Let’s Talk About Mortgages | Information Evening

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Let’s Talk About Mortgages – Information Evening that took place in Shankill, on 18th February 2026. We greatly appreciate the time and engagement from all who attended, both in person and online. A special word of thanks to our guest speakers, Rory Fenelon of Fenelon Properties and AnneMarie Glynn of Amorys Solicitors, for sharing their expert insights. We also extend our gratitude to our CEO, Michael Byrne, and our Loans Representative, Patricia Boland, for their valuable contributions throughout the session.

The goal was to give attendees a full overview of the mortgage process, including buying a home, legal steps, lending requirements, and getting “mortgage ready”.

The conversation doesn’t have to end here. Use the buttons below to access our Support Hub, where you can revisit the key topics from the Mortgage Webinar and submit your questions, or visit our Mortgages page to learn more about our mortgage process, explore our interest rates, and book an appointment with one of our Loans & Mortgages Officers.

We’re here to help guide you every step of the way to your new home.

Key Points Discussed

1. Current Housing Market

• House prices increased about 7% last year.
• Supply remains low, making it challenging for buyers.
• Preparation and decisiveness are crucial in the bidding process.
• Buyers should:
  • Read property details carefully (not rely on photos alone).
  • Be honest with estate agents if genuinely interested.
  • Avoid very low opening bids, as they can spark unnecessary bidding wars.
  • Make strong, decisive offers to avoid drawn-out competition.

2. Starting the Mortgage Process

• You don’t need to be a member to start the process, but opening an account and showing clean saving behaviour helps.
• Loans can be approved quickly (sometimes 2–3 weeks).
• The credit union considers the human story behind applications, not just numbers.
• Repayment capacity is the main factor they care about.
• Rent payments are considered as proof of repayment ability.

3. Self-Employed Applicants

• CT1 returns and income tax assessments are reviewed.
• Bank statements are important – income should be shown clearly through the account.
• Advisable to keep accounts clean and transparent to avoid delays.

4. Advice from the Solicitor

• Be prepared early:
  • Have documents ready
  • Sort approval in principle
  • Appoint a solicitor early
• Property purchases are major and stressful, but proper preparation helps make it smooth.

5. Preparing Your Finances

• Try to clear small loans before applying for a mortgage (car loans, small personal loans).
• Having multiple small loans can reduce the amount you’re approved for.
• This creates room for future needs like home improvement loans.

6. Auctioneer Support for Buyers

• Rory Fenelon is open to advising buyers as well as sellers.
• Smaller, independent auctioneers tend to be more personal and supportive.
• Buyers are welcome to call for advice even if the property is not listed with him.

We hope everyone found the session informative and helpful as you navigate your mortgage journey. Your engagement and thoughtful questions contributed greatly to the evening’s success. We look forward to supporting you in your future financial plans and welcome you to reach out to our team at any time for further guidance.