Mortgages faqs menu

Getting mortgages ready title

Getting mortgage ready (before you apply)

Getting Mortgages Ready FAQs

How do I get mortgage ready?
  • Saving the deposit: Start your mortgage journey by saving for your deposit, a crucial first step.
     
  • Determine your budget: Understand what price range you can afford as a first-time buyer, switcher, or home mover.
     
  • Find a home: With your deposit saved and budget established, begin searching for the perfect home.

 

What costs will I pay when getting a mortgage?

Getting a mortgage involves paying some costs upfront, as well as ongoing fees and charges. Here are some of the costs you will pay when getting a mortgage :

  • Valuation fees:As part of your mortgage application, you will need to arrange for a professional valuer to assess the fair market value of the property. Valuation fees can vary, but they are usually around €150 to €250 plus VAT.
     
  • Surveyor’s fees:Depending on which property you want to mortgage; a lender may ask for a surveyor to inspect the property and identify any defects or issues that may affect its value or condition. A surveyor’s report can help you avoid costly repairs or disputes in the future. Surveyor’s fees can vary, but they are usually around €300 plus VAT.
     
  • Legal fees: These are the fees that you have to pay to your solicitor for handling the legal aspects of transferring the ownership of the property to you. Legal fees can vary, but they are usually around 1% or 2% of the property value, or a flat fee. You should also expect to pay VAT and other costs associated with the legal process, such as Land Registry fees and legal searches.
     
  • Stamp duty: This is a tax that you have to pay when buying a home. The stamp duty rate is currently 1% of the property value up to €1 million, and 2% on the balance above €1 million. For example, if you buy a home worth €300,000, you will have to pay stamp duty of €3,000. You won’t pay stamp duty when switching your mortgage to a new lender.
     
  • Broker fees: Some brokers may charge you a fee for their services, such as providing financial advice and submitting your application. It is a good idea to ask your broker upfront if they charge a fee.
     
  • Interest rate: This is the cost of borrowing money from the lender. The interest rate determines how much interest you pay on your mortgage each month. Avant Money offers competitive fixed and variable interest rates, depending on the loan to value ratio, the term, and the type of mortgage you choose.
What do lenders look for in my bank statements?

Your bank statements are one of the documents that lenders look at when assessing your mortgage application. They want to see how you manage your money and if you can afford to repay the loan. Here are some of the things that lenders look for in your bank statements:

Income: Lenders want to see that you have a regular and stable income that can cover your mortgage payments and other expenses. They will check your salary and any other sources of income (such as rental income, dividends, pensions, etc.), and how consistent they are. They may also ask for your payslips, P60, or tax returns to verify your income.

Outgoings: Lenders want to see that you have a realistic budget and that you spend within your means. They will check your regular outgoings, such as rent, bills, loans, credit cards, childcare, insurance, etc., and how they compare to your income. They will also check that you keep up repayments on any existing loans or credit cards, and look for any signs of financial difficulty (such as unpaid transactions). They will also ask you to explain any large or unusual transactions on your statements.

Savings: Lenders want to see that you have a savings habit and that you have built up a deposit for your mortgage. They will check your savings accounts, investments, or any other assets that you have. They will also look for regular and consistent savings patterns, such as standing orders or direct debits to your savings accounts to show that you have a track record to repay the mortgage. They may ask you to provide evidence of the source of your savings, such as inheritance, gift, or sale of property.

What documentation do I need to apply?

To apply for a mortgage, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • Personal details Including ID documentation, confirmation of your address, and PPSN.
     
  • Proof of your income Such as your payslips, P60, or accounts if you are self-employed.
     
  • Your bank statements Showing your current account, savings, investments, and borrowings.
     
  • Deposit You will need to provide evidence of your funds for the deposit. Such as savings, gift, inheritance, government scheme or equity from the sale of a property.
I’m self employed, can I get a mortgage?

