A few years back, locking in a mortgage rate felt like a gamble. Now, with the ECB holding steady and several Irish lenders slashing their fixed-term offerings, the conversation has shifted. If you’re hunting for the best deal on a long-term mortgage right now, the market looks more promising than it has in years—and the window may not stay open indefinitely.

AIB GreenA 3-Year Fixed: 3.00% · Avant Money Fixed (3–5 years): From 3.20% · PTSB 4-Year Fixed: 3.0% (lowest available)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Ireland’s average new mortgage rate hit 3.51% in February 2026 (Central Bank of Ireland)
  • Avant Money cut rates by up to 0.35% on 19 January 2026 (Irish Times)
  • ICS Mortgages increased rates by up to 0.50% on 27 March 2026 (Switcher.ie)
2What’s unclear
  • Whether Irish mortgage rates will drop back to the sub-3% levels seen before 2022
  • The precise longer-term forecast for ECB rate cuts beyond 2026
  • Specific rate details for some smaller lenders not publicly disclosed
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

These figures represent verified data points across seven major Irish lenders, with rates varying by borrower profile and loan type.

Key mortgage rate facts currently available across major Irish lenders
Detail Rate / Value Source
Average new Irish mortgage rate (Feb 2026) 3.51% Central Bank of Ireland
AIB GreenA 3-Year Fixed (≤50% LTV) 3.00% AIB
AIB Standard Variable Rate 5.20% AIB
Avant Money 4-year high-value fixed From 3.20% MortgageLine
Avant Money cashback (fixed rates) 2% Irish Times
PTSB lowest 4-year fixed (≤60% LTV) 3.0% Fairstone
Euro area average mortgage rate (Feb 2026) 3.41% Central Bank of Ireland

What is the present 30-year mortgage rate?

Here is the key fact that many borrowers miss: Irish lenders do not commonly offer 30-year fixed rate products. Fixed terms in Ireland max out at around 10 years with most lenders. A traditional mortgage runs 20–30 years, but borrowers choosing a fixed rate will need to refinance at the end of their term. That nuance matters when comparing “30-year” quotes.

AIB rates

AIB publishes detailed rate tables directly on its website. For borrowers with a lower loan-to-value ratio, the AIB GreenA products stand out. The GreenA 3-Year Fixed for LTV ≤50% comes in at 3.00% — the cheapest AIB fixed rate available. The 5-Year Green Fixed for LTV between 50% and 80% sits at 3.30%.

Why this matters

A 0.75 percentage point gap between the best and standard AIB variable rate (5.20%) means a borrower on a €250,000 mortgage over 20 years could save roughly €8,000–€12,000 in interest by choosing the green fixed product instead of the standard variable. The catch: you need a BER rating of A1 to B3 and a deposit of at least 50% of the property value.

The standard AIB variable rate of 5.20% applies to borrowers who do not qualify for green products or who have higher LTV. AIB does not offer an explicit 30-year fixed option — the longest fixed term available tops out at 10 years at around 4.20%.

EBS (Haven) rates

Haven, formerly EBS, operates under the AIB group umbrella and offers green mortgage products that mirror AIB’s pricing structure. The green rates from Haven start from approximately 3.00% for eligible properties, with specific rates varying by LTV and term length. Haven’s green products are designed for BER-rated A or B homes, similar to AIB’s GreenA range.

Unlike AIB, Haven does not publish a full rate table publicly, and borrowers typically need to contact the lender or use a broker to get precise figures. The green discount framework applies, meaning borrowers with energy-efficient homes can access lower rates than the standard variable offering.

Avant Money rates

Avant Money has emerged as one of the most aggressive rate-cutters in the Irish market. On 19 January 2026, Avant reduced its fixed rates on 3-, 4-, and 5-year terms by up to 0.35 percentage points and simultaneously doubled its cashback offer to 2% on fixed-rate products, according to reporting in the Irish Times. The 4-year high-value fixed rate for loans of €300,000 or more with lower LTVs starts from 3.20%.

The upshot

Avant’s strategy targets borrowers with larger loans who want fixed-rate certainty. The combination of a competitive rate (3.20% for €300k+) and 2% cashback can offset upfront costs for switchers, though the rate advantage narrows for smaller loans.

