Switchers
Remortgage & switch
Compare your current rate against the wider market and see whether switching lender could reduce your repayments.
04
Self-employed
Complex cases
Self-employed, contractors, blended incomes - we know how each lender treats the unusual stuff.
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Schemes
Help to Buy & more
Plain-English advice on Help to Buy, the First Home Scheme, and anything else that's actually relevant to you.
The process
What happens between the first call and your mortgage?
- 01
Initial consultation
A free, no-pressure call with Leah. We get a picture of what you want and where you're at.
- 02
Explore your options
We compare lenders and products across the market and bring you the ones that actually fit.
- 03
Apply & secure
We take care of the paperwork and walk you through application, approval, and drawdown.
- 04
Ongoing support
We stay with you through valuation, contracts, and the move - until you're sitting in the kitchen with the kettle on.
Common questions
The things people ask before applying.
Anything not covered here? Leah's free consultation is the right place to ask - bring the awkward ones too.
How much of a deposit do I really need?
Under current lending rules, you need a minimum deposit of 10% of the purchase price. However, it's important to budget an additional 3-5% to cover related costs such as legal fees, property surveys, and initial setup expenses.
Can I qualify if I'm self-employed?
Yes, you can qualify for a mortgage if you're self-employed. Each lender has different criteria and documentation requirements, so eligibility can vary. That's why it's important to speak with our mortgage team - we'll help identify the lenders most suited to your individual circumstances.
What is Help to Buy and how do I know if I'm eligible?
The Help to Buy scheme is a government initiative designed to support first-time buyers. It provides a refund of Income Tax and DIRT paid over the previous four years, which can be used towards your deposit. To find out if you qualify, we recommend speaking with one of our mortgage advisors.
How long does the mortgage process usually take?
The mortgage process can vary depending on your circumstances, but it typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks from application to loan offer. Delays can occur if additional documentation is required or if there are issues with the property. Working with a mortgage advisor can help streamline the process.
Ready to start
Your mortgage journey, starts with a chat.
Book a free consultation with Leah to find out what mortgage options suit you best - or download the first-time buyer guide to get a head start.