🎙️ Bonus Episode 🌟: Italy’s 1 Euro Houses 💶 Dream Deal or Money Pit?

You've seen the headlines... a house in Italy for just one Euro? In this special bonus episode of Keys to Ireland 🔑, Katie and Mike dive into the iconic One Euro House scheme that’s captured imaginations around the world.

They break down how it actually works from finding a town, applying, and paying the symbolic Euro, to the much larger realities of renovation costs, permits, and living in a rural Italian village. Whether you're dreaming of restoring an old stone home or just curious about the hype, this episode gives you the real picture.

🌟 We cover:

• How to apply for a One Euro House in Italy
• Who is eligible and what documents are required
• The hidden costs: deposits, permits, renovation deadlines
• Why many of these towns offer alternative grants or relocation incentives
• The pros and cons and is it really worth it?

⏱️ Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction to the One Euro House Phenomenon
• 00:38 – Understanding the Motivation Behind One Euro Houses
• 01:12 – Finding and Applying for a One Euro House
• 04:30 – The Financial and Legal Commitments
• 05:40 – The Renovation Process
• 08:10 – Pros and Cons of One Euro Houses
• 12:38 – Alternative Incentives and Final Thoughts

🔗 References & Resources:

• Idealista – Villages Still in the Spotlight in 2025
• Fra Noi – What Happened to the 1 Euro Home?
• Idealista – Buying as a Foreigner: Documents Required
• Accounting Bolla – 2025 Home Renovation Incentives
• What’s Going On Ireland – 1 Euro Guide
• Italian Real Estate Lawyers – The Role of a Notary
• Idealista – Pros and Cons of 1 Euro Houses
• Idealista – Discover the Hidden Costs
• Emilia Delizia – Ultimate Guide
• Reddit – Was It Worth It?

🌟 This is a bonus episode of Keys to Ireland 🔑, exploring what it really takes to make the dream of owning a home in Italy a reality.

📬 Contact us: [email protected]

🎙️ Episode 5: After the Keys – Moving In, Setting Up, and Living in Ireland

Congratulations! 🍻

You have the keys to your new home in Ireland! Now what?

In this final episode of Keys to Ireland 🔑, Katie and Mike walk you through the next crucial steps after closing.

From setting up utilities to building your local network, this guide will help you settle in smoothly, whether you're moving across town or across the ocean.

You’ll learn:

• How to register for Local Property Tax (LPT)
• Getting the right home insurance and contents cover
• Why snagging is critical for new builds
• Tips for moving day and furnishing on a budget
• How to explore and connect with your new neighborhood
• Building your local network through clubs and community groups
• Extra tips for expats adjusting to Irish systems and norms

Whether you’re a local buyer, a returning Irish resident, or a new expat, this episode gives you a clear plan to turn your new house into a home in Ireland.

⏱️ Chapters:

• 00:00 – Welcome and Congratulations!
• 00:48 – First Steps: Local Property Tax (LPT)
• 04:50 – Protecting Your Investment: Home Insurance
• 09:01 – New Builds: The Importance of Snagging
• 11:32 – The Big Move: Tips and Tricks
• 12:49 – Settling In: Furnishing and Neighborhood
• 13:27 – Building Your Local Network
• 15:16 – Final Thoughts and Resources

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Global Citizen Solutions – Buying Property in Ireland as an American
• Switcher.ie – Broadband in Ireland
• CitizensInformation.ie – Electricity Services
• Retail Solutions – Grocery Shopping in Ireland
• CitizensInformation.ie – Healthcare in Ireland
• Insurance Ireland – Household Insurance Guide
• CitizensInformation.ie – Waste and Recycling
• Recharge.com – Mobile Data Costs
• Reddit – Joining a GAA Club
• CitizensInformation.ie – Local Property Tax
• Relocating to Ireland – Setting Up Utilities
• CitizensInformation.ie – Steps to Buying a Home
• CitizensInformation.ie – Switching Bank Accounts
• CitizensInformation.ie – TV Licenses
• An Post Insurance – New Homeowners Checklist
• Wise – Opening a Bank Account in Ireland
• New Home Surveys – Snagging Process Dublin
• Reddit – Finding Tradespeople
• Reddit – Dealing with Tradespeople in Ireland

This is Episode 5 of Keys to Ireland 🔑, your complete guide to buying and living well in your new home in Ireland.

