
A Guide to Understanding Mortgages in Ireland
Navigating the world of mortgages can feel like a daunting task, especially in Ireland’s unique property landscape. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to
As a public sector employee, you’ve dedicated your career to serving
others. Now it’s your turn to benefit from a mortgage designed to
recognise your stability, reliability, and long-term earning potential.
Whether you’re purchasing your first home, moving to a new property, switching lenders for a better rate, or releasing equity, a Public Sector Mortgage offers some of the lowest interest rates available in Ireland, enhanced borrowing power, and a straightforward application process — with approval possible in just 48 hours.
To make homeownership more accessible, we assess your income at 5 points above your current pay scale, immediately increasing the amount you can borrow. We also consider 100% of your regular overtime and guaranteed allowances, provided they are confirmed by your employer.
Even if you’re newly promoted or currently on probation, we’ll assess your application based on your employment history and suitability for the role. Our mortgage consultants are highly experienced in public sector pay scales and terms, ensuring a faster and more efficient journey from application to approval.
Alongside some of the most competitive rates in the market, you can choose from variable, 3-year, or 5-year fixed-rate options. Flexible repayment terms mean your mortgage can adjust with your changing circumstances.
Public Sector Mortgage is available to a broad range of professionals — including teachers, nurses, gardaí, doctors, army officers, civil servants, and other government or state-employed workers. If one partner in a couple works in the public sector, your household may still qualify under the scheme. It’s ideal for first-time buyers climbing the property ladder, existing homeowners switching lenders, or those upgrading to a larger home. It also suits public sector staff wishing to release equity to fund home improvements, education costs, or other personal needs.
The majority of non- nationals who work in public sector will still qualify for a public sector mortgage. The following visas kare accepted.
This is not the case when applying through the normal pillar banks in Ireland.
Please note that applicants do not have to be passed their probation period to qualify
If you have some issues with your credit score, you may still qualify for a public sector mortgage. If the credit issue can be explained and is not too significant, other applicants still qualify. However, applications are assessed on a case-by- case basis. Examples of credit issues that may be overlooked are:
issues of repayments of loan due to an uncooperative ex-partner, etc.
Up to 4 applicants can apply together on the same mortgage application. For example 2 couples can apply together on 4 siblings, as long as they are all first time buyers and down own any other property.
To qualify, applicants must be aged 18 or over and no older than 80 at the end of the mortgage term. The property must be located in the Republic of Ireland and intended for use as your primary residence.
Applicants will need to undergo a full property valuation and must hold buildings insurance and life cover.
A minimum 10% deposit is required, however, this can be obtained using the applicant’s savings, the Help to Buy incentive (for first-time buyers), and/or a gift from family/friends.
Proven repayment ability rules are very flexible,and public sector applicants can pass this test with limited proof of savings.
Online Application process – 48-hour turnaround for mortgage approvals With our fast-track online application, expert advice tailored to the public sector, and the possibility of approval within 48 hours, this is your opportunity to secure a mortgage that works harder for you.
Apply online today and take the next step towards owning a home with better rates, increased borrowing power, and long-term value — all tailored to support those who serve.
Meet Tom and Sarah. They both work as civil servants and each has an annual salary of €45,000. Both are on point 5 of their salary scales. Point 8 of the civil servants’ pay scale is €52,000.
The future salary of up to 3 points current paygrades can be used as their qualifying incomes. This increases their borrowing power and max mortgage by €28,000.
As First-Time Buyers, they will qualify for the Help to Buy scheme, the First Home Scheme. They have €10,000 in savings.
In summary, by utilising all of the incentives available to them, Tom and Sarah managed to purchase a property for €498,000. HOW?
€416,000 – from a Public Sector Mortgage
€30,000 – from the Help to Buy scheme
€42,000 – from the First Home Scheme, and
€10,000 – from their own savings.
They were able to purchase a property worth €498,000 by using all of the incentives available to them.
Meet Pat and Mary, both working in the public sector. Pat is a Clerical
Officer in the Department of Health, and Mary is a clerical officer in the Department of Education.
Pat is on Grade 7 – pay point 4 with a salary of €53,904, and
Mary is a Clerical Officer Grade 4 – pay point 6 with a salary of €36,215
Under Central bank rules, a first-time buyer can borrow up to 4 times their qualifying income.
