First-Time Buyer Budget Template: Track Every Cost
Buying your first home involves tracking dozens of numbers: deposit savings, HTB refund, mortgage approval, solicitor fees, insurance, stamp duty, and more. Here's a framework to keep everything organised — from your first savings deposit to collecting the keys.
Phase 1: Savings & Deposit
| Item | Target | Your Figure |
|---|---|---|
| Target property price | Use Affordability Calculator | €_______ |
| 10% deposit needed | €_______ | |
| Current savings | €_______ | |
| HTB refund (if new build) | Calculate | €_______ |
| Monthly savings amount | €_______ | |
| Months until deposit reached | Calculate | _______ months |
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Phase 2: Buying Costs
| Cost | Estimated | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Stamp duty (1%) | €_______ | €_______ |
| Solicitor fees | €3,000–€4,500 | €_______ |
| Valuation | €200 | €_______ |
| Structural survey | €400–€700 | €_______ |
| Mortgage protection (year 1) | €400–€700 | €_______ |
| Home insurance (year 1) | €500–€800 | €_______ |
| Moving costs | €1,500–€3,000 | €_______ |
For exact figures based on your property price, use the Total Cost of Buying Calculator.
Phase 3: Monthly Budget After Buying
| Monthly Cost | Estimated |
|---|---|
| Mortgage repayment | Use Mortgage Comparison |
| Home insurance | €42–€67 |
| Mortgage protection | €30–€60 |
| LPT (monthly equivalent) | Calculate |
| Energy bills | Depends on BER |
| Maintenance fund | 1% of property value ÷ 12 |
| Bins / water | €40–€60 |
Want this as a ready-to-use spreadsheet? Our FTB Checklist Pack (€19) includes a pre-built budget tracker, savings planner, viewing checklist, and document tracker — everything above in a downloadable spreadsheet you can fill in.