Keys to Ireland 🔑: Your Guide to Buying a Home in Ireland 🏡

🎙️ Bonus Episode 🌟: Italy’s 1 Euro Houses 💶 Dream Deal or Money Pit?

You've seen the headlines... a house in Italy for just one Euro? In this special bonus episode of Keys to Ireland 🔑, Katie and Mike dive into the iconic One Euro House scheme that’s captured imaginations around the world.
They break down how it actually works from finding a town, applying, and paying the symbolic Euro, to the much larger realities of renovation costs, permits, and living in a rural Italian village. Whether you're dreaming of restoring an old stone home or just curious about the hype, this episode gives you the real picture.

🌟 We cover:
How to apply for a One Euro House in Italy
Who is eligible and what documents are required
The hidden costs: deposits, permits, renovation deadlines
Why many of these towns offer alternative grants or relocation incentives
The pros and cons and is it really worth it?

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to the One Euro House Phenomenon
00:38 – Understanding the Motivation Behind One Euro Houses
01:12 – Finding and Applying for a One Euro House
04:30 – The Financial and Legal Commitments
05:40 – The Renovation Process
08:10 – Pros and Cons of One Euro Houses
12:38 – Alternative Incentives and Final Thoughts

🔗 References & Resources:
Idealista – Villages Still in the Spotlight in 2025
Fra Noi – What Happened to the 1 Euro Home?
Idealista – Buying as a Foreigner: Documents Required
Accounting Bolla – 2025 Home Renovation Incentives
What’s Going On Ireland – 1 Euro Guide
Italian Real Estate Lawyers – The Role of a Notary
Idealista – Pros and Cons of 1 Euro Houses
Idealista – Discover the Hidden Costs
Emilia Delizia – Ultimate Guide
Reddit – Was It Worth It?

🌟 This is a bonus episode of Keys to Ireland 🔑, exploring what it really takes to make the dream of owning a home in Italy a reality.

📬 Contact us: [email protected]

🎙️ Episode 5: After the Keys – Moving In, Setting Up, and Living in Ireland

Congratulations! 🍻
You have the keys to your new home in Ireland! Now what?

In this final episode of Keys to Ireland 🔑, Katie and Mike walk you through the next crucial steps after closing.
From setting up utilities to building your local network, this guide will help you settle in smoothly, whether you're moving across town or across the ocean.

You’ll learn:
How to register for Local Property Tax (LPT)
Getting the right home insurance and contents cover
Why snagging is critical for new builds
Tips for moving day and furnishing on a budget
How to explore and connect with your new neighborhood
Building your local network through clubs and community groups
Extra tips for expats adjusting to Irish systems and norms

Whether you’re a local buyer, a returning Irish resident, or a new expat, this episode gives you a clear plan to turn your new house into a home in Ireland.

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome and Congratulations!
00:48 – First Steps: Local Property Tax (LPT)
04:50 – Protecting Your Investment: Home Insurance
09:01 – New Builds: The Importance of Snagging
11:32 – The Big Move: Tips and Tricks
12:49 – Settling In: Furnishing and Neighborhood
13:27 – Building Your Local Network
15:16 – Final Thoughts and Resources

🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Global Citizen Solutions – Buying Property in Ireland as an American
Switcher.ie – Broadband in Ireland
CitizensInformation.ie – Electricity Services
Retail Solutions – Grocery Shopping in Ireland
CitizensInformation.ie – Healthcare in Ireland
Insurance Ireland – Household Insurance Guide
CitizensInformation.ie – Waste and Recycling
Recharge.com – Mobile Data Costs
Reddit – Joining a GAA Club
CitizensInformation.ie – Local Property Tax
Relocating to Ireland – Setting Up Utilities
CitizensInformation.ie – Steps to Buying a Home
CitizensInformation.ie – Switching Bank Accounts
CitizensInformation.ie – TV Licenses
An Post Insurance – New Homeowners Checklist
Wise – Opening a Bank Account in Ireland
New Home Surveys – Snagging Process Dublin
Reddit – Finding Tradespeople
Reddit – Dealing with Tradespeople in Ireland

This is Episode 5 of Keys to Ireland 🔑, your complete guide to buying and living well in your new home in Ireland.

📬 Contact us: [email protected]

🎙️ Episode 4: Navigating the Legal Side – Solicitors, Contracts, and Closing Your Irish Home 🍀

Buying a home in Ireland means more than just finding the right place... it means navigating the legal system confidently.

In this episode of Keys to Ireland 🔑, Katie and Mike break down the full legal journey from “Sale Agreed” to getting your keys.
They explain the role of your conveyancing solicitor, what title deeds really mean, the importance of surveys, pre-contract checks, and what can cause frustrating delays.