Yes, Avant Money provide mortgages to self-employed customers. You will need to provide some documents to prove your income and financial stability. Here are some of the things you need to know if you are self-employed and want to get a mortgage with Avant Money:

Income assessment: Avant Money will assess your income based on the latest 2 years financial returns. They will look at your income over the last two years. If your income has increased or decreased significantly in the last year, details should be provided to explain the variance.

Documents required: You will need to provide the following documents to support your income assessment:

  • Your most recent two years Notice of Assessment (plus Chapter 4) from the Revenue Commissioners.
  • Your Revenue acknowledged Form 11, which is your annual tax return that you submit to the Revenue Commissioners. You will need to provide the Form 11 for the last two years.
  • Your most recent two years audited/certified financial accounts, which are prepared by a qualified accountant and show your business income and expenses.
  • Your business and personal bank statements. You will need to provide these for the last six months.
  • Confirmation that your tax affairs are in order by providing an accountants’ letter or revenue confirmation (ROS payment and charges or Notice of Assessment).
Can I use the Help to Buy scheme with Avant Money?

Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria, as set out in scheme, you can use to help towards your deposit. The HTB scheme is a government incentive that helps first-time buyers of newly built or self-built homes in Ireland. It refunds some of the income tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) you have paid in Ireland for the four years prior to the year you apply.

Find out more about the scheme on Revenue.ie (Help to Buy (HTB) scheme (revenue.ie)

Avant Money is a qualifying lender for the HTB scheme, which means you can apply for a mortgage with us and use the Help to Buy scheme to help you with the deposit.

How much can I borrow?

The easiest way to get an estimate of how much you could borrow is to use our ‘How much could I borrow’ calculator. We will take account of your income, outgoings and personal circumstances to assess how much you can borrow.

According to Central Bank of Ireland rules, a lender cannot usually lend more than 4 times your gross annual income. Your income includes your salary and other guaranteed income including any allowances that you receive regularly.

For purchasers, the maximum loan you can borrow is 90% of the total value of the home you wish to buy. This means you must be able to show that you have saved the remaining 10%. If you are switching your mortgage the maximum you can usually borrow is 80% of the value of your home.

What is a Loan to Value ratio?

LTV, or loan-to-value, is all about how much mortgage you have in relation to how much your property is worth. It's normally a percentage figure that reflects the percentage of your property that is mortgaged, and the amount that is yours (the amount you own is usually called your equity).

For example, if you have a mortgage of €150,000 on a house that's worth €200,000 you have a loan-to-value of 75% - therefore you have €50,000 as equity.

What is the difference between mortgage interest rates and APRCs?

A mortgage interest rate is the price of borrowing money, typically expressed as a percentage of the amount borrowed. It determines the cost of a loan. An Annual Percentage Rate of Charge or APRC, takes into account all the costs involved over the term of the mortgage such as set-up charges and the interest rate. The lower the APRC, the lower your repayments and cost over the term of the mortgage. The APRC is useful to help you compare different mortgages to find the best deal for you.

What are the different mortgage types?

Most Lenders offer variable rate and fixed term rate mortgages. Avant Money also have our unique One Mortgage, which offers a fixed rate for your full mortgage term. What is best for you depends on your personal circumstances.

If you choose a fixed rate mortgageYour interest rate is set for an agreed period, usually between three and ten years. A fixed rate means that your monthly repayments will remain consistent throughout your chosen period, helping you have certainty of your monthly outgoings. At the end of a fixed rate mortgage, you may opt to take another fixed rate, or your mortgage will move to the prevailing variable interest rate offered at the time.

If you choose a variable rate mortgage Your interest rate may rise or fall over the term of the mortgage, which means your monthly repayments may change. You can make additional repayments to your variable rate mortgage whenever you choose and you can switch to a fixed rate mortgage whenever you wish.

If you choose the Avant Money One MortgageYour interest rate is set for the full mortgage term, of up to 30 years. This means that your repayment will remain constant for the life of your mortgage, which will help provide you certainty and help you budget for the future.

How do I get the best mortgage rate?

The best way to find the best rate for you is to work out home much you can afford then see what rate options are available to you. You can find out what rate options Avant Money has here

What is a One Mortgage?