Avant also offers a Flex variable product — a hybrid variable rate that provides more flexibility than a standard variable but without the certainty of a fixed term. For borrowers comfortable with some rate movement risk, this can be a middle-ground option.

The pattern across AIB, EBS (Haven), and Avant reveals a market where green-rated properties and higher deposits unlock the best rates. The trade-off for borrowers with standard properties or smaller deposits is significant — the difference between 3.00% and 5.20% at AIB illustrates how structural factors shape what you actually pay.

What are current mortgage rates in Ireland?

Three forces drive what you see on Irish mortgage rate sheets: ECB policy, lender competition, and individual borrower profile (LTV, property rating, loan size). As of early 2026, the average new Irish mortgage rate stands at 3.51% — 10 basis points above the euro area average of 3.41%.

Variable rates

Variable rates remain the most volatile segment. AIB’s standard variable rate sits at 5.20%, which is notably higher than its green fixed alternatives. Avant Money’s Flex variable product, described as a hybrid variable by EducMortgages, offers more flexibility than a traditional variable while allowing borrowers to benefit if rates drop further. The best variable rates available reportedly fall around 3.12%–3.15% for qualified borrowers with lower LTV and strong credit profiles.

Fixed rate options

Fixed rates in early 2026 cluster in the mid-3% to mid-4% range for 3–5 year terms. The standout products include:

  • PTSB 4-year fixed: 3.0% (for LTV ≤60%)
  • Avant Money 4-year fixed: from 3.20% (for high-value loans)
  • AIB GreenA 3-year fixed: 3.00% (for LTV ≤50% and BER A1–B3)
  • Bank of Ireland 4-year fixed: 3.10% (for switchers)

Longer fixed terms — 7, 10 years — typically carry slightly higher rates, reflecting the lender’s commitment to lock in pricing over a longer period. That premium is worth paying only if you believe rates will rise significantly before the term ends.

LTV impacts

Loan-to-value ratio remains one of the strongest determinants of the rate you will pay. Borrowers with LTV at or below 50% consistently access the lowest published rates across AIB, PTSB, and Avant. Those with LTV above 80% — typically first-time buyers with smaller deposits — face higher rates or may be directed toward variable products.

The trade-off

If you can accumulate a deposit that brings your LTV below 50%, the rate savings often outweigh the time spent waiting. On a €300,000 mortgage, moving from 80% LTV to 50% LTV could mean a rate difference of 0.5–1.0 percentage points — that’s €15,000–€35,000 over 20 years in avoided interest.

Irish mortgage rates in early 2026 offer meaningful choice for borrowers who do their homework. The gap between the best fixed product (3.00%) and the standard variable (5.20%) is substantial, and the factors that unlock the best rates — lower LTV, energy-efficient property, larger loan size — are largely within a borrower’s control. The pattern is clear: lenders reward lower risk and green credentials with better pricing.

Will mortgage rates drop to 3% again?

The short answer: some lenders already offer rates at or near 3%, but a return to the sub-3% environment that existed before 2022 is not guaranteed. Pre-pandemic Irish mortgage rates commonly sat in the 2–3% range, but that era coincided with ECB rates at or below zero. The ECB has since raised rates significantly, and while cuts have occurred, the baseline is higher.

Historical trends

Looking back over the last decade, Irish mortgage rates peaked in 2022–2023 following the ECB’s rapid rate-hiking cycle. Since then, rates have moderated. The Central Bank of Ireland data shows the average new mortgage rate at 3.53% in November 2025, declining to 3.51% by February 2026. That puts the market firmly in the mid-3% range — well below the peaks but above the pre-2022 lows.

ECB rate decisions drive the macro environment. When the ECB cuts, Irish lenders typically follow within months. When the ECB holds, as it did in March 2026, the market tends toward stability.

2026 forecasts

Forecasts for 2026 suggest stability rather than a return to sub-3% rates. Bonkers.ie, a consumer finance comparison site, reports that “no further big movement in rates is expected from the ECB in 2026.” That translates to mortgage rates that are unlikely to drop dramatically — but also unlikely to spike.

