Lyndsay’s Journey: Buying a First Home as a Family
“We Are Finally Homeowners!”
After a decade of renting, moving through five different homes, and raising two kids, Lyndsay and her family have finally made it—they’re homeowners. “We are currently and finally homeowners! We’ve been living in our home for five months now,” Lyndsay shared. It hasn’t been an easy journey. From endless delays with banks to intense financial sacrifices, their story is one of determination, patience, and grit.
The Biggest Challenges
“Dealing with banks was the most frustrating part.”
For Lyndsay, the hardest part of their journey was navigating the mortgage process. Despite having everything in order, there were constant questions, delays, and roadblocks. “We were renting at the time and were told the house we were living in was being put up for sale. We were tight for time, and I spent most days chasing the broker to make sure we weren’t put on the back burner!” The pressure was relentless. But it didn’t end there—house hunting had its own frustrations. “Houses were so limited, and you kind of had to take what you could within your price range. We refused to get locked into insane bidding wars—it just wasn’t something we could afford.”
Finding the Right Home
Sometimes, things happen for a reason. Lyndsay and her family had their hearts set on a house they had viewed, but the bidding quickly surpassed their budget. Just when they thought they’d lost out, they noticed another house nearby. It wasn’t as turnkey as the first one, but it had everything they really needed: a solid structure, space for the kids, and a big green area outside. “We put in a bid, but it went beyond our budget. We dropped out. Three days later, the estate agent called—the top bidders didn’t have approval in principle, and we got the house at our original bid!"
Saving for a Deposit
“Saving was the most difficult part of our journey.”
Like many renters, Lyndsay and her partner struggled to save while managing everyday expenses. But their desire for stability for their children pushed them to make some tough decisions. “We opened a joint account that required both of us to be there to withdraw money. To make it harder to dip into, we chose a branch far from home. We saved everything we had—cut back on coffees, lunches out, and holidays. It was tough but necessary.” Even with their disciplined saving, the extra costs added up: deposit, surveyors, stamp duty, and solicitors. They had to borrow a small amount from family to cover the gap. “In total, we needed €43,000—more than a year’s salary for one of us. Something has to switch in your mindset. You just have to put your all into saving!”
Surprises and Setbacks
Their journey to homeownership was anything but smooth. Initially, Lyndsay and her family secured approval in principle for €300,000, only to realise it wasn’t enough for the area they wanted. They had to reapply for a higher amount, which felt like they were starting all over again. And if that wasn’t stressful enough, their first mortgage application was declined. “We were panicking because we had nowhere to go. Thankfully, the second bank gave us a loan offer.”
Advice for Other First-Time Buyers
“Put your heart and soul into it.”
Lyndsay’s advice to other first-time buyers is clear: prepare, stay focused, and don’t lose sight of your goal, no matter how overwhelming it feels. “We had all our accounts in order, requested pay rises to increase our borrowing power, and committed to ‘no-spend days.’ The feeling of sitting in your own home is indescribable—it’s worth every sacrifice.”
A New Beginning
For Lyndsay and her family, buying a house wasn’t just about owning property. It was about creating a stable, happy life for themselves and their kids. “Ten years renting, two kids—if we can do it, anyone can! We now have a home, a dog, a decent car, and we’re getting married this year. Our life has done a 360! You can do it if you put your mind to it."
Lyndsay’s story, shared as part of the First Time Buyers Ireland (The OG) Facebook group, serves as a powerful reminder that while the journey to homeownership can feel overwhelming, it’s far from impossible. With determination, sacrifice, and a little hope, you too can create a place to call home. No matter how tough it gets, the effort is worth it—and you’re never alone in the process.
Over the past five years, a select group of experts within this community has consistently captured my interest. They have garnered multiple recommendations from various members for their exceptional professionalism and unwavering support toward first-time buyers. The First Time Buyers Ireland community relies on four esteemed partners, who have gained their trust through their reliable services:
1. Parker Law - A trusted solicitor known for their expertise in legal matters pertaining to property transactions.
2. Get House Survey - A reputable surveyor recommended for their thorough and reliable home survey services.
3. Lion.ie - A trusted mortgage protection broker known for their expertise in providing suitable protection plans for first-time homebuyers.
4. DNG Financial Services - A reliable mortgage broker renowned for their proficiency in assisting first-time buyers in finding suitable mortgage options.
These partners have proven their commitment to serving the community and have earned their status as trusted professionals within the First Time Buyers Ireland community.