You’ll learn:
What a solicitor does for buyers
Why title checks and planning searches matter
What happens during the Sale Agreed stage
How stamp duty, LPT, and registration fees work
Why the process takes 3–4 months (or more)
Common mistakes buyers should avoid

Whether you’re a local buyer, a returning resident, or relocating from abroad, this episode gives you a legal roadmap to close the deal with confidence.

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Buying a Home in Ireland
00:54 – Role of the Conveyancing Solicitor
03:00 – Choosing the Right Solicitor
05:48 – What Happens at "Sale Agreed"
08:31 – Title Deeds Explained
10:21 – Stamp Duty, LPT, and Costs
12:04 – Timeline and Delays
14:16 – Common Pitfalls and Final Advice

🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Wise.com – Buying Property in Ireland
Reddit – How Long It Took People to Buy a Home
Summit Law – Key Factors When Searching for Conveyancing
CitizensInformation.ie – Property Deeds
Auctioneera – What Does Sale Agreed Mean?
CitizensInformation.ie – Stamp Duty
CitizensInformation.ie – Steps to Buying a Home
Geaney Solicitors – Legal Process Overview
Property Solicitors Dublin – Role of a Conveyancing Solicitor
Michael Monahan Solicitors – Choosing a Solicitor in 2024

This is Episode 4 of Keys to Ireland 🔑, your practical guide to buying a home in Ireland from first searches to finally getting the keys.

📬 Contact us: [email protected]

🎙️ Episode 3: Finding the Right Home in Ireland: Research, Viewings, and Choosing Wisely

Buying a home in Ireland is about much more than the right price - it is about finding the right fit for your life.
In this episode of Keys to Ireland 🔑, Katie and Mike guide you through how to search smarter, view properties critically, and choose wisely.
From understanding BER energy ratings to spotting red flags during viewings, they share practical tips to help you avoid costly mistakes.

You’ll learn:
Where to search (Daft.ie, SherryFitzgerald, local agents)
How to evaluate listings and spot warning signs
What BER ratings really mean for your bills and comfort
The pros and cons of new builds vs second-hand homes
Essential questions to ask during a property viewing
How to research a neighborhood’s transport, safety, schools, and community vibe

Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading, or relocating to Ireland, this episode gives you a clear, actionable checklist to find a home that truly fits.

🔗 References and Resources Mentioned:
Zurich.ie – Questions to Ask When Viewing a House
Sherry FitzGerald – What to Look For When Viewing a Home
CCPC.ie – Step-by-Step Home Buying Guide
Daft.ie Blog – Where to Start When Buying Property
Reddit – Estate Agent Red Flags and Tactics
RentDodo.ie – Guide to Avoid Rental Scams in Ireland
ESRI – Neighbourhood Factors and Mental Health
First Time Buyers Ireland – New Build vs Second-Hand Homes
SEAI.ie – Understanding BER Ratings
Reddit – Questions to Ask When Viewing a Property

This is Episode 3 of Keys to Ireland 🔑, your practical guide to buying a home in Ireland whether you're a first-time buyer, a returning resident, or moving from abroad.

📬 Contact us: [email protected]

🎙️ Episode 2: Financing Your Irish Dream: Mortgages, Deposits, and First-Time Buyer Supports

Buying a home in Ireland?
Whether you are a first-time buyer, an expat, or just trying to understand Ireland's mortgage system, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you get mortgage-ready.

Hosts Katie and Mike break down:
How to qualify for a mortgage in Ireland (income, job stability, credit history)
Deposit rules and real-world averages
How much you can borrow based on LTV (Loan-to-Value) and LTI (Loan-to-Income) rules
Smart saving strategies and financial habits that banks love to see
Essential supports for first-time buyers: Help to Buy (HTB) and First Home Scheme (FHS)
What mistakes to avoid when applying for a mortgage
Special tips for expats transferring deposits and building Irish credit history

Whether you are moving from abroad or buying locally, this episode helps you navigate the financial side of getting your keys to a home in Ireland.

References and Resources Mentioned:
Bonkers.ie - Mortgage mistakes to avoid
Sherry Fitzgerald - Mortgage Central Bank Guidelines
FirstHomeScheme.ie - Eligibility
Central Bank of Ireland - Mortgage Measures
MortgageLine.ie - Deposit amounts explained
CitizensInformation.ie - Help to Buy Scheme
Harbourview Mortgages - Borrowing limits guide
Irish Life - Cost of buying a home in Ireland
CitizensInformation.ie - Mortgage Insurance Guide
Reddit - Irish deposit experiences

Get your mortgage plan ready and open the door to your new home in Ireland!