The implication: borrowers who can lock in current rates at 3.00–3.50% are getting a genuinely competitive deal relative to the historical average. Waiting for sub-3% rates may mean missing an already-favorable window.

What to watch

Individual lender moves tell a more nuanced story than ECB policy alone. Avant Money’s January 2026 rate cut and cashback doubling, followed by ICS Mortgages’ January 2026 increase of up to 0.50%, show that lenders are making independent decisions based on their funding costs and competitive positioning. Smart borrowers compare across multiple lenders rather than assuming one institution offers the market-best deal.

The reality for borrowers in 2026: rates in the 3–4% range are achievable for well-qualified applicants, but the path to those rates requires meeting specific criteria (low LTV, green property, or a large loan). The market has moved decisively away from the sub-3% era, and the experts do not see a quick return.

Will Irish mortgage rates go down in 2026?

The ECB’s March 2026 decision to hold rates steady signals that the era of rapid rate cuts is over — for now. MortgageLine reports that the ECB’s unchanged stance is “leading to mortgage rate stability forecast.” That means borrowers should plan for a flat market in 2026, not a declining one.

Fixed vs variable outlook

The fixed versus variable decision in 2026 is less about chasing lower rates and more about managing risk. With the ECB on hold, variable rates are unlikely to spike, but they also are unlikely to drop significantly without a new ECB cut. Fixed rates lock in current pricing — and with the best 3-year green fixed at 3.00%, that pricing is already competitive.

Borrowers who prefer certainty will benefit from fixing. Those comfortable with some fluctuation may find variable products like Avant’s Flex offer a balance of flexibility and competitive pricing.

Expert predictions

Most credible forecasts for 2026 point to rate stability. Doddl.ie describes 2026 as “bringing rate stability with lender tweaks.” That means the headline rate may not change much, but individual lenders will continue to adjust their offerings based on competitive pressure and funding costs.

The pattern

The market is not monolithic. Avant and PTSB are competing aggressively on rate, while ICS has raised its pricing. Borrowers who compare lenders — not just the big two or three — regularly find better deals. The difference between the best and worst published rate for similar products can exceed 0.5–1.0 percentage points.

Ireland’s mortgage rates in 2026 are likely to remain in the 3–4% range for well-qualified borrowers. The window for locking in competitive fixed rates is open now. If ECB holds through the year, those who fixed early benefit from certainty. If ECB cuts, those on variable products benefit from future reductions. The risk for borrowers who do nothing is that they remain on higher-rate products while the market stabilizes around them.

How long should I fix my mortgage for? 2, 3, 5 or 10 years

The term you choose shapes both your monthly payment and the flexibility you retain. In the current Irish market, three-year and five-year fixed terms dominate because they offer a balance of competitive rates and manageable commitment lengths. Ten-year terms exist but carry slightly higher rates and lock you in for a decade.

Pros of 3 vs 5 years

A 3-year fixed term offers lower rates — AIB’s GreenA 3-year is 3.00% versus its 5-year green at 3.30% — but requires refinancing sooner. A 5-year term provides more stability but at a marginally higher cost. The math depends on your expectations for rate movements. If rates drop further, a 3-year term lets you refinance at a lower rate. If rates rise, the 5-year term protects you from that increase.

  • 3-year fixed: Lower rate (3.00% at AIB), needs refinancing in 36 months, more rate risk if market moves up
  • 5-year fixed: Slightly higher rate (3.30% at AIB), more payment certainty, less frequent refinancing
  • 10-year fixed: Highest published rate (around 4.20%), maximum stability, only makes sense if you strongly believe rates will rise significantly

Rate comparison table

Five key products, four lenders, and two different borrower profiles illustrate the decision landscape for fixed-term mortgage selection.

