Times are A-Changing in Ireland: House First, Marriage Later

Almost one fifth (18%) of Irish homeowners postponed their wedding to save extra money while saving for their house.

New research conducted by RaboDirect shows that Irish people are willing to sacrifice in order to get their savings together, as not only are we willing to postpone marriage, but 10% delayed starting a family to bolster their bank account before jumping into the property market.

Of those surveyed 16% moved back home and/or got a second job in order to fund their prospective purchases.

Existing home owners had some advice for first time buyers, with 80% of them urged first time buyers to start saving in their 20’s, with 72% recommended that those saving for their deposit keep their savings account separate from their current account to avoid the temptation to ‘dip in’.

The research shows that Ireland’s homeowners still aim for household improvements, with a state-of-the-art kitchen number one on wish lists of 62% of owners and renters, regardless of gender. That's where the similarities end though, because once the kitchen is sorted men are more inclined to think about ‘me’, and women prioritising more practical, family considerations.  A private den, for example, was the second most popular choice amongst men whereas women wanted individual bedrooms for all the family.