How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Home in Ireland in 2026?
Buying a home in Ireland costs significantly more than just the purchase price. In 2026, first-time buyers typically pay €10,000–€25,000 on top of the property price in stamp duty, legal fees, and other essential costs. Here is exactly what to budget for.
Stamp Duty
Stamp duty in Ireland is charged at 1% on properties up to €1 million and 2% above that. For a €350,000 property, stamp duty is €3,500.
First-time buyers pay the same rate — but the Help to Buy scheme can refund up to €30,000 on qualifying new builds, effectively wiping out stamp duty and contributing to your deposit. The First Home Scheme can also reduce the effective cost further.
Legal Fees (Solicitor)
Solicitor fees for a standard residential purchase in Ireland typically range from €2,000 to €3,500 plus VAT at 23%. Fees vary by solicitor and transaction complexity.
Beyond professional fees, you will pay disbursements: Land Registry fees (€600–€900), Land Registry map (€40), and search fees (€150–€300). Budget approximately €3,000–€5,000 total for legal costs including all disbursements.
Survey Costs
A pre-purchase structural survey by a chartered engineer typically costs €400–€600 in Ireland. This is money well spent — surveys regularly uncover issues worth tens of thousands of euros.
For new builds, a snag list inspection (€200–€400) is more appropriate than a structural survey. Neither is legally mandatory, but skipping a survey is one of the most common regrets among Irish buyers.
Mortgage and Insurance Costs
When taking out a mortgage, expect to pay:
- Mortgage valuation fee: €150–€250 (required by the lender) - Mortgage protection insurance: €20–€60 per month ongoing - Home insurance: €300–€600 per year (required by lender from drawdown) - Mortgage broker fee: €0–€500 (many Irish brokers charge the buyer nothing, paid by the lender)
Some lenders waive the valuation fee as part of a mortgage package.
Other Costs to Budget
Beyond the main costs, budget for:
- Moving costs: €500–€2,000 depending on volume and distance - Connection fees for utilities if applicable - Initial furnishing or renovation costs
Many first-time buyers underestimate the total buying costs and find themselves short at completion. Use Home1's free cost calculator to build a complete picture before you start house hunting.
Frequently asked questions
How much stamp duty do I pay in Ireland in 2026?+
Stamp duty in Ireland is 1% on properties up to €1 million and 2% above that. For a €350,000 property, this is €3,500. First-time buyers pay the same rate but can offset it through the Help to Buy or First Home Scheme for qualifying new builds.
What are total buying costs in Ireland for a €350,000 property?+
For a €350,000 property, expect approximately €10,000–€15,000 in buying costs: stamp duty €3,500, legal fees €3,000–€4,500, survey €500, mortgage valuation €200, and insurance setup. If eligible for Help to Buy on a new build, the scheme can significantly reduce or eliminate these costs.
Is a structural survey mandatory in Ireland?+
No, a structural survey is not legally required. However, it is strongly recommended for second-hand properties. Surveys regularly identify defects worth far more than their cost. For new builds, a snagging inspection is advisable instead.
Can I use Help to Buy and the First Home Scheme together?+
Yes, in most cases you can use both simultaneously on a qualifying new build. Help to Buy provides up to €30,000 as a tax refund, while First Home Scheme provides up to 30% of the property value as an equity share. Combined, they can dramatically reduce the deposit required from your own savings.
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