📬 Contact us: [email protected]

🎙️ Episode 4: Navigating the Legal Side – Solicitors, Contracts, and Closing Your Irish Home 🍀

Buying a home in Ireland means more than just finding the right place... it means navigating the legal system confidently.

In this episode of Keys to Ireland 🔑, Katie and Mike break down the full legal journey from “Sale Agreed” to getting your keys.

They explain the role of your conveyancing solicitor, what title deeds really mean, the importance of surveys, pre-contract checks, and what can cause frustrating delays.

You’ll learn:

• What a solicitor does for buyers
• Why title checks and planning searches matter
• What happens during the Sale Agreed stage
• How stamp duty, LPT, and registration fees work
• Why the process takes 3–4 months (or more)
• Common mistakes buyers should avoid

Whether you’re a local buyer, a returning resident, or relocating from abroad, this episode gives you a legal roadmap to close the deal with confidence.

⏱️ Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction to Buying a Home in Ireland
• 00:54 – Role of the Conveyancing Solicitor
• 03:00 – Choosing the Right Solicitor
• 05:48 – What Happens at "Sale Agreed"
• 08:31 – Title Deeds Explained
• 10:21 – Stamp Duty, LPT, and Costs
• 12:04 – Timeline and Delays
• 14:16 – Common Pitfalls and Final Advice

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Wise.com – Buying Property in Ireland
• Reddit – How Long It Took People to Buy a Home
• Summit Law – Key Factors When Searching for Conveyancing
• CitizensInformation.ie – Property Deeds
• Auctioneera – What Does Sale Agreed Mean?
• CitizensInformation.ie – Stamp Duty
• CitizensInformation.ie – Steps to Buying a Home
• Geaney Solicitors – Legal Process Overview
• Property Solicitors Dublin – Role of a Conveyancing Solicitor
• Michael Monahan Solicitors – Choosing a Solicitor in 2024

This is Episode 4 of Keys to Ireland 🔑, your practical guide to buying a home in Ireland from first searches to finally getting the keys.

📬 Contact us: [email protected]

🎙️ Episode 3: Finding the Right Home in Ireland: Research, Viewings, and Choosing Wisely

Buying a home in Ireland is about much more than the right price - it is about finding the right fit for your life.

In this episode of Keys to Ireland 🔑, Katie and Mike guide you through how to search smarter, view properties critically, and choose wisely.

From understanding BER energy ratings to spotting red flags during viewings, they share practical tips to help you avoid costly mistakes.

You’ll learn:

• Where to search (Daft.ie, SherryFitzgerald, local agents)
• How to evaluate listings and spot warning signs
• What BER ratings really mean for your bills and comfort
• The pros and cons of new builds vs second-hand homes
• Essential questions to ask during a property viewing
• How to research a neighborhood’s transport, safety, schools, and community vibe

Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading, or relocating to Ireland, this episode gives you a clear, actionable checklist to find a home that truly fits.

🔗 References and Resources Mentioned:

• Zurich.ie – Questions to Ask When Viewing a House
• Sherry FitzGerald – What to Look For When Viewing a Home
• CCPC.ie – Step-by-Step Home Buying Guide
• Daft.ie Blog – Where to Start When Buying Property
• Reddit – Estate Agent Red Flags and Tactics
• RentDodo.ie – Guide to Avoid Rental Scams in Ireland
• ESRI – Neighbourhood Factors and Mental Health
• First Time Buyers Ireland – New Build vs Second-Hand Homes
• SEAI.ie – Understanding BER Ratings
• Reddit – Questions to Ask When Viewing a Property

This is Episode 3 of Keys to Ireland 🔑, your practical guide to buying a home in Ireland whether you're a first-time buyer, a returning resident, or moving from abroad.

📬 Contact us: [email protected]

🎙️ Episode 2: Financing Your Irish Dream: Mortgages, Deposits, and First-Time Buyer Supports

Buying a home in Ireland?

Whether you are a first-time buyer, an expat, or just trying to understand Ireland's mortgage system, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you get mortgage-ready.

