Buying, owning or improving a home can feel like a lot to navigate right now. The latest Reflecting Ireland Housing and Homeownership report shows that many people are feeling the pressure of rising costs and housing affordability, but it also points to something more encouraging: people are finding practical ways to plan ahead, manage their finances and make more confident decisions about their homes.

Inspired by the findings, Claire Hogan of BehaviourWise shares some practical steps that first-time buyers, homeowners, renters and mortgage holders can take to make more informed housing and financial decisions.

1. For First-Time Buyers and those hoping to buy

Understand what you can afford and what support may be available:

The report shows that around one in four adults are currently in the market to buy a home, with first-time buyers making up 58% of this group. Saving for a deposit remains one of the most difficult parts of the journey, and while awareness of supports such as Help to Buy and the First Home Scheme is high, many people still do not fully understand how these supports work in practice.

Three practical starting points:

• Use a mortgage calculator or speak to a mortgage advisor to understand what you may be able to borrow, what deposit you may need and what monthly repayments could look like.
• Review the housing supports that may apply to you, including Help to Buy and the First Home Scheme, and make sure you understand the eligibility criteria before you start making offers.
• When comparing properties, look beyond the purchase price and consider the full cost of ownership, including mortgage repayments, insurance, legal fees, maintenance, commuting costs and the home’s Building Energy Rating (BER).

2. For homeowners considering energy upgrades

Energy efficiency is becoming more important in the housing conversation. The report finds that BER is increasingly influencing home-buying decisions, while 73% of homeowners say additional grants would make them more likely to retrofit. Cost remains the biggest barrier, cited by 61%, but homeowners who have completed retrofit works are largely positive about the experience.

• Start by finding out your home’s BER rating and identifying the upgrades that may make the biggest difference to comfort, running costs and long-term value. PTSB’s Home Upgrade Hub is a great place to start.
• Explore available grants and supports through SEAI before committing to works, including the One Stop Shop, individual home energy upgrade grants and the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme.
• If you are planning larger works, consider the timing, potential disruption and whether finance may be needed alongside available grants.

3. For mortgage holders

Mortgage holders are becoming more active in managing borrowing costs. Awareness that switching mortgage provider can reduce repayments has risen from 35% in 2025 to 50% in 2026, while awareness that reviewing loan-to-value can reduce repayments has increased from 22% to 33%. However, perceived hassle remains a barrier for many borrowers.

• REVIEW your current mortgage rate, term and repayment structure, particularly if your fixed rate is coming to an end.
• CHECK your loan-to-value ratio, as changes in property value or mortgage balance may affect the rates available to you.
• COMPARE switching options and ask what the process involves, including likely timelines, legal steps and potential savings.
• PLAN ahead if your mortgage is nearing completion. The report shows that many borrowers intend to reinvest in home improvements or retrofitting once repayments end.

4. For renters and those reassessing their housing options

The report shows that younger adults are recalibrating what housing security looks like. Nearly two-thirds of 18-24 year-olds believe they may never be in a position to buy, while 55% of 25-34 year-olds say renting suits people like them. For renters, the priority is often balancing immediate affordability with longer-term planning.

Practical steps include setting a realistic savings target, understanding what mortgage approval could look like in the future, keeping track of housing supports and making small changes that improve comfort and reduce running costs where possible. Renters may not be able to complete major upgrades, but actions such as draught-proofing, using thermal curtains, managing heating settings and switching energy provider can still help reduce pressure on household bills.