With the One Mortgage, your interest rate stays the same for the full term of your mortgage. So, whether you take your mortgage over a term of 5 years or 30 years, if you choose the One Mortgage from Avant Money, you pay the same amount in the first month as you do in the last month.

How much will my repayment be?

Your repayment amount will depend on how much you borrow, the rate you choose and how what term you choose. To find out what your repayment might be, why not check out our repayment calculator.

Getting mortgage approval: Apply title

Get mortgage approval (apply)

Getting mortgage approval FAQs

When do I apply ?

If you are buying a new home You should apply for a mortgage when you are getting ready to start bidding on a property. Once we receive your application, it normally takes 2 days for us to review your details and provide a decision. During busy times it may take 5-10 days, but we always aim to have a decision as soon as we can. If approved, we will send you an Approval in Principle letter, which will set out your next steps. Some auctioneers / estate agents may ask for Approval in Principle before accepting a bid.

If you are switching your mortgage to Avant Money You can apply when you have held your existing mortgage for at least 6 months.

How do I apply?

You can apply for a mortgage direct with Avant Money here or via one of our selected mortgage brokers here. We offer the same products and rates across both direct and broker channels.

Applying directmay suit you if you have decided you want an Avant Money mortgage and you want to apply online. Rest assured, you will have access to a dedicated and experienced mortgage advisor to help guide your through your mortgage journey. To start your application simply register on the Mortgage Hub and we will guide you through the application journey.

Applying via a brokermay suit if you want advice on products from a range of lenders. Some brokers may charge a fee for managing your application, while others do not. We suggest that you check upfront if the broker will charge you a fee. Avant Money only work with an exclusive panel of brokers.

How long does it take to get approval?

Once we receive your application, it normally takes 2 days for us to review your details and if approved to provide approval in principle. During busy times it may take 5-10 days, but we always aim to get back to you as soon as we can.

Once you have Approval in Principle the next step is to arrange a valuation on the property.

How long does approval in principle last?

The Approval in Principle letter is valid for 6 months. Don’t worry if you haven’t found a property within that time, just let us know and we can arrange an extension.

What is the Mortgage Hub?

The Avant Money Mortgage Hub is an online application tool which allows you to apply for your new mortgage.

We provide you with a comprehensive range of mortgage resources and tools. You can add your details and easily upload your documents to our system for quick and secure review. When you've provided us with all the details we need, you can apply for an Approval in Principle (AIP). An AIP will give you an indication of how much you could borrow.
 

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

To apply for a mortgage, you may need to provide the following documents

• Your personal details, such as your ID, address, and PPSN.

• Proof of your income, such as your payslips, P60, or accounts if you are self-employed.

• Your bank statements, showing your current account, savings, investments, and borrowings.

• If you are a First-time buyer, you will need to provide evidence of your funds for the deposit. Such as savings, gift, inheritance, or government scheme.

How do I find my Employment Detail Summary?

Your Employment Detail Summary (EDS) is available from the Revenue Online Services on ROS.ie. You will need to log into your ros.ie account or register if you haven’t used it before. 

What is a revenue form 11?

The Form 11 is the document you or your accountant uses to make your annual tax return to Revenue.

We will ask for a form 11 if you:

• Are self-employed.

• Have rental income

The Revenue Acknowledged Form 11 will state at the top of the document ‘Acknowledgement of Income Tax Return and Self-Assessment.

Once you have sent this to Revenue they will acknowledge your tax return. We will ask for the Form 11 as it is Revenue’s official record of the income you have declared to them and it also shows how much tax you have paid. 

Can I use a gift from family as a deposit ?

Yes, you can use a gift as a deposit. You and the person providing you with the gift, will need to complete a Gift letter to verify that the funds are a gift and not a loan .

What factors do lenders consider when approving a mortgage application?

There are several important factors that impact how much a lender will allow you to borrow:

The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio Which is the percentage of the property value that you need to borrow. The LTV limit depends on the type of buyer and property, and generally ranges from 70% for switchers to 90%, taking into account limits set by the Central Bank of Ireland mortgage measures.

