Tea & Mortgage #43: 2026 Government Homebuying Schemes and Grants. Artwork

Tea & Mortgage w/ John Coleman

Ireland’s favourite mortgage broker would like to sit down with you to share a cup of tea and chat about the state of the mortgage and property market. For those looking to buy property and own a home in Dublin or anywhere in Ireland, this casual and fun podcast will provide some invaluable perspective. Along with US expatriate co-host, Norm Schriever, John Coleman of JC Mortgages would like to invite you to tune in, listen, and even submit your questions to Tea & Mortgage podcast! https://www.jcmortgages.ie

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Tea & Mortgage w/ John Coleman

Tea & Mortgage #43: 2026 Government Homebuying Schemes and Grants.

July 07, 2026 • John Coleman of JC Mortgages in Dublin, Ireland • Episode 43

0:00 | 27:14

Thinking about buying your first home in Ireland? 🏡 Wondering what government grants and schemes are available in 2026—and which ones you actually qualify for?

In Episode 43 of the Tea & Mortgage Podcast, mortgage broker John Coleman breaks down the latest updates to Ireland's most important home-buying supports, including the Help to Buy Scheme, First Home Scheme, Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, and refurbishment grants.

John explains how these schemes really work, who they're designed for, common misunderstandings that could cost buyers thousands of euro, and how to avoid making expensive mistakes before applying for a mortgage.

In this episode, you'll learn:
☕ The latest 2026 updates to the Help to Buy Scheme
☕ Changes to First Home Scheme property price limits
☕ How the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme works
☕ Whether you can combine ("stack") different government schemes
☕ The truth about equity sharing and what you'll eventually have to repay
☕ Refurbishment and vacant property grants
☕ Common mistakes first-time buyers make—and how to avoid them

Whether you're just starting your home-buying journey or you're ready to apply for a mortgage, this episode will help you better understand the options available and make more informed decisions.

If you'd like personalised mortgage advice based on your own circumstances, get in touch with John Coleman and the team at JC Mortgages.

🌐 Website: https://jcmortgages.ie
📧 Contact: https://jcmortgages.ie/contact

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to:
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First Home Scheme: 2026 Regional Property Price Ceilings

One of the biggest updates to the First Home Scheme for 2026 is the increase in regional property price ceilings, allowing more first-time buyers to qualify in higher-priced areas. The maximum purchase price depends on where you're buying and whether you're purchasing a house or an apartment.

Location / Local Authority | House Price Ceiling (2026) | Apartment Price Ceiling (2026)
Dublin City & Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown | €500,000 | €500,000
Cork City, Galway City, Wicklow & Kildare | €475,000 | €450,000
Meath, Limerick City & County, Waterford | €425,000 | €400,000
All Other Counties (e.g. Donegal, Kerry, Mayo) | €350,000 | €350,000

- John Coleman

JC Mortgages
☎️ 01-8102032
📲 086 3970039
📩 john@jcmortgages.ie
💻 www.jcmortgages.ie

John Coleman

Host