Fixed mortgage rates comparison across major Irish lenders (early 2026)
Lender Term Rate Requirements Source
AIB GreenA 3-Year Fixed 3.00% ≤50% LTV, BER A1–B3 AIB
AIB GreenA 5-Year Fixed 3.30% 50–80% LTV, BER A1–B3 AIB
Avant Money 4-Year Fixed From 3.20% Loan ≥€300,000, lower LTV MortgageLine
PTSB 4-Year Fixed 3.0% ≤60% LTV Fairstone
Bank of Ireland 4-Year Fixed 3.10% Switchers only MortgageLine switcher guide
The catch

No Irish lender currently offers a true 30-year fixed rate. Every borrower choosing a fixed term faces a refinancing decision at the end of their term. That means the “right” term length also depends on when your fixed period ends and what the market looks like at that point. If your term expires during a period of rising rates, you will refix at a higher rate regardless of how good today’s deal is.

The best strategy for most borrowers: lock in the shortest term that offers a competitive rate (3-year fixed at 3.00% is hard to beat), and plan to refinance in 36 months. If rates drop further, you benefit. If rates rise, you have certainty for the critical first three years of your mortgage.

Comparison: Top Irish mortgage lenders (2026)

Seven lenders, three borrower profiles, and rates that vary by as much as 2.20 percentage points between the best and worst published options — the spread in the Irish mortgage market rewards comparison shopping.

Mortgage rate comparison across Irish lenders for different borrower profiles
Lender Product Type Best Available Rate APR Range Key Catch
AIB Green fixed (3yr, ≤50% LTV) 3.00% 3.29–3.39% APRC Requires BER A1–B3, high deposit
Avant Money Fixed 4yr (high value) From 3.20% 3.49–3.59% APRC Loan must be ≥€300,000
PTSB Fixed 4yr (≤60% LTV) 3.0% 3.30–3.40% APRC Limited availability, smaller lender
Bank of Ireland Fixed 4yr (switchers) 3.10% 3.55–3.80% APRC Switcher customers only
EBS (Haven) Green fixed (3–5yr) ~3.00–3.30% 3.35–3.50% APRC Rates not publicly disclosed
AIB Standard variable 5.20% 5.40–5.60% APRC No green credentials, high LTV
ICS Mortgages Fixed (post-Mar 2026) Rates increased Higher post-March 2026 Rate increases effective March 2026

The comparison reveals a market where green credentials and loan size matter as much as the lender’s brand. A borrower with a high-LTV standard property on AIB’s standard variable rate (5.20%) pays a penalty of over 2 percentage points compared to a borrower with a green property and a 50% deposit on AIB’s GreenA rate (3.00%). That gap is not trivial — it translates to hundreds of euros per month on a typical mortgage.

Pros and cons of fixing your mortgage in 2026

Upsides

  • Best available fixed rates (3.00–3.30%) are genuinely competitive versus historical averages
  • ECB on hold through 2026 means unlikely to “miss” a better deal by fixing now
  • Green mortgage products (AIB, Haven) offer rates that beat most variable alternatives
  • Avant Money’s 2% cashback on fixed products offsets some upfront costs for switchers
  • Payment certainty for the fixed period — no surprises if ECB holds or raises

Downsides

  • No true 30-year fixed available — refinancing required at end of term
  • Fixed terms capped at 10 years max with most lenders, so monthly payments stay higher than if amortized over 30 years
  • Breaking a fixed rate early typically incurs exit fees
  • Green and LTV criteria exclude many borrowers from the best published rates
  • ICS Mortgages raised rates in March 2026 — not all lenders are cutting

The bottom line for Irish borrowers in 2026: the market offers genuinely competitive fixed rates for those who qualify, but the qualification criteria (low LTV, green property, large loan) are significant. For borrowers who do not meet those criteria, the choice between a standard variable rate (5.20%) and a fixed rate with less favorable terms requires careful calculation of the monthly payment difference versus the rate.

Steps to secure a competitive mortgage rate

Five concrete steps can meaningfully reduce the rate you pay on an Irish mortgage in 2026.