The loan-to-income (LTI) ratio Which is the multiple of your gross income that the loan amount cannot exceed. The LTI limit is generally  and 4 times the income for first-time buyers and 3.5 times for other borrowers.

Your credit historyWhich shows your past record of repaying debts and managing finances. A good credit history is essential for getting mortgage approval.

The ability to repay the loan Which is assessed by the lender based on your income, expenses, savings, and other financial commitments. The lender will also check your employment status and employment stability.

Get a Loan Offer title

Get a loan offer

Get a loan offer FAQs

When do I get a Loan Offer?

Once you have approval in principle and found a property, the next step is to get a Loan Offer.

To move from Approval in Principle to Loan Offer, you will need to arrange a valuation and let us know who your solicitor is. You can do both in the Mortgage Hub. We will review the valuation and, providing there are no concerns in respect of your chosen property, we will issue you with a Loan Offer. You may also need to provide any further documents as outlined in your Approval in Principle letter.

What is a Loan offer?

A loan offer is a formal legal document that we issue to a borrower and their solicitor after they have completed the mortgage application process. It contains the details of the loan, such as the amount, interest rate, term, fees, and conditions. A loan offer is not a binding contract, but an invitation to enter one.

You can either accept the loan offer by signing and returning it to us or reject it by not responding or by applying for a different loan. A loan offer is also sometimes referred to as a letter of offer, a loan approval, or a mortgage offer.

How long does a Loan Offer last?

Avant Money mortgage loan offers are valid for six months.

The Loan Offer is valid for 6 months which means you should complete drawdown of the mortgage in that time. Don’t worry if you are not able to complete the move/switch within that time, just let us know and we can arrange an extension.

How do I arrange a valuation?

When applying directly with Avant Money, you will arrange a valuation with VMS Ireland through the Mortgage Hub, or directly with them at www.vmsireland.ie. When applying with one of our brokers. This will be confirmed in your Approval in Principle letter.

We would recommend you only organise a valuation when you are ready to apply for a Loan Offer.

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal work or process of transferring property or land from one owner to another. It involves legal documentation or instruments such as deeds, contracts, or titles. It also ensures that the buyer is getting what they paid for and is aware of any potential issues with the property. Conveyancing can be handled by a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer.

Conveyancing is important for a mortgage lender and borrower because it verifies the legal status and ownership of the property that is being used as security for the loan. It also checks if there are any restrictions, charges, or planning permissions that might affect the value or use of the property. Conveyancing protects the interests and rights of both the lender and the borrower in a property transaction.

Why do I need a solicitor and how do I find one?

Solicitors are an essential aspect of the mortgage process, offering guidance through the legal requirements of purchasing a home. We recommend shopping around, as the fees quoted by solicitors can vary. You'll be quoted professional fees and outlays. Professional fees are the amount you are paying the solicitor for their time, while outlays are the costs the solicitor incurs (such as the cost of registering a set of deeds) which they then pass on to you.

Get ready to close Title

Get ready to close 

Get ready to close FAQs

What is involved in closing a mortgage?

Closing a mortgage is the final step in the process of buying or switching a property with a loan from a lender. It involves signing the legal documents, paying the fees and charges, and transferring the ownership and the funds.

What is a drawdown and when does it happen?

This is the stage where all your hard work pays off. Drawdown is when we transfer the money to your solicitor, so you can purchase your new home or, if you are switching to Avant Money, your solicitor will redeem the outstanding loan with your current lender.

Do I need to complete a Direct Debit?

Once you are getting ready to close, you will need to set-up a direct debit. We'll provide you with a Direct Debit mandate to complete and return to us.

What are closing costs, and how much should I budget for them?

There are additional fees and charges that you have to pay when you buy a home, apart from the purchase price and the deposit. These can vary depending on the type and value of the property, the lender, the solicitor, and the surveyor. However, some of the common costs you should budget for are:

•Stamp duty: This is a tax that you must pay when buying a home. The stamp duty rate is currently 1% of the property value up to €1 million, and 2% on the balance above €1 million. For example, if you buy a home worth €300,000, you will have to pay stamp duty of €3,000.

