In Episode 45 of the Tea & Mortgage Podcast, John Coleman of JC Mortgages explains what self-employed buyers in Ireland need to know when applying for a mortgage.

Getting a mortgage when you’re self-employed can involve more paperwork and planning than it does for a PAYE employee, but with the right preparation, it can absolutely be done.

In this episode, we cover:

• How mortgage lenders assess self-employed income
• How many years of accounts you may need
• The difference between sole traders, limited company directors and umbrella companies
• How salary, net profit and retained profits may be assessed
• Why tax efficiency and mortgage efficiency are not always the same thing
• Why your mortgage broker and accountant should work together
• How lenders assess your ability to repay
• Why keeping business and personal finances separate is so important
• Common mistakes self-employed mortgage applicants make
• Why you should start planning before you find your dream home

John also explains why understanding your numbers early can make a major difference. If you know how much you want to borrow, you can work backwards and understand what your finances and accounts may need to look like before applying.

So, whether you’re a sole trader, contractor, freelancer, company director or business owner, this episode offers practical advice on preparing for a mortgage in Ireland.

If you’re considering buying a home in the next 6, 12 or 18 months, speaking to a mortgage adviser early can help you understand your options and build a clear roadmap towards mortgage approval.

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

What Do Banks Look for in Your Bank Statements When Applying for a Mortgage?

Your income might determine how much you can potentially borrow, but your bank statements can play a major part in whether a lender is comfortable approving your mortgage.

In this episode of the Tea & Mortgage Podcast, Norm Schriever talks with John Coleman of JC Mortgages about what mortgage lenders actually look for when reviewing your bank statements — and some of the transactions and habits that can create questions, delays or problems with an application.

John explains why one of the most important things you can demonstrate is repayment capacity. Lenders want to see clear evidence that you can comfortably afford the proposed monthly mortgage repayment, typically through a combination of rent payments and regular savings.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What lenders look for on your bank statements
• Why consistent monthly savings matter
• How rent payments can help demonstrate repayment capacity
• Why the description on a rent transfer can matter
• How far back banks normally review your accounts
• Whether one missed direct debit can ruin a mortgage application
• How lenders view overdrafts
• Cash withdrawals and unexplained cash lodgements
• Gambling transactions and mortgage applications
• Why Revolut statements still need to be disclosed
• How banks may treat cryptocurrency transactions
• Bonuses, commission and lump-sum payments
• Sending money to family abroad
• What to do if your bank statements aren't currently mortgage-ready

One of John's main pieces of advice is simple: make your bank statements as clear and easy to understand as possible.

The aim isn't to have a completely unrealistic financial life. It's to present an application where a mortgage underwriter can clearly see your income, your commitments, your rent or savings, and your ability to afford the proposed mortgage repayment.

And if your accounts aren't perfect today, that doesn't necessarily mean you have to abandon your plans. JC Mortgages can review your current bank statements, identify potential issues and help you understand what you may need to improve before submitting an application.

If you're planning to apply for a mortgage in Ireland and would like help understanding where you currently stand, get in touch with JC Mortgages.

Subscribe for more straightforward mortgage advice from John and the JC Mortgages team.

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👉 Want to understand your options?
Visit: https://www.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

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

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to:
👍 Like the video
💬 Leave your questions in the comments
🔔 Subscribe for more mortgage tips, property advice, and practical guidance for buyers across Ireland.

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