Could Over 40s Be Too Old to Get a Mortgage in Ireland?

What’s Pushing Buyers to Wait?

More and more people are delaying homeownership due to factors like:

High Property Prices

House prices in Ireland have gone up a lot over the last 20 years. This makes it harder for younger people to afford a home, especially if they’re on one income or just starting their careers. In 2025, the average price of a home was €360,000, which is too high for many first-time buyers. In 2025, the median price of a home reached €360,000.

If soaring house prices have you thinking homeownership is out of reach, you’re not alone. But don’t give up just yet — our article has practical tips to help you budget for your home, even when prices are sky-high.

Later Marriage

In Ireland today, people are getting married later than ever, with the average age nearly 36 for women and 38 for men in 2024. 

Between 2014 and 2024, people in Ireland started getting married later. In opposite-sex marriages, the average age of brides went up from 33 to nearly 36, and grooms from 35 to almost 38. Same-sex couples saw a small increase too, with women rising from 39.3 to 39.7 and men from 39.8 to 40.7 between 2019 and 2024. This shows a clear trend — people are waiting longer to get married, and that often means waiting longer to buy a home too.

Starting Families Later

The average age of first-time mothers reached 31.7 years in 2024, up from 30.5 in 2014, and 28.5 back in 2004. That’s an increase of over three years in just two decades. Many couples choose to rent while they focus on careers or save money, only deciding to buy a home when they’re ready to start a family. 

Others may wait until after their children are born to look for a larger home that better suits their needs. This shift in timing is another reason why homeownership is happening later in life.

Career Building Comes First

Another key reason people are buying homes later in life is that many are spending their 20s focused on building their careers. 

According to the Central Statistics Office’s Growing Up in Ireland study, a large number of 25-year-olds still live with their parents — mostly for financial reasons. In fact, 62.4% said money was the main reason they hadn’t moved out, while only 12.4% said it wasn’t about finances. This trend is closely linked to staying in education longer and needing more time to establish a steady income before making big financial moves like buying a home.

Rising Cost of Living

The rising cost of everyday essentials — like rent, childcare, transport, and food — is making it harder for people to save for a mortgage deposit. With a significant portion of their income going towards monthly expenses, many find it challenging to save money, which delays their ability to buy a home. 

If you’re in the same boat, check out our article with Tips for Saving Money Towards Your Mortgage Deposit to help you get started.

Relationship Changes and Separation

More people are buying homes later in life due to relationship changes like divorce or separation. Starting over financially after a breakup can be challenging, especially when it comes to saving for a deposit or qualifying for a mortgage on your own. 

However, if you no longer have a share in a property, you may be eligible as a first-time buyer again. Rebuilding after a split isn’t easy, but our guide on Rebuilding Your Finances After Divorce can help you take the next steps with confidence.

Is There an Age Limit for Getting a Mortgage?

There’s no set age limit for getting a mortgage in Ireland, but most lenders want the loan to be paid off by the time you’re between 65 and 70. That means if you apply later in life, your mortgage term will likely be shorter.

It also depends on the lender:

• Some lenders will only give you a mortgage up to age 67 unless you can show you have a pension in place.
  
• Others might go to age 68 for PAYE workers, even without pension details.
  
• A few are more flexible and allow mortgages up to age 70 without requiring proof of retirement income.

Each lender has their own rules, so it’s a good idea to compare or get help from one of our financial advisors who knows which options might work best for you.