Moco (originally launched as MyMortgages, rebranded to Moco in 2024) has established itself as one of Ireland’s newer mortgage lenders. The company entered the market in 2022 with a focus on digital-first applications and competitive pricing, aiming to challenge traditional banks through streamlined processes.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Moco mortgages in 2026: current rates, lending criteria, how the application works, and whether this relatively new lender suits your circumstances.
What Is Moco?
Moco is an Irish mortgage lender regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. It operates as a non-bank lender, meaning it’s not a traditional retail bank with branches or current accounts. Instead, it focuses exclusively on residential mortgages.
The lender is owned by Oakwood Mortgage Servicing Limited and backed by Lone Star Funds, a US private equity firm with significant experience in European mortgage markets. Moco funds its lending through institutional investors rather than customer deposits.
Key facts about Moco:
- Regulated by Central Bank of Ireland (C184118)
- Part of Belmont Mortgage Services group
- Loan book serviced by Pepper Finance Corporation (Ireland) DAC
- No physical branches; operates entirely online and through brokers
- Offers both purchase and remortgage products
The lender achieved authorisation in November 2022 and began issuing mortgages in early 2023. By September 2026, it has originated over €400 million in Irish mortgages.
Moco Mortgage Rates September 2026
Moco’s rates have remained competitive since launch, particularly for borrowers with larger deposits. Here are current rates as of 14 September 2026:
| Product Type | LTV Range | Rate | APR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year Fixed | Up to 50% | 3.40% | 3.8% |
| 1 Year Fixed | 50.01–80% | 3.65% | 4.05% |
| 2 Year Fixed | Up to 50% | 3.50% | 3.9% |
| 2 Year Fixed | 50.01–80% | 3.75% | 4.15% |
| 3 Year Fixed | Up to 50% | 3.65% | 4.0% |
| 3 Year Fixed | 50.01–80% | 3.90% | 4.25% |
| 5 Year Fixed | Up to 50% | 3.85% | 4.15% |
| 5 Year Fixed | 50.01–80% | 4.10% | 4.40% |
These rates apply to owner-occupier mortgages. Moco does not currently offer buy-to-let or commercial mortgages.
Rates are typically most competitive at lower LTV bands. First-time buyers using the 90% LTV Central Bank exemption will find rates approximately 0.4–0.5% higher than the 80% LTV band, which is standard across Irish lenders.
Lending Criteria
Moco follows Central Bank mortgage rules but applies its own underwriting standards on top. Understanding these criteria helps determine whether you’ll qualify.
Loan-to-Value Limits
Moco adheres to Central Bank LTV limits:
- First-time buyers: maximum 90% LTV (10% deposit)
- Second and subsequent buyers: maximum 80% LTV (20% deposit)
- Borrowers with previous mortgage arrears: maximum 80% LTV regardless of buyer status
The lender will accept Help to Buy grants as part of the deposit for first-time buyers.
Income Requirements
Moco applies Central Bank loan-to-income (LTI) rules:
- Maximum 3.5 times gross annual income as standard
- First-time buyers can access 4 times income on limited exceptions
- Second and subsequent buyers can access 4 times income on limited exceptions
The lender assesses affordability using net disposable income after accounting for:
- Existing loan commitments
- Childcare costs
- Regular savings contributions
- Other household expenses
Moco requires at least three months’ payslips for PAYE employees and two years’ accounts for self-employed applicants.
Employment Status
The lender accepts applications from:
- Permanent PAYE employees (6 months in current role preferred)
- Self-employed individuals with 2+ years trading history
- Contract workers with consistent income history
- Public sector employees (including those still on probation)
Self-employed applicants need certified accounts from a qualified accountant. Moco does not typically accept sole-trader applications without formal accounts.
Property Types
Moco lends on:
- Standard houses and apartments
- New builds (including Help to Buy properties)
- Older properties (generally built after 1950)
- Properties requiring minor cosmetic work
The lender will not fund:
- Properties requiring structural work
- Non-standard construction types
- Properties without mains water or sewerage
- Apartments in buildings with significant fire safety defects
All properties require a professional valuation arranged by Moco at the applicant’s cost (typically €150–200).
