Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get an Investment Property Mortgage in Ireland (Using an SPV)

Investing in property remains one of the most reliable ways to build long-term wealth in Ireland. However, with rising rental demand, stricter lending rules, and evolving tax structures, many landlords and investors are now choosing to purchase property through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) — typically a limited company created solely for buying and renting out property.

If you’re considering this route, the process may seem complicated at first, but once you understand the steps, it becomes far easier to navigate. In this guide, we explain exactly how to secure an investment property mortgage in Ireland using an SPV, how to set up your company correctly, and why lenders are increasingly comfortable with this structure. Whether you are a new investor or an experienced landlord expanding your portfolio, this detailed breakdown will help you move forward with confidence.

What Is an SPV for Property Investment?

A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is a limited company created specifically to hold and manage property assets. It does not trade in any other way — its only purpose is to buy, rent, and manage investment property.

When you create an Irish SPV property company, lenders can clearly see that your business activities are limited to property investment only. This clarity reduces risk for the bank and helps streamline underwriting when applying for a buy-to-let mortgage through a company.

An SPV is especially useful for landlords who want:

• Clear separation between personal assets and investment assets
• More flexible tax planning
• Easier transfer of assets in the future
• A structure that can grow into a full property portfolio

Because of these benefits, many investors now prefer a Buy to Let SPV in Ireland rather than purchasing properties under their own personal name.

Why Buy Investment Property Through an SPV?

Before jumping into the step-by-step process, it’s important to understand why so many Irish landlords are choosing this route.

1. Efficient Tax Structure

Rental income inside a company is taxed differently than personal rental income. Many investors prefer corporate tax treatment because it offers more flexibility in how profits can be distributed, reinvested, or used for future purchases.
This is where tax benefits of SPV rentals in Ireland often come into play.

2. Clear Business Profile

Lenders prefer a dedicated company for buy-to-let because it:

• Keeps financial records clean
• Avoids risk from unrelated trading activity
• Demonstrates that you are a serious, structured investor

This directly strengthens your application for a limited company BTL mortgage in Ireland.

3. Easier Portfolio Growth

Once the SPV is set up, additional properties can be added under the same structure. This avoids repeated legal restructuring and makes it easier to scale your property ambitions.

4. Asset Protection

Your SPV owns the assets — not you personally. This creates separation that may be useful for long-term planning or transferring assets later.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an Investment Property Mortgage Through an SPV in Ireland

Here is your complete roadmap, from setting up the company to securing mortgage approval.

Step 1: Set Up Your SPV Correctly

Most lenders expect a simple structure with:

• One limited company
• One SIC code related only to property letting or management
• No other commercial activities

When you set up an SPV for buy-to-let in Ireland, you’ll need:

1. A registered Irish limited company

2. A company name suitable for a buy-to-let mortgage application

3. At least one director

4. A business bank account

5. A clearly stated business purpose (property investment only)

Your accountant can assist with company formation, annual returns, and tax planning. However, for mortgage lenders, it’s crucial that the company activities and codes align with rental property investment only.

Step 2: Understand BTL SPV Mortgage Eligibility in Ireland

Banks and lenders have criteria that must be met before approving an SPV mortgage. Typical requirements include:

• Good personal credit history for all directors
• Proof of income to demonstrate affordability
• Clean company structure (no trading history outside property)
• A reasonable deposit, usually between 25% and 35%
• Strong rental yield projections on the target property

This is what lenders refer to as BTL SPV eligibility in Ireland, and meeting these standards increases your chances of approval significantly.

Step 3: Prepare Your Financial Documents

To keep the process smooth, gather these documents early:

• Company Certificate of Incorporation
• Company Constitution (showing property investment as the purpose)
• Bank statements (both personal and SPV accounts)
• Proof of deposit
• Proof of income (payslips or financial statements)
• Personal identification documents

Lenders also request proposed rental income figures for the property you plan to purchase, which helps them determine mortgage affordability.

Step 4: Find the Right Lender and Compare SPV Mortgage Rates in Ireland

Not all lenders offer mortgages to SPVs. Some prefer personal buy-to-let applications only, while others specialise in company structures. The key is choosing a lender that understands investment companies and offers fair terms.

SPV mortgage rates in Ireland can vary, but they usually depend on factors such as:

• Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio
• Investor profile
• Property type
• Rental yield projections
• Current interest rate environment

Using a specialist financial adviser — such as Money Maximising Advisors — helps you compare lenders and secure the most competitive product based on your investment goals.

