From getting acquainted with the Help-to-Buy scheme to claiming a tax refund, there are a few things you can do to make getting a mortgage deposit together easier.
At bonkers.ie HQ we’re well aware of the struggles renters face as they grapple with high rents while also trying to save for a mortgage deposit as many of us here are in the same situation.
So what can you do if you’re trying to get a deposit together?
Well, unfortunately there’s no magic money tree and unless you're hoping to come into an inheritance (and have some very old and sick relatives!) then hard choices lie ahead.
However there are a few things you can do and should know about to try make it easier.
1. Get acquainted with the Help-to-Buy scheme
This scheme gives a tax rebate to first-time buyers of up to €30,000 to help towards the deposit for a NEW build property.
This means if you're buying a home for €300,000 or less, you make not even have to save any deposit at all.
See here for more info on the scheme and how to apply.
2. Look into a mortgage ‘exemption’
The Central Bank’s mortgage lending rules require you to have a deposit of at least 10% of your house price, which is easier said than done with rent prices as high as they are.
However, in any one calendar year, 5% of mortgages to first-time buyers can have a deposit below 10%, provided you meet other lending criteria of course. So chat to your bank about the possibility of getting a deposit exemption.
See here for more info on the rules and the exemptions.
3. Consider mortgage cashback deals
Several lender right now offer generous cashback deals to first-time buyers. And while the rates on these deals tend to be higher, meaning you pay back more over the longer term, there’s a lot to be said for getting a cash lump sum within a few weeks of drawing down your mortgage. Plus, you can always switch to a cheaper non-cashback deal after a few years.
And anecdotally we know that a lot of people use these deals to pay back the ‘bank of mum and dad’ after they’ve moved into their new home. So if you’re lucky enough to have a parent, relative or sibling who can lend you some money towards a house deposit for a short amount of time, a cashback offer can be an easy way to pay them back. In many cases a bank will lodge your cashback within days of you drawing down your mortgage.
4. Get more money savvy
Get up to speed on how to spend your money more wisely and watch the pennies accumulate. Every little helps to borrow a phrase.
Here's a list of 14 purchases that will save you money in the long run. And here's a list of things Irish people, and most likely you, are wasting their money on.
Saving just €20 a week on your outgoings by being more money savvy will add up to over a grand by the end of the year. And by making sure you're not overpaying on your household bills you'll save even more. For example, switching energy supplier will save you close to €600 a year and only takes minutes to do online on bonkers.ie.
If you don’t feel like switching energy supplier but would still like to save on your bills, check out these 15 ways to use less electricity and save money.
5. Claim a tax refund
According to the main providers of tax refund services in Ireland, the average refund for anyone who looks into their tax affairs is in the region of €900-€1,100.
A refund like this won't by itself help you get your deposit together but it all adds up and it’s better that the money is in your pocket as opposed to the Government’s!
See our guide on how to apply for a tax refund.
As well as applying for a tax refund, see here for a list of 10 ways to pay less tax and save yourself even more money.
If you’re working from home due to Covid, it’s possible to claim tax relief on certain expenses such as electricity, heating, and even your broadband. 63% of people working from home are unaware of tax relief available. If you’re one of them, why not take a look at our guide on e-worker tax relief to find out your eligibility and see how much you could save?
6. Save
OK, an obvious choice, and we can see you rolling your eyes right now. But hear us out!
Every journey starts with the first step as they say. And whilst the task of saving for a deposit might seem insurmountable at times, even putting away just €50 a week would add up to €2,600 at the end of one year (€5,200 if you’re a couple and both saving) and that’s before you earn any interest.
Plus, being able to show a regular savings habit, however small, is a really important part of the mortgage application process as it helps demonstrate to your bank that you’re able to manage your money and can afford a monthly mortgage repayment.
Because even if you magically got gifted your entire mortgage deposit you'd still have almost no chance of getting a mortgage for the rest of the amount required unless you can demonstrate some type of savings habit. So head over to our savings comparison page to check out all the savings options available right now.
Setting up a direct debit or standing order and paying into your savings account just after payday is the best way to go and means you're less likely to miss the money.
With interest rates on savings accounts being quite low, you may be looking for other, less traditional ways to save, so check out our bonkers.ie podcast episode on alternative savings options.
Applying for a mortgage
Did you know that you can compare mortgage rates and apply for a mortgage through bonkers.ie? Our comparison tool makes it quick and easy to find the best rates on the market!
And when it’s time to apply for your mortgage, you can submit an online enquiry through our new mortgage broker service and one of our experienced financial advisors will call you back to get your application started.
Our mortgage service is entirely free and is fully digital from start to finish, meaning everything can be carried out online from the comfort of your home. And it's completely paper-free too!
To find out more about our mortgage broker service, see here.
However before applying for a mortgage it’s important to do your research. Take a look at the following articles to learn more about mortgages:
- If you’re considering applying for a mortgage and are confused about mortgage rates, have a look at our guide on mortgage interest rates explained.
- Once you’re familiar with mortgage interest rates, you can discover the pros and cons of variable and fixed rates here, so that you can decide what rate best suits your needs.
- Take a look at this guide to know what to expect when you apply for a mortgage.
You can stay up to date on all the latest mortgage news and top tips with our blogs and guides.
What do you think?
Are you a renter who's struggling to save a deposit for your new home? Do you think you'll ever be able to afford your own place? And do you have any other tips on saving towards a deposit?
Get in touch and let us know!
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