FAQ
Find quick answers to common questions and get the information you need at your fingertips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Public Sector Mortgage?
A public sector mortgage offers better lending terms by recognising salary scale uplifts, guaranteed allowances, and overtime – making it easier to qualify and borrow more.
Can part-time staff or job share roles qualify?
Yes. As long as your pay scale, contract, and documentation are valid, you’ll still benefit from a public sector assessment.
I'm newly hired or promoted — can I still apply?
Yes – lenders often treat transfers or promotions (with 12-month probation) differently, allowing full benefits. Brand-new hires may be assessed case-by-case.
Can I include allowances?
Absolutely. 100% of contractual allowances are usually included; overtime may be averaged over 1–3 years if regular.
What about fixed-term contracts?
Depending on consistency and documentation, lenders may still accept up to 100% of variable income.
How much can I borrow?
Typically up to 4× your qualifying income (with scale uplifts), plus allowances and overtime calculations factored in.
Is mortgage protection mandatory in Ireland?
Yes, for most residential mortgages it is a legal requirement – unless you’re purchasing an investment property or already have qualifying life cover.
What’s the difference between mortgage protection and life insurance?
Mortgage protection only pays out the outstanding loan balance, and decreases over time. Life insurance can offer a larger fixed lump sum to your family, and doesn’t have to be linked to a mortgage.
How much does mortgage protection cost?
Mortgage protection is amongst the cheapest form of life cover. Premiums depend on your age, health, mortgage amount, and term. It’s usually very affordable, especially if you’re young and healthy.
What if I already have life insurance?
It may qualify – but only if the cover amount and term match the mortgage and it’s assigned correctly. There are many considerations to take into account however including whether you want to ensure any dependents are financially protected in the event of your death. We will help you.
Can I still get mortgage protection if I have a health condition?
Yes — in many cases, you can still get cover. However, depending on your specific condition and medical history, your policy may be subject to a premium loading (higher cost), special exclusions, or in some cases, a deferral or decline. We will help guide you through the application process to find the best possible outcome.
Do I need income protection cover as well as mortgage protection?
While mortgage protection pays off your loan if you pass away, income protection supports you while you’re still alive — if illness or injury prevents you from working. It replaces up to 75% of your salary, helping you keep up with mortgage payments and living costs during extended sick leave. We’ll help you assess whether income protection is the right fit based on your role, benefits, and budget.
What happens to the policy if my mortgage is paid off early?
The policy can be cancelled once the loan is cleared, or kept (if convertible) for additional cover. We’ll help you review your options.
What if I switch mortgage providers?
You can keep your existing mortgage protection — or switch it if better rates are available. It’s a good time to review your cover.
Can I apply for mortgage protection before I have mortgage approval?
Yes, and in fact it’s smart to get your protection quote early — so you’re not delayed at drawdown stage. We can issue your lender’s confirmation once ready.