Step 5: Submit Your Application and Meet Lending Requirements

Once your documents are ready, your adviser will submit your application to the lender. The bank will then:

1. Review your company structure

2. Assess the directors’ financial background

3. Evaluate rental income projections

4. Arrange a property valuation

5. Issue conditional approval

If all conditions are met, you receive a full mortgage offer.

Step 6: Complete the Legal and Conveyancing Process

Your solicitor will:

• Verify company ownership
• Review loan agreements
• Ensure the SPV is legally entitled to hold property
• Assist with the final mortgage drawdown

Once everything is signed and approved, the purchase of the property is completed under your SPV.

Step 7: Manage and Maintain Your SPV Properly

After purchasing the property, your responsibilities include:

• Keeping the SPV accounts up to date
• Filing annual returns
• Maintaining clear rental income records
• Ensuring your mortgage is paid on time
• Staying on top of tax obligations

A well-maintained SPV keeps lenders confident and makes future purchases easier.

Pros and Cons of Using an SPV for Buy-to-Let Property

Advantages

• Tax flexibility for property investors
• Easier portfolio building
• Widely accepted by lenders
• Professional structure for long-term investment
• Cleaner separation of assets

Disadvantages

• Extra administrative work
• Annual company filing fees
• Slightly higher interest rates in some cases
• Additional accounting responsibilities

Why Work With Money Maximising Advisors?

Setting up an SPV and securing a mortgage through it requires precision. One small mistake — like choosing the wrong company activity code — can lead to mortgage rejection.

At Money Maximising Advisors, we specialise in:

• SPV setup guidance for Irish landlords
• Structuring your company name and documents correctly
• Assessing your buy-to-let investment goals
• Matching you to appropriate lenders
• Securing competitive SPV mortgage rates
• Providing one-to-one financial planning
• Assisting with long-term property portfolio strategies

Whether you’re setting up your first Irish SPV property company, expanding your portfolio, or exploring the tax benefits of SPV rentals in Ireland, our team ensures you make informed, confident decisions from start to finish.

Book Your Consultation

If you want expert help with:

• Setting up an SPV
• Finding lenders that accept SPV applications
• Understanding BTL eligibility
• Comparing rates
• Structuring your investment tax-efficiently

Then Money Maximising Advisors is here to guide you.

📞 Book a free consultation today and get personalised advice for your investment journey.
We’ll walk you through everything — from company formation to mortgage approval — so you can invest with clarity and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is buying property through an SPV common in Ireland?

Yes. Many modern investors prefer this structure because it offers tax efficiency, asset separation, and easier portfolio scalability.

2. Do SPVs get different mortgage rates compared to personal buy-to-let investors?

Rates can differ slightly, depending on the lender. Some lenders view SPVs as lower risk due to the clear business structure.

3. Can I use my existing trading company instead of creating an SPV?

This is not recommended. Most lenders prefer a clean SPV that has no other trade activities.

4. How long does it take to set up an SPV?

Usually a few days, but it depends on how quickly documents are prepared. Advisers can help ensure everything is correctly structured.

5. Do I still need to provide personal income proof for an SPV mortgage?

Yes. Lenders always assess directors’ personal finances, even though the mortgage is under the company.

6. Can an SPV own multiple properties?

Absolutely. That is one of the main advantages — scalability and portfolio growth.

7. Will using an SPV reduce my tax automatically?

Not automatically, but it provides tax planning options that may be more efficient than personal ownership.

Conclusion

Investing in Irish property through an SPV has become one of the most strategic ways to build long-term wealth, reduce administrative complications, and create a professional foundation for future portfolio growth. While the process may feel complex at first—setting up the company, ensuring eligibility, gathering documents, comparing lenders, and managing ongoing compliance—the advantages are clear for investors who want structure, scalability, and financial clarity.

By following the step-by-step approach outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate the SPV mortgage process and avoid the expensive mistakes many new investors make. And with expert support from Money Maximising Advisors, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team ensures your SPV is set up correctly, your mortgage application is fully aligned with lender requirements, and your investment strategy is designed for long-term success.

Whether you’re buying your first rental property or expanding an existing portfolio, partnering with specialists makes all the difference. When you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to guide you through every stage—from company formation to mortgage approval and beyond.