Thinking about buying your first home in Ireland? 🏡 Wondering what government grants and schemes are available in 2026—and which ones you actually qualify for?

In Episode 43 of the Tea & Mortgage Podcast, mortgage broker John Coleman breaks down the latest updates to Ireland's most important home-buying supports, including the Help to Buy Scheme, First Home Scheme, Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, and refurbishment grants.

John explains how these schemes really work, who they're designed for, common misunderstandings that could cost buyers thousands of euro, and how to avoid making expensive mistakes before applying for a mortgage.

In this episode, you'll learn:
☕ The latest 2026 updates to the Help to Buy Scheme
☕ Changes to First Home Scheme property price limits
☕ How the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme works
☕ Whether you can combine ("stack") different government schemes
☕ The truth about equity sharing and what you'll eventually have to repay
☕ Refurbishment and vacant property grants
☕ Common mistakes first-time buyers make—and how to avoid them

Whether you're just starting your home-buying journey or you're ready to apply for a mortgage, this episode will help you better understand the options available and make more informed decisions.

If you'd like personalised mortgage advice based on your own circumstances, get in touch with John Coleman and the team at JC Mortgages.

🌐 Website: https://jcmortgages.ie
📧 Contact: https://jcmortgages.ie/contact

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First Home Scheme: 2026 Regional Property Price Ceilings

One of the biggest updates to the First Home Scheme for 2026 is the increase in regional property price ceilings, allowing more first-time buyers to qualify in higher-priced areas. The maximum purchase price depends on where you're buying and whether you're purchasing a house or an apartment.

Location / Local Authority | House Price Ceiling (2026) | Apartment Price Ceiling (2026)
Dublin City & Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown | €500,000 | €500,000
Cork City, Galway City, Wicklow & Kildare | €475,000 | €450,000
Meath, Limerick City & County, Waterford | €425,000 | €400,000
All Other Counties (e.g. Donegal, Kerry, Mayo) | €350,000 | €350,000

- John Coleman

JC Mortgages
☎️ 01-8102032
📲 086 3970039
📩 john@jcmortgages.ie
💻 www.jcmortgages.ie

In this episode of the Tea & Mortgage podcast, John Coleman and Norm discuss how AI is rapidly evolving and how JC Mortgages is using it to improve client experience without replacing human advice.

They share an update on a newly introduced AI phone agent that transparently contacts new leads to send a link and speed up getting clients connected with an advisor, noting mixed reactions but emphasizing authenticity and reputation.

You’ll also hear the state of AI in everyday work described as a “caddy, not the golfer,” best used to eliminate drudge work (a 10-80-10 approach) so professionals can focus on nuanced, human-to-human guidance.

But they also warn against generic “AI slop” from other companies and professionals, talk about faster file review and operational efficiency, and explore broader impacts on jobs, demographics, and society, while expecting continued demand for authentic relationships and in-person connection.

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As always, please contact us if you have any questions about the new Flex Mortgage or need anything at all!

- John Coleman

JC Mortgages
☎️ 01-8102032
📲 086 3970039
📩 john@jcmortgages.ie
💻 www.jcmortgages.ie

00:00 Cold Open Banter

00:35 Why This AI Update

01:25 AI Phone Agent Rollout

03:08 Authenticity Over Automation

06:49 AI Ick And Staying Human

08:48 Faster Mortgage Journey

11:43 Humans Still Matter

13:05 Growth With Tech

15:12 Jobs And Skills Shift

18:41 Early Adopter Lessons

22:25 Building Tools Cheaper

24:28 Society And Economic Impact

31:06 Where AI Replaces Work

33:02 Tech Is Good And Bad

34:28 Wrap Up And Contact

You’ve gone sale agreed—great news. But what actually happens next?

In this episode, John Coleman of JC Mortgages walks you through the real step-by-step process after going sale agreed in Ireland, so you know exactly what to expect from that point right through to getting your keys.

From legal work and mortgage drawdown to surveys, valuations, and timelines - this is the behind-the-scenes breakdown most buyers don’t fully understand (until they’re in it).

☕ In this episode, we cover:

• What “sale agreed” actually means (and what it doesn’t)
• The role of your solicitor after going sale agreed
• Mortgage approval, valuation, and loan offer
• Surveys, snag lists, and potential delays
• What can go wrong - and how to avoid it
• Timeline from sale agreed to closing day

If you’re buying a home in Ireland, this is essential viewing.

📩 Need help with your mortgage?
Visit: https://jcmortgages.ie

Or contact us if you have any questions or need anything at all!

- John Coleman

JC Mortgages
☎️ 01-8102032
📲 086 3970039
📩 john@jcmortgages.ie