With a Public Sector Mortgage, qualifying income is taken as 3 points up a public servant’s current pay grade, plus any guaranteed average overtime and allowances. The breakdown of qualifying income is as follows;
When this is added to their own 10% savings deposit, they could purchase a property worth €489,253
With a public sector mortgage, they were able to borrow €79,852 morethan through a standard mortgage provider.
Meet Seamus and Anne, they are both civil servants and would like to switch their mortgage of €220,000 from their current lender and are looking for an additional loan amount to renovate their home.
Seamus is a Clerical Officer and on Grade 7 – pay point 7 with a salary of €57,919, and Anne is also a Clerical Officer and on Grade 4 – pay point 9 with a salary of €41,274
With a public sector mortgage, they can borrow up to 4 times their
qualifying incomes. Seamus’s qualifying income is as follows;total salary is based on €65,612 (3 points up their salary scale) plus
allowances of €2,168 Anne’s qualifying income is as follows;
total salary is based on €48,162 (3 points up their salary scale) plus
Consistent average overtime over the past 3 years of €4500
Total qualifying income for both applicants is €113,774
The maximum mortgage that they can borrow is €113,774 x 4 = €455,096 After paying their current lender the outstanding €220,000, the couple will have €235,096 for home renovations.
Under normal lending guidelines,
When this is added to their own 10% savings deposit, they could purchase a property worth €489,253 With a public sector mortgage, they were able to borrow €79,852 morethan through a standard mortgage provider.
Yes, non-Irish citizens can get a mortgage in Ireland, especially if they work in the public sector. Through a specialised Public Sector Mortgage, many non-nationals on visa types such as Stamp 1, 1G, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 may qualify. Unlike traditional banks, public mortgage lenders in Ireland offer flexible terms, even if you haven’t yet completed your probation period.
The Central Bank revised its borrowing criteria in 2023, enabling first-time buyers to access loans worth up to four times their gross annual income. However, Public Sector Mortgages in Ireland go further—allowing income to be assessed 5 points above the current salary scale and recognising 100% of guaranteed overtime, allowances, and even children’s allowance. This significantly increases borrowing power.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but for public sector employees, public mortgage lenders in Ireland often offer better terms than traditional banks. With lower interest rates, longer terms, and less strict lending criteria, they may be the ideal option, especially with support from a financial broker who compares all available offers for your specific case.
Most lenders require at least 6–12 months of continuous employment. However, with a Mortgage for Public Sector Workers in Ireland, even newly hired employees or those on probation can apply—provided the role is permanent or long-term. This opens doors for many who may not qualify under standard lending rules.
Foreigners working in Ireland, especially in public sector roles such as teaching, nursing, or civil service, can access tailored solutions. With a Public Sector Mortgage, foreigners with approved visa types can apply with minimal barriers and benefit from competitive rates and enhanced borrowing assessments. An expert broker can guide you through the fast-track online process.
A Public Sector Mortgage is often considered one of the easiest mortgages to qualify for in Ireland, thanks to its flexible repayment criteria, waiver of probation, and income assessments that include allowances and overtime. Approval is possible within 48 hours, and even mild credit issues can be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Typically, borrowers can access up to 4x their gross income. However, with a Public Sector Mortgage Calculator in Ireland, public sector workers can often borrow more, thanks to income being assessed 5 pay points higher and full recognition of allowances and overtime. It provides greater borrowing potential than a traditional bank loan.
Mortgage approval starts with understanding your borrowing capacity and submitting key documents (payslips, bank statements, ID, etc.). With a Public Sector Mortgage in Ireland, approval can happen in as little as 48 hours through an online application. A financial broker helps you prepare, apply, and secure the best deal with less stress and better rates.
There’s no fixed minimum, but most lenders require enough income to meet repayment rules. Mortgages designed for public sector employees in Ireland factor in additional earnings like overtime and children’s allowance, easing the income requirements for loan qualification.
Most lenders set the mortgage end date before the borrower turns 70. However, Public Sector Mortgages Ireland allow terms up to the borrower’s 80th birthday. This extended limit helps older applicants or those starting later in life access the property ladder or release equity for retirement.
Navigating the world of mortgages can feel like a daunting task, especially in Ireland’s unique property landscape. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to
Navigating the world of mortgages can feel overwhelming, especially for public sector employees in Ireland. With varying options and specific benefits tailored to your profession,
Navigating the mortgage landscape can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing between public and private sector options. Each path offers distinct advantages that
Money Maximising Advisors Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.