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.

***

👉 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

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.

***
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

In this episode of Tea & Mortgage, John Coleman from JC Mortgages breaks down one of the most common questions buyers are asking today:
Does it actually make sense to buy a home right now? 🤔

With rising prices, changing market conditions, and constant headlines, it’s easy to feel unsure about what to do next.

In this podcast, John gives a clear, honest perspective on how to think about buying a home in the current market — and whether it’s the right move for you.

If you're a first-time buyer or planning your next move, this will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.

👉 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

In this episode of the Tea & Mortgages podcast, John Coleman discusses the rapidly growing war between the United States (or just Donald Trump) and Iran and how global conflicts can ripple through the world economy.

John shares his thoughts on what’s happening, what it could mean for international markets, and how major geopolitical events often influence interest rates, inflation, and economic confidence.

More importantly, he explores how these global developments may ultimately affect Ireland’s economy, the Irish mortgage market, and the decisions facing home buyers and sellers in the months ahead.

While no one can predict exactly how events will unfold, John offers practical insights and perspective to help Irish homeowners and buyers better understand the potential impact.

Grab a cup of tea and join us for a timely conversation connecting global events to the Irish housing market.

***

John also highly recommends you read this book 👉 Take Control of Your Business by Eamon O’Sullivan

***

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

In this episode of Tea & Mortgage, John Coleman of JC Mortgages explores what it really means to buy property and secure a mortgage in Ireland as a non-Irish national.

With around 1 in 5 people in Ireland born outside the state — and that figure now closer to 23–25% nationally (and over 26% in Dublin) — more people than ever are navigating the Irish property and mortgage system without an Irish background.

John breaks down how the process works for foreign nationals, tackling common myths, misunderstandings, and pitfalls that can trip up buyers along the way. He also shares practical steps to help listeners start planning, organizing their finances, and positioning themselves strongly before they begin their property journey.

Beyond the numbers and paperwork, this episode also touches on the emotional and mental side of buying in Ireland — from uncertainty and frustration to confidence and clarity.

Whether you’re a recent arrival, a long-term resident, or simply curious about how mortgages work for non-Irish buyers, this conversation offers clear, honest, and practical insight — all over a cup of tea.

***
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