Tea & Mortgage w/ John Coleman

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

In this episode of the Tea & Mortgage podcast, John Coleman and Norm discuss how AI is rapidly evolving and how JC Mortgages is using it to improve client experience without replacing human advice. 

They share an update on a newly introduced AI phone agent that transparently contacts new leads to send a link and speed up getting clients connected with an advisor, noting mixed reactions but emphasizing authenticity and reputation. 

You’ll also hear the state of AI in everyday work described as a “caddy, not the golfer,” best used to eliminate drudge work (a 10-80-10 approach) so professionals can focus on nuanced, human-to-human guidance. 

But they also warn against generic “AI slop” from other companies and professionals, talk about faster file review and operational efficiency, and explore broader impacts on jobs, demographics, and society, while expecting continued demand for authentic relationships and in-person connection.

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As always, please contact us if you have any questions about the new Flex Mortgage or need anything at all!

- John Coleman

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

00:00 Cold Open Banter
00:35 Why This AI Update
01:25 AI Phone Agent Rollout
03:08 Authenticity Over Automation
06:49 AI Ick And Staying Human
08:48 Faster Mortgage Journey
11:43 Humans Still Matter
13:05 Growth With Tech
15:12 Jobs And Skills Shift
18:41 Early Adopter Lessons
22:25 Building Tools Cheaper
24:28 Society And Economic Impact
31:06 Where AI Replaces Work
33:02 Tech Is Good And Bad
34:28 Wrap Up And Contact

You’ve gone sale agreed—great news. But what actually happens next?
In this episode, John Coleman of JC Mortgages walks you through the real step-by-step process after going sale agreed in Ireland, so you know exactly what to expect from that point right through to getting your keys.
From legal work and mortgage drawdown to surveys, valuations, and timelines - this is the behind-the-scenes breakdown most buyers don’t fully understand (until they’re in it).
☕ In this episode, we cover:
What “sale agreed” actually means (and what it doesn’t)
The role of your solicitor after going sale agreed
Mortgage approval, valuation, and loan offer
Surveys, snag lists, and potential delays
What can go wrong - and how to avoid it
Timeline from sale agreed to closing day
If you’re buying a home in Ireland, this is essential viewing.
📩 Need help with your mortgage?
 Visit: https://jcmortgages.ie
Or contact us if you have any questions or need anything at all!

- John Coleman

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

In this episode of Tea & Mortgage, John Coleman from JC Mortgages breaks down one of the most common questions buyers are asking today:
Does it actually make sense to buy a home right now? 🤔

With rising prices, changing market conditions, and constant headlines, it’s easy to feel unsure about what to do next.

In this podcast, John gives a clear, honest perspective on how to think about buying a home in the current market — and whether it’s the right move for you.

If you're a first-time buyer or planning your next move, this will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.

👉 Want to understand your options?
Visit: https://www.jcmortgages.ie

Or contact us if you have any questions or need anything at all!

- John Coleman

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

In this episode of the Tea & Mortgages podcast, John Coleman discusses the rapidly growing war between the United States (or just Donald Trump) and Iran and how global conflicts can ripple through the world economy.

John shares his thoughts on what’s happening, what it could mean for international markets, and how major geopolitical events often influence interest rates, inflation, and economic confidence.

More importantly, he explores how these global developments may ultimately affect Ireland’s economy, the Irish mortgage market, and the decisions facing home buyers and sellers in the months ahead.

While no one can predict exactly how events will unfold, John offers practical insights and perspective to help Irish homeowners and buyers better understand the potential impact.

Grab a cup of tea and join us for a timely conversation connecting global events to the Irish housing market.

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John also highly recommends you read this book 👉 Take Control of Your Business by Eamon O’Sullivan 

***

As always, please contact us if you have any questions about the new Flex Mortgage or need anything at all!

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