•Legal fees: These are the fees that you must pay to your solicitor for handling the legal aspects of transferring the ownership of the property to you. Legal fees can vary, but they are usually around 1% or 2% of the property value, or a flat fee. You should also expect to pay VAT and other costs associated with the legal process, such as Land Registry fees and legal searches.

•Surveyor’s fees: These are the fees that you must pay to a surveyor for inspecting the property and identifying any defects or issues that may affect its value or condition. A surveyor’s report can help you avoid costly repairs or disputes in the future. Surveyor’s fees can vary, but they are usually around €300 plus VAT.

•Valuation fees: These are the fees that you must pay to a valuer for assessing the fair market value of the property. Your lender will require a valuation report before approving your mortgage loan. Valuation fees can vary, but they are usually around €150 to €250 plus VAT.

What type of insurance do I need?

Mortgage protection insurance:This is a type of life insurance that pays off your mortgage if you or a co-applicant die before the mortgage has been fully repaid. You must take out mortgage protection insurance when you get a mortgage and keep this in place for the term of your mortgage. You can shop around for a mortgage protection policy that suits your needs and compare the best rates from different providers.

Home insurance:You will also need a home (buildings) insurance policy, which will cover the costs incurred to repair or replace your home in the event of serious damage to it. Insurance providers will normally also offer you the option of a home contents policy as part of a home insurance product. This policy covers all the belongings within your home that are covered by your policy. It’s not mandatory to have contents insurance for your mortgage, but it’s worth considering. It is always worthwhile to ensure your home insurance is up to date. As the cost of building materials and labour increases, you should check that your rebuilding costs are up to date. This is the amount of money you would need if you need to rebuild your home.

What documents will I need to sign at closing?

Before you close your mortgage, you will need to sign several documents such as:

• If you are buying a home, you’ll need to sign the deed of conveyance, which transfers the legal title of the property from the seller to you. This document will include the names of the parties, the description of the property, and the purchase price.

• The mortgage deed, which creates a charge or lien on the property in favour of the lender. This document will include the names of the parties, the amount and term of the loan, the interest rate, the repayment schedule, and the rights and obligations of both parties.

• The loan offer letter, which confirms the terms and conditions of the loan that the lender has offered you. This document will include the details of the loan amount, the interest rate, the fees and charges, the insurance requirements, and the special conditions, if any.

• The direct debit mandate, which authorises the lender to deduct the monthly repayments from your bank account. This document will include the details of your bank account, the amount and frequency of the repayments, and the date of the first repayment.

• The mortgage protection policy, which is a type of life insurance that pays off your mortgage in full if you, or a co-applicant die before the mortgage has been fully paid. You must take out mortgage protection insurance when you get a mortgage. This document will include the details of the policy, such as the cover amount, the premium, the term, and the beneficiaries.

• The home insurance policy, which is a type of insurance that covers your home and its contents against damage or loss caused by fire, theft, storm, flood, or other risks. You must have home insurance in place when you get a mortgage, as the lender will require it as a condition of the loan. This document will include the details of the policy, such as the cover amount, the premium, the excess, and the exclusions.

Moving in or switching Title

Moving in or switching

Moving in or switching FAQs

Will my loan funds be sent to me or my solicitor?

We’ll send the loan funds to your solicitor.

If you are switching your mortgage and have an outstanding mortgage to clear with another lender, your solicitor will request a redemption figure and clear the outstanding mortgage for you.

If you are buying a new home, we’ll send the funds to your solicitor who will send those to the seller’s solicitor. At the same time, possession of the property passes from the seller to you, the buyer.

When will my first repayment be?

Your first mortgage repayment will be due one month after moving in. This will be automatically taken by direct debit.

What happens at the end of my fixed rate term?

Before the end of your fixed rate term, we'll write to you 60 days in advance with a letter setting out all the mortgage rate options available to you. If you don’t opt for one of our fixed rates, your mortgage repayments will be calculated using the prevailing variable rate. However, you can opt for any of our fixed rate options at any time in the future.

