9 Tools That Take the Guesswork Out of Buying Your First Home
You're earning decent money, you've been saving, and you're ready to buy. But every time you try to figure out the process, you hit a wall of jargon, conflicting advice, and government schemes nobody explains properly.
Meanwhile, other buyers are putting in offers, using schemes you haven't heard of, and asking questions you didn't know to ask. Every week you wait, the goalposts move.
The FTB Starter Kit gives you the complete buying process in plain English, with real Irish figures
22 pages. 9 tools. Every checklist, scorecard, and cost breakdown a first-time buyer needs, all in one PDF. No waffle, no jargon, no outdated figures.
Built by Ireland's longest-established BER assessment practice (est. 2009). Every figure verified against Revenue.ie and Citizens Information, March 2026.
What's Inside
Property Viewing Scorecard
Rate 10 properties across 20 criteria in 5 categories. Weighted scoring so you compare apples with apples, not gut feelings.
Mortgage Document Checklist
Three columns: PAYE, self-employed, and contract workers. Know exactly what your lender needs before you sit down with them. Includes a gift letter template.
10 Questions for Your Solicitor
The questions that separate a good conveyancer from a bad one. Comes with a 3-solicitor comparison table so you can pick with confidence.
First-Time Buyer Cost Card
Real costs at four price points: €250k, €350k, €450k, €550k. Stamp duty, solicitor fees, and 12 costs most buyers forget. The "Cash Required on Day 1" total will surprise you.
Moving Day Checklist
4-week countdown. Irish utility contacts with actual phone numbers and URLs. An address change master list so nothing slips through.
Jargon Buster Card
Every term from AIP to TMD, explained in one sentence. Keep it open while you read your mortgage offer and it will all make sense.
Mortgage Broker vs Direct Guide
Should you go through a broker or straight to the bank? Typical fees, what brokers can access that you can't, and how to decide.
AIP Checklist + Quick Affordability Calculator
Step-by-step for getting Approval in Principle, including the common mistakes that delay it by weeks. Plus a one-page worksheet: income x 4, minus deposit, minus costs = your realistic budget.
Table of Contents
What Happens When You Click Buy?
Click Buy Now. Secure checkout via Stripe.
Instant email with your download link.
Open the PDF and start on page 1.
You'll know exactly what to do next within 10 minutes.
Is This For You?
This is for you if...
- You're a first-time buyer who wants a clear, step-by-step plan
- You're tired of Googling every question and getting 10 different answers
- You want to know the real costs before you commit to anything
- You'd like one place with every checklist you'll need
This is not for you if...
- You need mortgage approval (that's your broker's job, and we cover how to find one inside)
- You want in-depth scheme walkthroughs and spreadsheets (that's the Complete Buyer's Guide)
- You're already bidding and need negotiation tools (that's the Ultimate Toolkit)
Choose Your Level
Start with the Starter Kit. If you want more later, upgrade for just the price difference.
Want the full buying process step by step? The Complete Buyer's Guide adds a 40-page guide, 6-tab spreadsheet, HTB walkthrough, and LAHL chapter.
Get the Complete Guide (€59)Want everything including negotiation scripts and an 85-point snagging list? The Ultimate Buyer's Toolkit has it all.
Get the Ultimate Toolkit (€99)Or get all 9 property products (buyers, landlords, seller, inheritance, separation) for €249. Save €332. View the mega bundle.
Buying a house? You'll need to think about energy.
BER ratings affect your mortgage rate, your energy bills, and whether you'll need upgrades. The Energy Upgrade Starter Pack (€29) covers SEAI grants, insulation priorities, and solar decisions.
Common Questions
Free Property Newsletter
One email per month with the figures, deadlines, and changes that affect your buying decision.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
What Buyers Are Saying
I was completely lost on all the hidden costs — stamp duty, solicitor fees, the lot. This kit broke everything down at my exact price point. Brought the viewing scorecard to three houses and it genuinely changed how I compared them.
Worth every cent. The mortgage document checklist alone saved me a panicked weekend before my AIP meeting. Everything was laid out clearly with actual 2026 figures.
My partner and I used the cost cards to plan our budget properly. We had no idea about some of the fees involved. The solicitor questions list was brilliant — our solicitor even commented on how prepared we were.
Ready to Get Started?
22 pages. 9 tools. Every checklist a first-time buyer needs. €19, instant download.
✓ 147 buyers this month class="btn-buy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Buy the FTB Starter Kit, €19Questions? hello@irishpropertyguide.ie
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