Buying Costs Guide Updated for 2026

Total Cost of Buying a Home in Ireland

A practical guide to the full cost of buying a home in Ireland, including deposit, stamp duty, legal fees, valuation, survey, insurance and moving costs.

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Estimate Irish stamp duty

Use the Stamp Duty Calculator to estimate residential property stamp duty as part of your home-buying budget.

1%Up to €1m 2%Next band 6%Higher band
Estimate stamp duty

Quick answer

Deposit Upfront cash
Stamp duty Revenue tax
Legal Solicitor
Buffer Important
  • The mortgage repayment is only one part of buying a home.
  • Buyers need to budget for deposit, stamp duty, legal fees, valuation, survey and insurance.
  • Stamp duty is usually calculated from the property price using Revenue rates.
  • A total-cost view helps first-time buyers avoid running short of cash near closing.
On this page
  1. Home buying cost checklist
  2. Stamp duty example
  3. Why total cost matters
  4. How calculators fit together

Home buying cost checklist

Cost What it covers Calculator/help
Deposit Your upfront contribution to the purchase price. Affordability / savings
Stamp duty Tax paid on the property transfer. Stamp Duty Calculator
Legal fees Solicitor and conveyancing work. Get quotes
Valuation Lender property valuation. Lender quote
Survey Optional but useful property inspection. Surveyor quote
Insurance Mortgage protection and home insurance. Provider quote
Moving costs Removal, furniture, utilities and setup. Budget estimate

Stamp duty example

For many residential purchases under €1 million, stamp duty is calculated at 1% of the price. For example, a €350,000 home would have €3,500 stamp duty. Higher bands apply above €1 million.

Why total cost matters

A buyer may be able to afford the monthly repayment but still struggle with upfront cash. This is especially important for first-time buyers who are also paying rent while saving a deposit.

How calculators fit together

Use the Mortgage Affordability Calculator for borrowing power, Mortgage Repayment Calculator for monthly payments, Stamp Duty Calculator for tax, and Savings Goal Calculator for deposit planning.

Frequently asked questions

What costs should I budget for when buying a house?

Deposit, stamp duty, legal fees, valuation, survey, insurance, moving costs and initial furnishing or setup costs.

Does the mortgage cover stamp duty?

Usually stamp duty is an upfront cost paid through the buying process, not part of the mortgage repayment estimate.

How much is stamp duty on a €350,000 home?

At 1%, the stamp duty example is €3,500, assuming ordinary residential rates and no special case.

Are legal fees included in mortgage calculators?

Usually no. They should be budgeted separately.

Should I use Help to Buy in total cost planning?

Eligible buyers of qualifying new homes can include possible Help to Buy support, but should check Revenue rules.

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

Last reviewed: 11 May 2026

Key takeaways

  • Monthly repayment is only one part of buying.
  • Stamp duty and legal costs can affect the cash needed to close.
  • Separate calculators should be used together for a fuller picture.
  • Always keep a buffer for costs that are not fixed at the start.
Ready to check your own numbers? Use the Stamp Duty Calculator as part of your buying budget.
Estimate stamp duty

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