Head of Credit, at online brokers MyMortgages.ie and author of The Mortgage Coach
- My husband and I both work in civil service. We are currently earning a combined €80,000 per annum. We have managed to save €17,000, saving €1250 per month. We have never had any loans or debt. Could we get a mortgage? We’re currently based in Dublin, but realise our salaries won’t allow us to buy here. We’re hoping to buy at home in Cork. Is this possible?
Yes, you are very suitable mortgage candidates. You should be able to borrow 3.5 times your income which is €280,000, and possibly qualify for an exemption, meaning you could potentially borrow up to maybe €320,000 – €360,000. Based on your current monthly savings amount, in 1 year your savings will increase by €15,000, which means you will have €32,000. This would allow you to purchase a home for €320,000. According to the most recent report, the average house price in Cork City is €313,000. As long as your employer confirms in writing that it’s ok for you to work from Cork, then there is no issue buying a house to live in Cork if your employer is based in Dublin.