Existing Avant Money Customers Title

Existing Avant Money customers

Existing Avant Money Customers FAQs

How much do I owe on my mortgage?

You can check how much you owe by reviewing your annual statement. We will issue your mortgage statement annually, in February. This will show the balance as at the date the statement is issued, your interest rate and the amount of capital and interest you paid for the previous year. Or you can call our Customer Service team on 0818 274089 who are available from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).

Can I make lump sum overpayments?

Fixed rate customersCustomers on a fixed interest rate can make a capital reduction of up to 10% off your current balance each calendar year without incurring an early redemption fee. Any reduction above 10% may incur an early redemption fee. You can make a maximum of two overpayments per calendar year up to a maximum of 10% of your current balance. If you repay your mortgage in full early, or make an overpayment over the 10% allowance, you may have to pay an early redemption fee. The fee will be 2% of your outstanding mortgage. This will reduce to a maximum of 1.5% from year 11 on our One Mortgage product.

Variable rate customersIf your mortgage is on a variable rate, you can make overpayments at any time, without paying an early redemption fee.

If you make an overpayment, you can choose to reduce the term or your mortgage or reduce your future monthly repayments.

To arrange an overpayment, contact our Customer Service team on 0818 274 089*. They are available from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). They will provide you with our bank account details so you can make an Electronic Funds Transfer(EFT) using your mortgage number as a reference.

Changing bank account from which I pay my mortgage

If you need to change the bank account from which you pay your mortgage, you will need to set up a new direct debit. Please click here to download a mandate and post it to Avant Money, PO Box 13192, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

Change my monthly payment date

To change your due date, you can call our team on 0818 274 089, who will be happy to help you with this request. They are available from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).

Can I reduce my mortgage term?

If you make an overpayment you can choose to reduce your term. You can also reduce the term of your mortgage, however, it will mean an increase in your monthly repayment as you will be paying the same mortgage balance over a shorter term. Before we reduce your term, we’ll do a check to ensure your repayment is still affordable for you.

Can I move to a lower loan-to-value band?

Yes, we will consider your loan-to-value based on your current mortgage balance against the most recent property valuation we hold. Mortgages on a fixed rate cannot be moved to a lower loan-to-value band during the fixed period.

When do I have to pay an early redemption fee?

An early redemption fee may be payment if you do any of the below while on a fixed interest rate:

• Repay your mortgage in full.

• Partially repay your mortgage, by more than the annual 10% overpayment allowance.

• Switch to a new mortgage product.

Do I have to pay an early redemption fee if I decide to move home?

Avant Money will refund or waive the early redemption fee if you move home and take a new mortgage loan with us within 12 months. To avail of the refund or waiver, the new loan must be of an amount and term that is at least equivalent to the one which was redeemed.

Can I change my home to a rental property?

Changing your home to a rental property is a decision that involves many factors, such as your personal and financial goals, tax implications, legal requirements, and the market conditions. Here are some of the things you need to consider before you make the change:

If you have a mortgage on your home, you need to inform your lender that you intend to change the use of the property from owner-occupied to investment. Depending on your mortgage terms and conditions, your lender may charge you a higher interest rate, a fee, or require you to switch to a different mortgage product.

Avant Money mortgages are designed for owner-occupiers only, and we do not offer buy-to-let mortgages. Therefore, if you want to change your home to a rental property, you will need to repay your Avant Money mortgage in full or switch to another lender who offers buy-to-let mortgages.

When will I receive my annual statement?

We will issue your mortgage statement annually, in February. This will show your  balance as at the date the statement is issued, the interest rate and the amount of capital and interest you paid for the previous year.

How much can I borrow through a Mortgage Top-Up?

The amount you can borrow is up to 70% of the Loan to Value (LTV). This is calculated using the estimated value of the property when the home improvements are completed and the sum of your existing mortgage and the Mortgage Top Up. Availing of a Mortgage Top-Up will impact your overall LTV which will affect the rate options available to you at the end of your current fixed term or if you move your mortgage.

