Quick answer
- From 1 April 2026 the gross-income ceiling is €80,000 for a single applicant and €85,000 combined for joint applicants.
- The loan can provide up to 90% of market value within county property and loan limits.
- Applicants need evidence of insufficient offers from two regulated mortgage providers.
- The official calculator is indicative and includes a separate MPI estimate; it is not approval.
On this page
Who the Local Authority Home Loan is for
The Local Authority Home Loan is a government-backed mortgage available nationwide from local authorities for qualifying first-time buyers and Fresh Start applicants. It can fund a new or second-hand home or an eligible self-build that will be the applicant’s normal residence.
Applicants generally must be aged 18 to 70, have the required continuous employment, have a right to reside in the State, meet income and property limits, and show insufficient mortgage offers from two regulated providers. Self-employed applicants must submit two years of certified accounts.
April 2026 limits and deposit
| Rule | Current guide |
|---|---|
| Single gross income | Not more than €80,000 |
| Joint gross income | Not more than €85,000 combined |
| Maximum LTV | Up to 90% of market value |
| Deposit | Normally at least 10%; minimum 3% personal savings and balance from an unborrowed source |
| Property and loan caps | Depend on county; use the official calculator |
HTB can contribute to the deposit on an eligible new home or self-build. The First Home Scheme cannot be combined with the Local Authority Home Loan.
Current fixed rates and MPI
The official scheme lists 4.00% fixed for terms up to 25 years (APR 4.07%) and 4.05% fixed for terms over 25 and up to 30 years (APR 4.13%). Rates can change before drawdown; the drawdown rate is then fixed for the full loan term.
The calculator separates the loan repayment, Mortgage Protection Insurance estimate and total monthly amount. Eligible borrowers must join the local-authority group MPI scheme, paid in addition to the loan repayment.
How to use the official calculator
- Select applicant type and county so the correct income and property limits load.
- Enter gross annual income for each applicant and existing monthly commitments.
- Select the rate option and term.
- Read maximum property value, indicative loan, loan repayment, MPI and total payment separately.
- Stress-test the total against household spending.
- Save the output if using it as evidence of insufficient borrowing from a regulated provider, subject to official requirements.
The result is indicative and can be reduced after credit, affordability, documentation, valuation and property assessment.
Application route and timing
Submit the signed form and full checklist to the local authority where you intend to buy or self-build. A complete valid application is stated to take approximately six to eight weeks, though times vary. Approval in principle is normally valid for six months and the rate shown before drawdown is indicative.
You can apply before selecting a property, but must state the loan amount sought. The final decision belongs to the local authority, and its appeal procedure applies to a decline.
Calculator limitations that matter
- It does not guarantee eligibility, loan amount or approval.
- County property and maximum-loan limits can constrain the result.
- Existing commitments and net-income policy affect affordability.
- Rates can change before drawdown.
- The property must be acceptable, habitable and compliant.
- Early repayment of the full-term fixed loan can attract a charge.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Local Authority Home Loan income limits in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, a single applicant can have gross income up to €80,000 and joint applicants up to €85,000 combined.
How much can a Local Authority Home Loan cover?
It can provide up to 90% of market value, subject to county property caps, maximum loan amounts and affordability.
Do I need two mortgage refusals?
You need evidence of insufficient mortgage offers from two regulated providers; this can include specified letters or qualifying calculator evidence under official rules.
Can self-employed people apply?
Yes. The official eligibility rules require two years of certified accounts for self-employed applicants.
Can I use the First Home Scheme with a Local Authority Home Loan?
No. Official LAHL guidance excludes use with the First Home Scheme.
How long does a Local Authority Home Loan application take?
The official FAQ gives approximately six to eight weeks for a complete valid application, but timing can vary.
Does the calculator include mortgage protection?
It shows MPI as a separate estimate and a combined total. Actual borrowing requires the group MPI scheme where eligible.
Sources & references
Related calculators
Use these tools for the numbers behind this guide.