How this calculator works
LTV is the loan divided by the price. From the price and deposit you enter, the calculator works out the loan (price minus deposit), the LTV as a percentage, and the minimum deposit the Central Bank of Ireland requires for your buyer type: 10% for a first-time buyer (a 90% LTV cap) or 20% for a second or subsequent buyer (an 80% cap). It then tells you whether your deposit meets that limit, and by how much it falls short if it does not.
Worked example
A first-time buyer of a €400,000 home with a €40,000 deposit is at a 90% LTV, exactly on the limit, borrowing €360,000. With only €30,000 the LTV rises to 92.5%, above the 90% cap, leaving a €10,000 deposit shortfall to make up. A second or subsequent buyer of the same home would need €80,000 to stay within the 80% cap.
What changes your LTV
- Deposit — a larger deposit lowers the LTV directly and can move you into a cheaper rate band.
- Property price — for a fixed deposit, a higher price raises the LTV.
- Buyer type — first-time buyers have a higher 90% cap; others are capped at 80%.
A note on accuracy
This calculator applies the standard Central Bank LTV caps and does not model the limited allowance lenders have to approve exceptions, or an individual lender's rate bands. For the rules, see the Central Bank of Ireland mortgage measures and Citizens Information, and our methodology for the sources.