In today’s episode I’m joined by Sinéad O’Carroll from Finance Solutions to break down the full mortgage process in a clear, practical way. We talk through what you should have in place before applying, how lenders look at income and repayment ability, why your credit report matters, and why using a broker can save you time and stress.

We also answer the questions you sent in, including:

• Borrowing above the purchase price for renovations
• How mortgage exemptions work and who qualifies
• Switching your mortgage when your home’s value has increased
• What second-time buyers need to know when selling and buying at the same time
• Buying far from your workplace when you’re remote or hybrid
• How banks assess mixed PAYE and self-employed income
• Common credit report issues and how long they stay on record

If you’re hoping to buy in 2026, planning to switch, or want to understand how lenders make their decisions, this episode will give you a full roadmap.

Follow @crazyhouseprices on Instagram for more insights. To support the podcast and access extra Q&As, you can join my Patreon for €3 a month.

Sponsor: Finance Solutions - experts in mortgages and winners of Best Mortgage Broker at the 2025 Brokers Ireland Awards.

Psychotherapist Ann Bracken joins me to talk about the emotional toll the housing crisis is taking on people across Ireland — and what you can do to manage it.

We cover:

• Why housing stress puts you in survival mode

• How it affects sleep, mood, and relationships

• Tools to calm your nervous system and feel more in control

• What’s in your control (and what isn’t)

• How to build resilience without burning out

This isn’t medical advice, but it’s an honest chat with a professional who gets it — and who’s been through it too.

More on Ann’s work at annbrackentherapy.com

Follow @crazyhouseprices on Instagram for more insights and updates.

Sponsor: Beat The Bank

Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon

Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 130 extra exclusive podcasts.

The housing crisis isn’t inevitable, it’s a choice.

In this episode, I share 21 real, practical ways Ireland could fix housing if we actually wanted to.

From banning fake bids and bringing back vacant homes, to creating a sovereign housing bank and taking housing out of politics completely; these are all ideas that already work in other countries.

Other countries fixed it. We can too.

🎧 Listen, learn, and share this episode so more people realise that the housing crisis can be solved.

Follow @crazyhouseprices on Instagram for more insights and updates.

Sponsor: Beat The Bank

Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon

Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 130 extra exclusive podcasts.