What is the minimum amount I can borrow through a Mortgage Top-up?

You can borrow a minimum loan amount of €75,000 through a Mortgage Top-Up. If you need to borrow less than that, we suggest you consider a personal loan. Find out more here about personal loan options from Avant Money.

What can I use the Mortgage Top-Up funds for?

You can use the funds for Home Improvements, including structural work such as adding an extension or renovating and non-structural work, such as landscaping, changing windows or putting in a new kitchen.

How can I apply for a Mortgage Top-up?

You can apply directly to Avant Money by emailing your name and phone number to [email protected] and we will arrange a call back or you can apply through your mortgage broker.

How long can I take to repay Mortgage Top-Up?

You can choose to repay your Mortgage Top-Up over a term between 5 and 35 years. However, the maximum term cannot be longer than the remaining term on your existing mortgage (for instance if you have 20 years left on your current mortgage, then the maximum term for your Top Up is 20 years).

Can I pay my Mortgage Top-Up using the same Direct Debit?

You can choose to use the same account details for your new Mortgage Top-Up however you will need to complete a new Direct Debit mandate which will deduct the repayment separately.

Can I make an overpayment on my Mortgage Top-Up?

Yes, you can make up to 10% overpayment based on the balance of your mortgage at the start of each year. Where you have availed of a further loan on a fixed rate by way of a Mortgage Top Up, the overpayment allowance(s) apply separately to each of your loans. When making an overpayment, you need to indicate to us which loan(s) you wish to overpay and by how much.

You will not incur an early redemption fee if you only make up to two payment(s) in any calendar year over and above the scheduled monthly payment instalments; and the total of these overpayment(s) does not exceed a maximum of 10% of the loan balance as at the 1st of January of the calendar year in which the early repayment(s) are made, or the date of drawdown if the early repayment(s) are made in the first calendar year of the loan or, the date of the latest drawdown, if your loan is to be drawn down in stage payments.

Are there costs associated with taking out a Top-Up Mortgage ?

Solicitors fees

You will incur legal costs which are payable by you and covers the cost of conveyancing and legal advice from your chosen solicitor. Costs can vary so it is best to shop around.

Valuation Report

The current cost is €185 including VAT for most properties. This is payable by you and covers the cost of an updated valuation report showing the current market value of your home.

Insurance

As the amount you owe will increase if you avail of a mortgage Top-Up, you may have to increase your mortgage protection policy to cover the increased amount. You should also review your home and contents policy as the amount required to rebuild your home in the event of a fire or damage may have increased as a result of any home improvements.

Financial difficulties Title

Financial difficulties

Financial difficulties FAQs

What should I do if I'm having trouble making my mortgage payments?

If you have missed a mortgage repayment or fear that you might not be able to make repayments in the future, we are here to help. We understand that our customers may face challenging times so if you are finding it difficult, your first step is to call us on 0818 274 089*, where we have a dedicated team available to help you from 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

If you have missed a payment, and you are able to repay the missed payment, it’s best to do so as soon as you can to avoid any impact to your credit rating. To find more information on help available from Avant Money, and independent debt advice, please visit www.avantmoney.ie/mortgages/MARP For independent debt advice, you may find the services below of help.


Insolvency Service of Ireland
The Insolvency Service of Ireland is an independent government body with a range of solutions to problem debt. It has a network of qualified professionals that can help you get back on track. Visit www.backontrack.ie, call 076 106 4200 or text GETHELP to 50015.

Abhaile

Abhaile is a State-funded service to help homeowners find a resolution to home mortgage arrears. It provides vouchers for free financial and legal advice and help from experts to those who qualify, which are available through Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). A dedicated adviser will work with you and your lender to find the best solution for your situation. Visit www.mabs.ie or call 076 107 2000.  

Can I modify my mortgage terms if I'm facing financial difficulties?

There are options available to you if you experience financial difficulties. Visit www.avantmoney.ie/mortgages/MARP for more details on these options.

Mortgage documents for download

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