We’re proud to announce a new partnership between EDUC Mortgages and the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI), designed to give teachers and lecturers access to specialist, no-fee mortgage advice tailored to the realities of education careers.

This partnership brings together two organisations with a shared focus on long-term support, fairness and practical outcomes for members. For TUI members, it means access to a mortgage service that understands the structure of education pay, the pressures of working life, and the housing challenges many teachers and lecturers face right now.

The partnership was formally launched in January by representatives from TUI and EDUC Mortgages, including General Secretary, Michael Gillespie, Union President, Anthony Quinn and Union Vice President, Laura Conheady.

Why this partnership matters

Housing has become one of the most pressing issues facing educators in Ireland. Rising rents, limited supply near schools and campuses, long commutes and affordability pressures all shape how and where people can live. For many teachers and lecturers, mortgage decisions are no longer just about buying a first home – they’re about managing an existing mortgage better, planning for future life stages, or making housing choices that support wellbeing and work–life balance.

Through this partnership, TUI members can access specialist mortgage advice from a team with vast experience working with educators. That focus matters. Education careers often involve incremental pay scales, allowances, posts of responsibility, fixed-term or CID contracts, substitution history, research or tutorial income, and career breaks. These details can make a real difference when assessed properly.

A service built around education careers

EDUC Mortgages has been supporting teachers, lecturers and school leaders for over two decades. Our advisers work with education pay structures every day and understand how lenders assess public sector careers.

This means we can:

  • Present income clearly and accurately to lenders

  • Identify lenders that recognise education career progression

  • Explain borrowing capacity in plain language

  • Compare mortgage options across the full range of Irish lenders

The result is not about pushing people to borrow more – it’s about helping members understand what’s realistic, what’s sustainable, and what works best for their individual circumstances.

Teacher working on a laptop at home, reviewing information in a calm kitchen setting.

Specialist mortgage advice can be accessed remotely, at a time that suits busy teachers and lecturers.

Supporting members at every life stage

One of the strengths of this partnership is that it recognises that housing decisions change over time.

For some TUI members, the focus is on getting a first foothold in the market. For others, it’s about switching to a better rate, reducing interest paid over the life of the mortgage, or moving closer to work. Later in a career, members may be thinking about renovations, clearing a mortgage before retirement, releasing equity to support children through college, or navigating housing decisions following separation or divorce.

EDUC Mortgages supports this full spectrum – offering guidance not just at the point of purchase, but across the lifetime of a mortgage.

Making sense of government supports

Government schemes can also play an important role, but they add complexity. Supports such as Help to Buy, the First Home Scheme, and various green or energy-upgrade initiatives can increase affordability or borrowing power – when applied correctly.

As part of this partnership, EDUC advisers can:

  • Explain which schemes you may be eligible for

  • Show how schemes interact with mortgage lending rules

  • Factor supports into borrowing assessments

  • Help members avoid common pitfalls or misunderstandings

For many teachers and lecturers, this clarity can be the difference between feeling stuck and feeling able to move forward.

Additional benefits for TUI members

The Teachers’ Mortgage Service through EDUC is free for TUI members and includes a number of additional practical benefits, such as:

  • A free property valuation

  • Fixed-rate legal and conveyancing fees

  • Complimentary family protection review

  • Discounted life insurance

These supports are designed to reduce both the financial and administrative burden of the mortgage process – an important consideration for members already managing demanding workloads.

How to access the service

Accessing the service is straightforward. TUI members can arrange a no-obligation consultation with an EDUC adviser to discuss their situation – whether they’re ready to buy now, planning a move in the future, or simply want to understand their options.

An early conversation can help clarify:

  • How much you may be able to borrow

  • Which lenders are likely to suit your circumstances

  • How government schemes may apply

  • What steps will make the process smoother when the time comes

Learn more

We’re delighted to work with TUI to support members through one of the most significant financial decisions they’ll make. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to informed choice, long-term planning and practical support for education professionals.

To learn more or to book a no-obligation chat, visit https://educmortgages.ie/tui-mortgages/