How much deposit do I need?
How the 10% deposit rule works, what happens to your cash after buying costs, and why the deposit isn't the whole story.
Page checked: 21 October 2026
The basic rule
For standard owner-occupier mortgages, first-time buyers and second/subsequent buyers generally need a minimum 10% deposit. That corresponds to a maximum 90% LTV. Buy-to-let buyers generally need a 30% deposit, corresponding to a 70% LTV limit.
Example: a €350,000 home
A 10% deposit on a €350,000 property is €35,000. That leaves a €315,000 mortgage at 90% LTV — assuming the buyer also meets the relevant income limit and the lender approves the application.
Your cash deposit isn't all available for the property
This is an easy cost to overlook. Stamp duty and conveyancing costs have to be paid from your available funds too. Revenue currently charges 1% on residential consideration up to €1 million, 2% on the portion over €1 million up to €1.5 million, and 6% above €1.5 million.
How much should you actually save?
Think of your target as: deposit + buying costs + a sensible emergency buffer. The CCPC also lists other purchase costs such as Land Registry, mortgage registration, searches and insurance. Your solicitor should give you a clear estimate of the costs involved.
Try the Check The Damage “Can I Afford It?” calculator — enter the total cash you have and we'll account for estimated buying costs before applying the LTV limit.
Can I Afford It?
See what your available cash could mean for your deposit and maximum property price after estimated buying costs.
Open Can I Afford It? →Sources & important note
- Central Bank of Ireland — Mortgage Measures
- Revenue — Stamp Duty rates
- CCPC — Understanding Mortgages
Information is provided for general information only. Mortgage rules, rates, lender criteria and costs can change. Always confirm the current position with the relevant lender or official source before making a financial decision.
Official source
Check Revenue’s current residential stamp-duty rates and the Central Bank mortgage measures before relying on these examples. Costs other than stamp duty are estimates and vary by transaction.