Central Bank Mortgage Rules Calculator 2025
Verify your borrowing eligibility under Central Bank rules: 4.0x LTI for FTBs, 3.5x for SSBs, 15% bank exemption headroom, and stress-tested repayment modeling.
Borrower Classification & Loan Parameters
Macroprudential Compliance Matrix Central Bank of Ireland
Central Bank Macroprudential Framework Comparison
| Mortgage Category | Standard LTI Limit | Exemption Headroom | Max LTV Ratio | Deposit Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Time Buyer (FTB) | 4.0x Gross Income | Up to 4.5x - 4.75x | 90.0% | 10.0% |
| Second & Subsequent Buyer (SSB) | 3.5x Gross Income | Up to 4.0x | 90.0% | 10.0% |
Principal Hardware & Web Systems Engineer. Specialist in Irish Revenue statutory tax schedules (PAYE, USC, PRSI Class A, Redundancy Payments Act 1967-2024, and Central Bank macroprudential rules).
Frequently Asked Questions (Central Bank Rules)
What are the Central Bank of Ireland mortgage lending limits for 2025?
The macroprudential rules enforce a Loan-to-Income (LTI) limit of 4.0 times gross income for First-Time Buyers (FTBs) and 3.5 times for Second and Subsequent Buyers (SSBs). The Loan-to-Value (LTV) limit is 90% for both categories, requiring a minimum 10% deposit.
What is the bank exemption allowance for borrowing above the LTI limits?
Mortgage lenders are permitted by the Central Bank to allocate up to 15% of their total lending value to FTBs who exceed the 4.0x limit (typically allowing up to 4.5x or 4.75x), and up to 15% to SSBs exceeding 3.5x.
How does the Central Bank define a First-Time Buyer?
A First-Time Buyer is an applicant who has never previously purchased or built a residential property in Ireland or abroad. The 'Fresh Start' principle also classifies separated, divorced, or insolvent individuals who no longer have an interest in the family home as FTBs.
What is the mortgage stress test and why is it applied?
Lenders must verify that you can continue to service your mortgage repayments if interest rates rise by at least 2.0% above the prevailing variable or initial fixed rate over a 30-year amortization.
Does Buy-to-Let property have different Central Bank limits?
Yes. Buy-to-Let (BTL) property purchases carry a strict 70% Loan-to-Value (LTV) cap, requiring a minimum 30% cash deposit, and are evaluated on rental yield coverage.