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Rockcourt Financial Services Ltd
Experts in Public & Private Sector Pensions, Mortgages, Investment & Savings, Overseas Pensions and Income Protection
The latest BPFI mortgage report shows that first-time buyers are facing significantly higher costs. Currently, one in three first-time buyer homes costs over €400,000- three times more than in 2019. Since then, the average price of a home for a first-time buyer has risen by 37% to €372,000, while the average mortgage has grown by 36% to €294,000. Although incomes have also increased, they've only risen by 22%, reaching €85,000.![]()
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A growing number of first-time buyers are now taking out larger mortgages. Around 44% are borrowing over €300,000, compared to just 21% who are taking out loans under €200,000. The Central Bank now expects fewer new homes to be built, with just 32,500 completed in 2024. BPFI CEO Brian Hayes emphasises the need for more international investment. He hopes that recent government changes to rent regulations will help attract that investment.![]()
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086 0445509📱 094 9638533☎ office@rockcourt.ie📧
According to the latest Minimum Essential Standard of Living (MESL) report from the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul the cost of living has rose by 1.8% in the past year and 18.8% since 2020.![]()
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Families with older children are hit the hardest. It costs €158 a week to meet the needs of a child aged 12 or over, but social welfare only covers 64% of that. Younger children cost less at around €98 a week for a primary school child and €72 for a preschooler.![]()
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A single parent with one child in primary school and one in secondary school needs roughly €555 a week to meet basic needs. However, social welfare only covers 82% of that amount.![]()
For a single adult working full-time on minimum wage in a city, living costs rose by 5.6% in 2025. While having a job helps, the report says the minimum wage still isn't enough to cover basic living expenses.![]()
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Contact Rockcourt Financial Services with all your financial questions and queries. ![]()
086 0445509📱 094 9638533☎ office@rockcourt.ie📧
The number of people contributing to private pensions increased by 13.6% in 2024, reaching over 258,000 compared to the previous year. At the same time, the total value of money invested in Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) rose by 53.8%, reaching €18.3 billion.![]()
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PRSAs come in two types: standard and non-standard. Standard PRSAs have capped fees of 5% and invest in common assets like government bonds, property, and stocks. Non-standard PRSAs have no limits on fees and offer a wider range of investment options.![]()
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In 2024, contributions to standard PRSAs went up by 3.6% to 163,201, while contributions to non-standard PRSAs saw a much bigger increase of 36.2%, reaching 94,967. The value of assets in standard PRSAs grew by 26% to €6.7 billion, and assets in non-standard PRSAs rose by 76% to €11.6 billion.![]()
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Contact Rockcourt Financial Services with all your financial questions and queries. ![]()
086 0445509📱 094 9638533☎ office@rockcourt.ie📧
Happy June Bank Holiday weekend from all of us at Rockcourt Financial Services. We hope you have an enjoyable weekend!🌞 ![]()
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086 0445509📱 094 9638533☎ office@rockcourt.ie📧
Online bargains from sites like Shein, Temu, and Aliexpress are about to get slightly more expensive for EU shoppers. Starting in 2028, the EU plans to introduce a €2 customs fee on all parcels coming from outside the EU, even for low-cost items that are currently duty-free.![]()
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The move aims to make customs work easier, generate revenue, and level the playing field for EU businesses. For consumers, this means small price hikes, but also fewer surprise charges at delivery. The fee applies to all non-EU parcels, including from the UK and US. While it might discourage very small purchases, most shoppers will likely continue buying, and some big retailers might even cover the fee themselves to keep prices low for customers.![]()
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Contact Rockcourt Financial Services with all your financial questions and queries. ![]()
086 0445509📱 094 9638533☎ office@rockcourt.ie📧