We will quickly assess your application and you can expect a decision within a few days. If you are approved, you will receive a formal Letter of Offer (confirming that you qualify for a mortgage and under what conditions) within three working days of approval.

Your mortgage adviser will assist you with this, but the standard documentation we require is likely to include originals of the following:

• Your most recent P60
• Certificate of income from your employer in the standard Bank format
• Your most recent payslip
• Photo identification (e.g. current passport or driving licence)
• A recent utility bill (e.g. phone bill or ESB bill)

Loan statements and evidence of your own financial input may also be required.

If you are self-employed you will be required to produce two years of audited accounts and confirmation from your accountant that tax is paid up to date. A valuation report will also be required on the property to be purchased.

We offer first-time buyers a range of benefits including:

• Competitive fixed and variable rates.
• A repayment term of up to 35 years
• Flexible repayment options* (deferred start and flexible months)
• Home insurance discounts offers if you choose to take out insurance with us

* Flexible payment options are subject to lending criteria and terms and conditions apply. Such options must be agreed before you draw down your mortgage and are spread over the term of the loan. Terms of 35 years are available for First Time Buyers only.

No. You can drop into one of our branches first and discuss your application with one of our mortgage advisers, or call 1890 365 345 to get an indication of how much you can borrow before you start the search for your home.

Our Breakthrough Mortgage package has been specifically designed with you in mind if you are buying a house under a local authority Affordable Housing Scheme. Our Breakthrough Mortgage offers:

• The mortgage covers up to 97% of the actual price you pay for your home after the Affordable Housing Discount (or 85% of the Loan to Value, whichever is the lesser amount).
• Competitive range of fixed and variable homeloan interest rates
• Up to 35-year mortgage term
• Flexible payment options
• Home insurance offers (if you take out insurance with us)

Security is by way of a First Legal Mortgage on the property being purchased together with fire cover on the property.

This involves releasing some of the equity built up in your property if you're planning to remain in your home.

Using the equity in your home through our Equity Release package can be a way to borrow for long-term debt at low rates, as it is based on current market mortgage interest rates.

You can use this money as you wish - for example redecorating, building an extension.

We will help you to keep costs to a minimum. There are other external costs involved in buying or selling a property, which could include:

• Stamp duty, if applicable
• Legal fees to your solicitor
• Valuation report, payable to the bank's valuer
• Surveyor's report, if applicable

You'll be glad to hear you can get some of your hard-earned cash back by claiming Mortgage Interest Relief, or Tax Relief at Source (TRS). This relief is available to first time buyers for seven years. In year one and two of your mortgage, you can claim Mortgage Interest Relief at a rate of 25%; 22.5% in years three, four and five; and 20% in years six and seven.

Once you've applied for mortgage relief, it automatically gets lodged to your account every month. So, for example, if every month you pay €100 interest, your mortgage lender will reduce your monthly payment by €25. To apply, simply log on to www.revenue.ie or contact the TRS helpline on 1890 463 626.

If you are considering a variable rate mortgage:

If you are considering an fixed-rate mortgage:

If you are considering an interest-only term:

If your mortgage is an equity release mortgage and is being used for debt consolidation purposes: