Category: Mortgage

35 Years and Counting: What Irish Mortgage Corporation’s Evolution Means for You

09/06/2025

Irish Mortgage Corporation at 35: New Faces, Same Values—and a Bigger Role in Your Financial Life

It’s not every day that a mortgage firm turns 35 and still feels like it’s just getting started. But that’s the story at Irish Mortgage Corporation (IMC). Founded in 1990, in the wake of a mortgage market dominated by high fees and limited choice, IMC helped change how Irish people get home loans. Now, three and a half decades later, it’s evolving again—with a fresh leadership team and a broader mission.

From One-Size-Fits-All to Bespoke Advice

Back in the late 80s, getting a mortgage in Ireland was a narrow path, often lined with red tape. IMC’s founder, Derek Maguire, saw what was happening in the UK—where mortgage brokers gave customers more power, choice and transparency—and thought Irish borrowers deserved the same.

So, from modest offices on Baggot Street, IMC set up shop. The idea was simple: give people real advice, from someone who works for them, not the lender. It caught on.

Fast forward to 2025, and IMC is still doing just that—only now it’s bigger, more resilient and thinking even further ahead.

A Leadership Shift, with an Eye on the Future

To mark its 35th year, IMC has announced a significant leadership handover. Derek Maguire becomes Chairman, stepping back from daily operations but staying close to the heart of the firm. Taking the reins are Fiona Deering and Liam O’Connor as Joint Managing Directors—two long-standing leaders who’ve helped steer the company through highs, lows and everything in between.

Their mission? Build on IMC’s core promise—impartial mortgage advice—with a much broader offering. As Liam puts it: “Clients today want more than a mortgage—they want a full picture of their finances, with advice that helps them long after they get the keys.”

More Than Mortgages

That’s why IMC is expanding its support to include everything from mortgage protection and life cover, to long-term financial planning. This is where IMC’s MoneyCoach division comes in, offering expert guidance on pensions, investments and savings—so your home isn’t the only part of your future that’s secure.

And while the services are evolving, the price hasn’t: IMC’s advice is still free and completely impartial.

Smarter Tools, Personal Touch

Fiona Deering points out that it’s not just the mortgage market that’s changing—customers are too. “Technology and expectations have moved on. People want fast answers, but also real conversations. So, we’re combining both—modern tools with personal service.”

It’s a smart move. Whether you’re buying for the first time, switching, or downsizing, it’s reassuring to know someone’s in your corner who understands both the numbers and the nerves.

Staying True to Core Values

Even as it grows, IMC hasn’t lost its focus. The same values that shaped it in 1990—trust, impartial, and putting the client first—are still its north star. That’s not just marketing talk. During the financial crash and the pandemic, IMC kept its core team together and stayed in touch with its clients. When the market bounced back, it was ready.

Now, with a strong leadership duo in place and a sharper, broader service offering, it’s better placed than ever to guide Irish borrowers—not just to a mortgage, but through life’s big financial steps.

This was first published in The Irish Broker Magazine in June 2025: https://imc-mc.com/dox/irish-broker-imc.pdf

Bridging Loans are Back!

23/12/2024

The Irish Mortgage Corporation is proud to partner with ICS Mortgages, one of Ireland’s most trusted mortgage providers, to deliver tailored lending solutions to homeowners and property investors. As an approved ICS Broker, The Irish Mortgage Corporation ensures its clients benefit from competitive rates, flexible terms, and exceptional support. The great news for borrowers is that Bridging Loans are back in Ireland, offering fast, short-term financing for those in need of quick solutions.

Why Choose ICS Mortgages Through The Irish Mortgage Corporation?

ICS Mortgages provides a range of flexible and competitive lending options. As an approved ICS Broker, The Irish Mortgage Corporation can help you navigate these offerings and find the best solution for your needs, including:

1. Trade-Down Solutions

If you’re looking to downsize and need temporary financial support, ICS Mortgages, through The Irish Mortgage Corporation, offers:

  • Loan terms of 12–18 months with no penalties for early repayment.
  • Competitive rates at 1% per month (12% per annum).
  • Up to 70% loan-to-value for properties worth €115,000 or more.

2. Buy-to-Let Renovations

Investors seeking to refurbish rental properties can benefit from:

  • Flexible financing options tailored for short-term needs.
  • Loan sizes from €100,000 to €1.5 million.
  • Access to properties across key urban centres like Dublin, Cork, and Galway.

3. Auction Purchase Support

For those purchasing property at auction, ICS Mortgages provides bridging finance that allows you to secure the property before arranging long-term financing.

Expertise You Can Trust

As one of Ireland’s leading mortgage brokers, The Irish Mortgage Corporation combines its market expertise with ICS Mortgages’ straightforward lending solutions. Their personalised advice ensures you receive the best possible rates and terms, saving you time and money.

Contact The Irish Mortgage Corporation Today

To explore ICS Mortgages’ products and how they can work for you, get in touch with The Irish Mortgage Corporation – your approved ICS Broker. Whether you’re buying, renovating, or downsizing, they’ll guide you every step of the way.

https://irishmortgage.com/contact

Why Have Nearly 1,000 Homeowners Given the Irish Mortgage Corporation 5-Star Reviews?

27/11/2024

Independent Mortgage Advice That Makes a Difference

When it comes to securing a mortgage, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For most people, buying a home is the biggest financial decision they’ll ever make. However, the process of navigating lenders, rates, and repayment options often feels overwhelming. This is precisely where independent mortgage advice makes all the difference—and why firms like the Irish Mortgage Corporation (IMC) have earned the trust of thousands of Irish homeowners.

Incredibly, nearly 1,000 homeowners have given IMC 5-star reviews. So, what’s the secret behind this overwhelming praise? Let’s dive in and explore.

What Exactly Is Independent Mortgage Advice?

To put it simply, independent mortgage advice means unbiased guidance. Unlike advice tied to a single bank or lender, independent brokers work with a wide range of providers.

This means they can focus solely on finding the best mortgage for you—not the one that benefits a bank’s profits. Consequently, you can rest assured that the advice you receive is tailored to your unique needs.

What Sets the Irish Mortgage Corporation Apart?

IMC has earned its place as one of Ireland’s most trusted independent mortgage brokers. Their stellar reviews reflect their dedication to making the mortgage process smoother, smarter, and ultimately more rewarding for their clients.

Here’s why so many people are singing their praises:

1. A Service That Feels Personal

First and foremost, IMC believes every client deserves personalised attention. Each homeowner is paired with a dedicated mortgage advisor who takes the time to understand their financial circumstances and long-term goals.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned property investor, IMC’s tailored approach ensures you get advice that matches your needs. As one satisfied client put it:
“From start to finish, the team treated me like their top priority. They explained everything clearly and made the process stress-free.”

2. Access to the Entire Market

Unlike banks, which only offer their own products, IMC works with multiple lenders. As a result, they can compare rates and terms across the market. This broader perspective often reveals deals you might not have found on your own.

For homeowners, this means more choice, better rates, and ultimately significant savings.

3. Expertise in Complex Cases

Not everyone fits the mould of a straightforward mortgage applicant. If you’re self-employed, a contractor, or have irregular income, you might struggle to meet traditional lending criteria. Fortunately, IMC’s advisors specialise in finding solutions for these trickier cases.

One client shared:
“After being turned down by my bank, I felt hopeless. But IMC stepped in, found a lender, and secured me an amazing rate. I can’t thank them enough!”

4. More Than Just Mortgages

It’s not just about finding the best mortgage; it’s about protecting your home and family too. IMC goes further by offering advice on critical areas like life insurance, mortgage protection, and home insurance.

By taking this comprehensive approach, they ensure you’re covered for whatever life throws your way.

Why Do 5-Star Reviews Matter?

For something as significant as a mortgage, trust is essential. After all, you need to know you’re working with advisors who genuinely care about your best interests. This is why online reviews are so important—they provide real-world proof that a company delivers on its promises.

In today’s digital world, a 5-star review is more than a pat on the back. It’s a public endorsement of quality, expertise, and customer service. With over 1,000 glowing reviews, IMC has shown that they consistently exceed expectations.

The Value of Independent Mortgage Advice

If you’re on the hunt for a mortgage, independent mortgage advice is your best bet for saving money and avoiding costly mistakes. Importantly, an independent advisor will take the time to explain the fine print, compare lenders, and guide you through every step of the process.

As a result, you’ll have the confidence to make informed decisions about your future.

A Reputation Built on Trust

Ultimately, Irish Mortgage Corporation’s 1,000+ reviews reflect years of hard work and dedication to their clients. Their personalised service, market-wide access, and expert advice make them a standout choice for anyone seeking independent mortgage advice in Ireland.

If you’re ready to take the next step towards homeownership, why not see what IMC can do for you? Get in touch today and discover why so many homeowners trust them to get it right.

Contact them here: IMC

Irish Mortgage Corporation is regulated by Central Bank of Ireland

Irish Mortgage Corporation t/a MoneyCoach is regulated by Central Bank of Ireland

The Importance of Mortgage Protection

19/07/2021

The importance of mortgage protection assurance

Having mortgage protection assurance in place is a basic requirement when arranging a mortgage on your family home. All lenders insist that you have adequate cover in place before they will release the mortgage funds. Your policy must have a sum assured and term that match the mortgage amount and term.

The level of cover reduces over time, broadly in line with the reduction in your mortgage debt. In the unfortunate event that you die during your mortgage term, the mortgage protection benefit will be paid out directly to the lender and your home will become debt free for your family.

When’s the right time to start my mortgage protection plan?

People mistakenly take the view that they have no liability until they draw down the funds for their mortgage. However, when you sign the contract to purchase your new home, you are committing to completing that transaction.

Mortgages are offered based on an applicant’s financial ability to repay the debt. If you or your partner should die before you draw down the mortgage, the likelihood is that the lender will withdraw their approval, due to the loss of one income and the potential inability of the surviving partner to service the debt.

However, you still have signed contracts in place and the surviving partner is still legally obliged to complete the purchase. Having your mortgage protection policy in place, at the time of signing the contracts, would ensure that should such an unfortunate event happen, the property can still be purchased, and the surviving partner is comforted by having a family home, free from debt. 

MoneyCoach is the financial planning division of Irish Mortgage Corporation, which is one of Ireland’s leading mortgage brokers. Irish Mortgage Corporation has agencies with every lender currently offering mortgages in the country.  MoneyCoach provides advice on all aspects of financial planning, including advice on the most appropriate mortgage protection plan for your needs

Covid-19 Lender Options

26/03/2020

During these unprecedented times, a significant number of people have been affected by Covid-19 not only physically and mentally but also financially.  Due to the closure of many businesses nationwide, the Irish lenders have introduced a number of mortgage and loan forbearance options.

As lenders are working closely with the Central bank of Ireland, our understanding is that anyone who avails of a forbearance option will not have an adverse recording against their credit record.

Indeed, Governor Makhlouf of the Central Bank of Ireland wrote in an article recently highlighting that they are  ‘’Working with lenders to develop practical
measures so that the credit record of those who avail of a payment break includes an appropriate recording on the Central Credit Register so that their credit record is protected”.

We’ve compiled a table below which shows the various options lenders are extending to clients during these arduous times:

Additionally, all banks have raised the Tap limit from €30 to €50 per transaction.

We believe, the availability of these measures is necessary in these unprecedented times to give those affected by COVID-19 the necessary financial breathing space. It is however important to be aware of the implications. These include an increase in monthly repayments when the mortgage payment break period ends and an increase in the overall amount of interest that will ultimately be paid.’’

Put simply, let’s assume you owe €300,000 on your mortgage with monthly repayments of €1,500 and where the monthly interest portion is currently €1,000. You obtain a 3-month full capital and interest mortgage payment break., i.e.no mortgage payment made for 3 months. In effect, at the end of the 3-month period, your repayments are then based on €303,000 (now including €1k interest x 3 months) over the remaining term which is now 3 months shorter. Thus, giving rise to an increased monthly
payment and a larger amount of interest paid. 

We would also like to stress the importance of having a financial review at this point to see if previous arrangements, such as Life Policies and Mortgage Protection policies are still in line and suitable to your current and developing circumstances.

For details on how to contact our Life, Pensions and Investment side of the house, MoneyCoach, please find contact information at the end of this article.

See also below useful contact information and various lender webpage details for additional information:

LenderMortgage Contact InfoSME PhoneFurther Info
AIB1890 252 0080818 300113https://aib.ie/covid19
KBC1850 93 02 351850 93 02 35https://www.kbc.ie/news-and-press/latest-news-and-press-releases/covid-19-update-a-message-for-kbc-customers
Bank of Ireland

01 611 3333


Or


boi.com/paymentbreak


0818 200 348https://www.bankofireland.com/
Permanent TSB

1500 855 010


Or 021 601 3800


Overdraft & Credit Card: 1890 500 198


0818 502 424https://www.permanenttsb.ie/about-us/notices/2020/march/covid-19/
Ulster Bank

1800 435 763 or UlsterBankROIMortgages@rbs.co.uk


Loan Repayments: 1850 201 210 Overdraft: 1890 587 587


1850 211 690https://digital.ulsterbank.ie/personal/help-and-support/coronavirus.html
EBS

Mortgage: 1850 330 044


Other Queries: 1850 654 321


https://www.ebs.ie/covid19/concerned-about-mortgage-repayments
ICS MortgagesMortgage: 1890 542 542http://www.icsmortgages.ie/ics-mortgages-covid-19-information
Finance IrelandMortgage: 1890 995 998https://www.financeireland.ie/covid-19-announcement-business-as-usual/
HavenMortgage: 1850 654 329https://www.havenmortgages.ie/covid19

Note: if your mortgage or loan facility etc is not with one of the above lenders, you will need to contact your loan servicer directly. See your recent mortgage statement or any other correspondence received for contact details.

As Ireland’s longest serving mortgage broker, Irish Mortgage Corporation has a vast amount of experience dealing with these lenders for the past 30 years. We have consistently advised and helped our clients through the best and the worst of times and are always here if you need us to advise you on the options available. Even if you haven’t dealt with us previously for your mortgage needs feel free to get in contact.

Should you have any queries whatsoever regarding an existing mortgage, life policy or any other type that you feel we might be able to help with, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always delighted to help and are currently contactable via our website, email, phone, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Irish Mortgage Corporation

Phone: 1850 444 474

Email: info@irishmortgage.ie

Website: irishmortgage.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/irish-mortgage-corporation

MoneyCoach

Phone: 01 669 1040

Email: info@moneycoach.ie

Website: moneycoach.ie

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/moneycoach.ie

 

 

Workplace Benefits

08/08/2018

 

After almost a decade of uncertainty in the economy, the country has reached almost full employment. According to the Central Bank, an additional 89,000 jobs will be created over the next two years bringing total employment to a massive 2.3 million. While full employment can bring large gains to the economy it also creates significant challenges for employers.

With companies trying to grow their business and needing additional staff to achieve their objectives, it has become increasingly difficult with almost full employment to attract or retain staff. To help address this problem employers look at creative solutions such as work/life balance programmes, wellness programmes with annual health checks or worksite gyms and healthy eating options, all to differentiate themselves from their competitors

The question now facing employers is “what else”? What additional staff benefit can be implemented that’s meaningful for employees and easy for employers to implement and manage.

