Check mortgage affordability
Use the Mortgage Affordability Calculator to estimate income-based borrowing power, deposit limits, and repayment pressure.
Quick answer
- First-time buyers are generally limited to 4 times gross income under the Central Bank LTI rule.
- Second and subsequent buyers are generally limited to 3.5 times gross income.
- Deposit and loan-to-value limits also affect the maximum property price.
- Lenders still run their own affordability checks before approval.
On this page
Income-based borrowing examples
The Central Bank loan-to-income limit restricts mortgage borrowing based on gross income. These are simple income-limit examples before deposit and lender checks.
| Gross income | First-time buyer 4× | Second/subsequent 3.5× |
|---|---|---|
| €40,000 | €160,000 | €140,000 |
| €50,000 | €200,000 | €175,000 |
| €60,000 | €240,000 | €210,000 |
| €80,000 | €320,000 | €280,000 |
| €100,000 | €400,000 | €350,000 |
Deposit and LTV also matter
Loan-to-value compares the mortgage with the property value. If a buyer needs a 10% deposit, a €350,000 home generally means at least €35,000 deposit before other buying costs. Buy-to-let lending generally requires a larger deposit.
Why lender approval can be lower
Central Bank limits are not the same as mortgage approval. A lender may offer less after reviewing income stability, credit history, childcare, loans, dependants, savings pattern, age, property type and other commitments.
Repayment affordability
Even if a buyer can borrow a certain amount, the monthly repayment still needs to feel affordable. Use the Mortgage Affordability Calculator to estimate borrowing power, then use the Mortgage Repayment Calculator to test the monthly payment.
Frequently asked questions
How many times salary can first-time buyers borrow?
The general Central Bank loan-to-income limit for first-time buyers is 4 times gross income.
How many times salary can second buyers borrow?
Second and subsequent buyers are generally limited to 3.5 times gross income.
Does deposit affect how much I can buy?
Yes. The deposit affects the property price you can target because of loan-to-value limits.
Can a lender offer less than the Central Bank limit?
Yes. Lenders apply their own affordability and credit checks.
Is mortgage affordability the same as repayment?
No. Affordability estimates borrowing power, while repayment estimates the monthly payment.
Is this guide tax advice?
No. It is general information for planning. Use official guidance or a tax adviser for your own situation.
Can I use the calculator for filing?
Use it as an estimate only. Complex activity such as DeFi, staking, mining, business trading, or many swaps may need specialist software or advice.
Sources & references
Key takeaways
- Borrowing limits depend on income and deposit.
- First-time buyers generally use a 4× income limit.
- Second/subsequent buyers generally use a 3.5× income limit.
- Lender affordability checks can reduce the actual offer.