The Pat Kenny Show

Ask The Expert: On the hidden costs of buying a home

Nov 17, 2025
In this insightful discussion, mortgage expert Margaret Barrett, Managing Director of Mortgage Navigators, highlights the hidden costs of purchasing a home. She reveals common overlooked fees like stamp duty and solicitor costs that first-time buyers often miss. Margaret also delves into valuation requirements, ongoing expenses such as home insurance, and the implications of part-time work on mortgage eligibility. Plus, she provides tips on snagging checks for new builds and managing additional costs when moving in.
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INSIGHT

Expect Substantial Hidden Upfront Costs

  • Buying a home carries many mandatory extra costs beyond your deposit, including stamp duty and legal fees.
  • Margaret Barrett estimates these add €8,000–€15,000 on top of the 10% deposit for typical purchases.
ADVICE

Budget Stamp Duty And Solicitor Fees

  • Budget separately for 1% stamp duty and solicitor/conveyancing fees when saving your deposit.
  • Shop around for a conveyancing solicitor and expect legal costs of roughly €2,500–€3,000.
ADVICE

Get Valuation And Engineer Reports

  • Arrange the lender-required valuation and any reinstatement valuation before drawdown.
  • Allow €150–€200 for valuation and €800–€1,000 for a structural engineer's report when needed.
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