Let’s look at some more figures for a minute to help understand the nature of the current workforce. 33% of the population are under 25 years of age, with almost 50% of the population under 34, as such Ireland has one of the youngest workforces in Europe. It’s no wonder that its’ virtually impossible to get employees excited about the fantastic pension benefits employers provide when the average employee waits almost 40 years to enjoy their retirement.

All staff are financially active, we also know that a key considerations is how best to use their “hard earned” cash. How to plan a future that gives them and their families as much financial freedom and security as possible.

Helping staff address their immediate financial concerns is a very real benefit that makes sense for both employers and employees alike.

If we take mortgages as an example: Many of todays employees will be trying to secure a mortgage to buy their first home. Yet, like many of us they too will find the whole mortgage application process time consuming, confusing and difficult to navigate. Providing staff with access to an impartial financial advisor who is expert in the mortgage market has the following benefits: –

  • Meet to provide mortgage advice in the workplace online or anywhere which is convenient for the employee
  • Clearly explain the documentation needed by all lenders to access an application
  • Go through the many rates on offer whether fixed or variable
  • Advise on special offers from lenders such as “cash-back” or “free legal fees”
  • Determine the likely mortgage amount available from lenders
  • Most importantly, keep the employee informed at each stage of the process

Impartial financial advisors can also help employees with their overall financial needs such as; family protection, serious illness assurance, saving to provide third level education for children and investments. The nature of the advice to be offered is determined by you the employer.

Assisting employees by providing access to financial planning is a fantastic benefit and one that employees will truly appreciate.

For more information on our employer services for employees please contact Michael Lacey on 01 6691014.

The Case for Pension Mortgages

25/07/2018

After a decidedly rocky patch, the Irish love affair with property has been rekindled with lending more available and demand outstripping supply in Dublin and other major urban centres. New and niche lenders have entered the market, encouraging existing lenders to improve their interest rates and offerings to remain competitive.

Thankfully, strict lending rules imposed by the Central Bank should limit the potential for a lending bubble. According to the Central Bank, more than 50% of house purchases are currently being made by cash buyers. This statistic and the low level of new housing stock currently being developed is combining to drive prices upwards. Current low interest rates and generous rental yields are making it more attractive for people, whose savings might otherwise remain on deposit, to purchase investment properties.Some of these “cash buyers” are individuals using their pension funds for the purpose. Within your pension the rental income and the capital appreciation of the property accumulate tax free.

There is now a mortgage facility available to allow pension funds leverage their value to buy Irish residential investment property that otherwise would be unaffordable. Not all pensions will be able to access this product. Typically, a small self-administered scheme, or SSAS, must be set up, and the funds transferred into it, before any application can be made to the lender. The process of setting up the appropriate pension scheme for this purpose can take up to 2 months, so it is important to prepare accordingly.

Your pension may borrow up to 50% of the value of the property. When other ancillary costs are factored in, the fund value should really be more than 60% of the purchase price and if the mortgage is on a capital and interest basis, there requirement could be even higher. All charges associated with the borrowing will come out of the fund.

It is important to remember that strict Revenue rules exist when purchasing property through your pension. The purchase and subsequent rental of the property must be on an “arms-length” basis, in other words, you may not purchase the property from, sell or rent to anyone connected to you or your family. Unlike investment funds, liquidity is limited by your/your funds ability to find a ready market for the property at a time of your choosing. If direct property makes up a significant proportion of your fund, you may have difficulty in accessing your tax-free lump sum at retirement.

Proper pensions advice is required to ensure that leveraging your pension for the purchase of investment property is suitable for your circumstances and future needs. Poor or cheap advice in this area may prove to be a very expensive mistake that you will carry with you into your retirement and perhaps beyond.

MoneyCoach’s pension experts are available on 1890 4280343