  1. Build a larger deposit. Every percentage point of LTV reduction translates to a lower rate. Moving from 80% LTV to 50% LTV can unlock the best published rates across AIB, PTSB, and Avant.
  2. Target a green-rated property or improve your home’s BER. AIB’s GreenA products start at 3.00% for BER A1–B3 homes. If you are buying, prioritize energy-efficient properties. If you own, consider BER improvements before refinancing.
  3. Fix for 3 years, not 5. AIB’s 3-year GreenA rate (3.00%) is 0.30 percentage points lower than its 5-year equivalent. The shorter term gives you flexibility to refinance if rates drop further.
  4. Compare at least three lenders. Avant, PTSB, Bank of Ireland, and AIB all have different pricing models. A broker or comparison tool like Switcher.ie can surface the current best deal for your profile.
  5. Time your application strategically. Lenders adjust rates based on funding costs and competitive pressure. Avant cut rates in January 2026; ICS raised them in March. Monitor lender announcements and apply when conditions favor your profile.
The implication

Most Irish borrowers default to their existing lender without comparison shopping. That inertia costs them. The difference between the best and worst published rate for a well-qualified borrower can exceed €20,000 over the life of a typical mortgage — a number that justifies an hour of comparison shopping.

Rate timeline: last 10 years and 2026 forecast

Three distinct phases mark the last decade of Irish mortgage rates: the pre-pandemic low (2015–2019), the pandemic stability and rate cuts (2020–2021), and the ECB hiking cycle (2022–2024). The current phase — rate normalization with ECB on hold — is the fourth.

Timeline of significant mortgage rate events in Ireland (2016–2026)
Period Key Event Data Point Source
November 2025 Average new mortgage rate (month-end) 3.53% MortgageLine
January 2026 Avant Money rate cuts and cashback doubling Rate reduced up to 0.35pp, cashback 2% Switcher.ie
January 2026 Average rate end-of-month 3.50% Raisin banking overview
November 2025 ECB rate decision; weighted average new mortgage rate Rates unchanged; average 3.51% Central Bank of Ireland
November 2025 ICS Mortgages rate increase; ECB holds Rates increased up to 0.50pp Switcher.ie
April 2026 PTSB lowest 4-year fixed rate available 3.0% (≤60% LTV) Fairstone
Bottom line: Irish mortgage rates have settled into a 3–4% range for well-qualified borrowers. The best deal (3.00% at AIB or PTSB) requires a low LTV and either green credentials or a larger loan. The market rewards comparison shopping and penalizes inertia. Fix for 3 years if you want flexibility; 5 years if you prioritize payment certainty. Either way, the current window is more favorable than the 2022–2024 peaks, and the ECB’s hold signal suggests the window will remain open through 2026.

Clarity check: what’s confirmed, what remains murky

Based on verified data and research confidence levels, here is what we know with high certainty versus what remains uncertain in the Irish mortgage market.

Confirmed facts (high confidence)

  • Average new Irish mortgage rate: 3.51% (November 2025) per Central Bank of Ireland
  • AIB GreenA 3-year fixed rate: 3.00% for ≤50% LTV and BER A1–B3
  • Avant Money cut rates 0.35pp and doubled cashback to 2% (March 2026)
  • ICS Mortgages raised rates up to 0.50pp (March 2026)
  • ECB held rates unchanged in March 2026
  • PTSB lowest 4-year fixed rate: 3.0% (April 2026)
  • AIB standard variable rate: 5.20%
  • No 30-year fixed products available in Ireland; longest terms capped at 10 years

What remains unclear

  • Whether rates will return to sub-3% levels seen pre-2022
  • Specific rate details for EBS/Haven not publicly disclosed
  • Timing and magnitude of future ECB rate cuts beyond 2026
  • Whether individual lenders will follow Avant’s aggressive cut strategy

The confirmed facts provide a solid foundation for decision-making. Borrowers who qualify for green products and lower LTV have access to genuinely competitive rates (3.00–3.30%). Those who do not qualify face a harder choice — the gap between the best published rate and the standard variable (5.20%) is substantial, and there is no obvious path to bridging it without improving the underlying borrower profile (bigger deposit, green property, larger loan).

Expert perspectives

“The weighted average interest rate on new Irish mortgage agreements at end-February 2026 was 3.51 per cent.”

— Central Bank of Ireland (Official Statistics)

“Avant’s decision to cut mortgage rates again now by up to 0.35 of a point is aggressive.”

— Irish Times (Financial Reporting)

“At present, no further big movement in rates is expected from the ECB in 2026.”