Hosts Katie and Mike break down:

• How to qualify for a mortgage in Ireland (income, job stability, credit history)
• Deposit rules and real-world averages
• How much you can borrow based on LTV (Loan-to-Value) and LTI (Loan-to-Income) rules
• Smart saving strategies and financial habits that banks love to see
• Essential supports for first-time buyers: Help to Buy (HTB) and First Home Scheme (FHS)
• What mistakes to avoid when applying for a mortgage
• Special tips for expats transferring deposits and building Irish credit history

Whether you are moving from abroad or buying locally, this episode helps you navigate the financial side of getting your keys to a home in Ireland.

References and Resources Mentioned:

• Bonkers.ie - Mortgage mistakes to avoid
• Sherry Fitzgerald - Mortgage Central Bank Guidelines
• FirstHomeScheme.ie - Eligibility
• Central Bank of Ireland - Mortgage Measures
• MortgageLine.ie - Deposit amounts explained
• CitizensInformation.ie - Help to Buy Scheme
• Harbourview Mortgages - Borrowing limits guide
• Irish Life - Cost of buying a home in Ireland
• CitizensInformation.ie - Mortgage Insurance Guide
• Reddit - Irish deposit experiences

Get your mortgage plan ready and open the door to your new home in Ireland!

🎙️ Episode 1: How to Buy a Home in Ireland: A Step-by-Step Guide for Both Expats or Locals

Buying a home in Ireland in 2025 can feel overwhelming, especially if you're navigating the process for the first time. In this kickoff episode, hosts Katie and Mike break down the entire journey from saving your deposit to collecting your keys.

Whether you're a local first-time buyer, a returning Irish resident, or someone moving from abroad, this episode gives you the essential roadmap to owning a home in Ireland.

🍀 You’ll learn:

• How much you need for a deposit and how borrowing limits work in Ireland
• What supports are available for first-time buyers, like:
  • The Help to Buy (HTB) scheme
  • The First Home Scheme (FHS) shared equity option
• How to get mortgage approval in principle (AIP) and why it matters
• What "proof of funds" really means and why sellers care
• What extra costs to plan for (stamp duty, solicitor fees, surveys, BER, LPT, and more)
• What a solicitor (conveyancer) does, and how to find a good one
• How to use tools like Daft.ie, Sherry Fitzgerald, and mortgages.ie
• What to expect when buying new builds (snag lists, show houses, timelines, social housing allocation)
• How to research a neighborhood, compare real sale prices, and make a competitive offer
• Why surveyors and snag lists can save you thousands
• What to know about insurance, property registration, and getting your keys

We have gathered real-world insights from official Irish government resources, local estate agents, Reddit recommendations, and our own research into listings and support schemes all tailored to American buyers entering the Irish market for the first time.

🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode:

• CCPC.ie - Step-by-step home buying guide
• First Home Scheme - Eligibility and info
• r/Cork - Solicitor recommendations
• Daft.ie - Property listings in Cork
• Mortgages.ie - First time buyer info
• Sherry FitzGerald - First-time buyer guide (PDF)
• Daft Blog - Supports for First-Time Buyers
• TPD Solutions - Pre-purchase surveys

📑 Chapter Markers:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Buying a Home in Ireland
• 01:05 - Understanding Deposits and Borrowing Limits
• 02:11 - Government Schemes for First-Time Buyers
• 03:37 - Proof of Funds and Buyer Types
• 04:34 - Budgeting Beyond the House Price
• 06:24 - Navigating the Mortgage Process
• 07:47 - Essential Paperwork and Mortgage Protection
• 09:18 - Finding a Property Solicitor
• 09:28 - Understanding the Role of a Solicitor
• 09:55 - Solicitor Fees and Recommendations
• 11:53 - House Hunting Tips for Expats
• 14:33 - Making an Offer and Sale Agreement
• 15:55 - Finalizing the Purchase
• 19:13 - Recap and Final Thoughts

🏡 This is Episode 1 of Keys to Ireland, a podcast for anyone looking to understand the home-buying process in Ireland for both expats and locals alike.
We are here to demystify the process and share the knowledge we wish we had when we started.

Hit subscribe and follow along for future episodes covering everything from picking a solicitor to what to do after move-in day.

📬 Contact us: [email protected]