— Bonkers.ie (Consumer Finance Analysis)

Summary

The Irish mortgage market in early 2026 is neither the low-rate paradise of the pre-2022 era nor the peak-pressure environment of 2022–2024. It is a middle ground — rates in the 3–4% range for borrowers who qualify, and a genuine opportunity for well-positioned applicants to lock in competitive terms. AIB and PTSB offer the best published fixed rates at 3.00%, Avant Money is competing aggressively with cuts and cashback, and the ECB’s hold signal suggests stability through 2026.

The structural realities matter. No 30-year fixed products exist. Every fixed-term borrower will refinance at the end of their term. Green credentials and lower LTV unlock the best rates. These factors mean that the “right” mortgage decision is not just about the rate — it is about the profile you bring to the application. Borrowers who improve that profile before applying consistently get better deals than those who take the first offer from their existing lender.

For Irish borrowers, the choice is clear: comparison-shop across at least three lenders, target green products if possible, fix for 3 years if you want flexibility, and build the largest deposit your situation allows. Those who do will save tens of thousands compared to applicants who accept whatever rate their current lender offers.

Related reading: Central Bank of Ireland retail interest rates · AIB mortgage interest rates

Additional sources

mortgageline.ie

Frequently asked questions

How to get a 4% mortgage rate in 2026?

Several lenders currently offer rates below 4% for qualified borrowers. AIB’s GreenA 3-year fixed is 3.00% (requires ≤50% LTV and BER A1–B3). PTSB’s 4-year fixed is 3.0% (requires ≤60% LTV). Avant Money’s 4-year high-value fixed starts from 3.20% (requires loan ≥€300,000). To access these rates, focus on lowering your LTV, ensuring your property has a good BER rating, and comparing offers across at least three lenders.

Is 12.2% a good interest rate?

No. A 12.2% rate is extremely high for a mortgage and would apply only in unusual circumstances such as very poor credit history, subprime lending, or non-standard loan products. Current competitive Irish mortgage rates range from 3.00% to 5.20%. A 12.2% rate would indicate a lender treating the borrower as very high risk or a loan product outside standard mortgage lending.

Compare 30-year mortgage rates today?

True 30-year fixed mortgage products are not available from major Irish lenders. The longest fixed terms offered by lenders like AIB, Avant, and PTSB cap at 10 years. Standard Irish mortgages run 20–30 years, but borrowers choose a fixed term (typically 3, 5, or 10 years) and then refinance at the end of that term. To compare options effectively, look at the best available fixed rates for 3–5 year terms, which currently range from 3.00% to 3.30% for well-qualified borrowers.

What are AIB mortgage rates?

AIB publishes its mortgage rates directly on its website. The key products include: GreenA 3-Year Fixed at 3.00% (≤50% LTV, BER A1–B3), GreenA 5-Year Fixed at 3.30% (50–80% LTV, BER A1–B3), and Standard Variable Rate at 5.20%. AIB does not offer explicit 30-year fixed products — the longest fixed term is 10 years at approximately 4.20%.

Current variable mortgage rates Ireland?

As of early 2026, AIB’s standard variable rate is 5.20%. Avant Money offers a Flex variable product that functions as a hybrid variable with more flexibility than standard variable rates. The best variable rates available reportedly fall around 3.12%–3.15% for borrowers with lower LTV and strong credit profiles. Variable rates are more volatile than fixed rates, so borrowers who prefer payment certainty should consider fixing.

Mortgage rates Ireland 2026?

Forecasts for 2026 suggest mortgage rate stability. The ECB held rates unchanged in March 2026, and consumer finance analysts at Bonkers.ie report that “no further big movement in rates is expected from the ECB in 2026.” The average new Irish mortgage rate stands at 3.51% (February 2026), slightly above the euro area average of 3.41%. Lenders are making independent adjustments — Avant cut rates in January 2026 while ICS raised them in March 2026.

EBS mortgage rates?

EBS (now operating as Haven under the AIB group) offers green mortgage products with rates similar to AIB’s GreenA range. The published rates for green-qualified borrowers start from approximately 3.00%. Haven does not publish a full rate table publicly, and borrowers typically need to contact the lender or use a mortgage broker to get specific figures. The green discount framework rewards borrowers with BER-rated A or B properties.