Credit History
Moco takes a relatively flexible approach to credit issues compared to traditional banks:
- Minor utility arrears generally acceptable if cleared
- Satisfied CCJs or judgments considered if over 12 months old
- Previous mortgage arrears reviewed case-by-case
- Small short-term loan defaults may be acceptable if explained
However, the lender will decline applications with:
- Active CCJs or unsatisfied judgments
- Recent bankruptcy (within 5 years)
- Mortgage arrears in past 12 months
- Unrestructured debt management plans
How to Apply for a Moco Mortgage
Moco offers two application routes: direct through their website or via a mortgage broker. Both routes access the same products and rates.
Direct Application Process
-
Initial assessment: Complete Moco’s online eligibility tool. This checks basic criteria without affecting your credit score. You’ll need employment details, income figures, and deposit amount.
-
Formal application: If eligible, you create an account and upload documents through Moco’s portal. Required documents include:
- Proof of identity (passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
- 3 months’ payslips or 2 years’ accounts
- 6 months’ bank statements (all accounts)
- Employment contract or confirmation letter
- Deposit source documentation
-
Credit check and underwriting: Moco performs a full credit check through the Central Credit Register. Underwriters review your application, typically within 5–7 working days.
-
Approval in principle: If approved, you receive a letter valid for 6 months. This confirms maximum loan amount and rate.
-
Property selection: Once you’ve identified a property and agreed a price, you submit the booking deposit receipt and signed contracts to Moco.
-
Valuation: Moco arranges a surveyor to value the property. You pay the valuation fee upfront.
-
Loan offer: If the valuation is satisfactory, Moco issues a formal loan offer. This is valid for 3 months and includes all terms and conditions.
-
Legal process: Your solicitor reviews the loan offer and property title. Moco’s solicitors handle the lender’s legal requirements.
-
Drawdown: Once your solicitor confirms everything is in order, Moco releases the funds. This typically happens 1–2 days before closing.
The entire process from application to drawdown typically takes 8–12 weeks, though this depends on solicitor speed and property chain complexity.
Applying Through a Broker
Mortgage brokers can access Moco’s full product range and often streamline the application. Brokers familiar with Moco’s underwriting know which applications are likely to succeed.
Benefits of using a broker include:
- Comparison across all Irish lenders (not just Moco)
- Guidance on document preparation
- Direct communication with Moco’s broker team
- Support through underwriting queries
- No extra cost (Moco pays broker commission)
Most Irish mortgage brokers now work with Moco, though some smaller brokerages may not have direct access yet.
Costs and Fees
Moco’s fee structure is straightforward compared to some traditional lenders.
Upfront Costs
- Application fee: €150 (non-refundable)
- Valuation fee: €150–250 depending on property value and location
- Legal fees: Your own solicitor’s fees (typically €1,200–1,800 including outlays)
There is no arrangement fee or booking deposit required by Moco itself.
Ongoing Costs
Standard mortgage costs apply:
- Mortgage Protection Insurance: Required by law for owner-occupier mortgages. Cost varies by age, health, and loan term but typically €30–80 per month.
- Home insurance: Required as security for the lender. Costs vary by property but expect €300–600 annually.
- Property tax: Local Property Tax payable to Revenue (unrelated to lender).
Early Repayment Charges
Moco applies break fees if you repay during a fixed-rate period. The calculation follows the standard Irish formula based on the difference between your fixed rate and prevailing market rates.
Typical break fees range from 2–5% of the outstanding balance if rates have fallen significantly since you fixed. If rates have risen, the break fee may be zero or nominal.
You can make overpayments of up to 10% of the original loan amount per year without penalty.
Moco vs Other Irish Lenders
How does Moco compare to established banks and other non-bank lenders?
Rates
Moco’s rates sit in the middle of the Irish market. For lower LTV mortgages (50–60%), Moco often matches or beats traditional banks. At higher LTVs, Avant Money and Finance Ireland sometimes offer slightly lower rates.
For a first-time buyer borrowing 90% LTV, expect Moco’s rate to be within 0.1–0.3% of the best available market rate.
Application Speed
Moco’s digital-first approach generally delivers faster decisions than AIB or Bank of Ireland. Approval-in-principle decisions typically arrive within a week, compared to 2–3 weeks at larger banks.
However, Avant Money’s fully automated system is marginally faster for straightforward applications.
Flexibility
Moco takes a more accommodating view of self-employed income and minor credit issues than pillar banks. If you’ve been declined by Bank of Ireland or Permanent TSB for income verification issues, Moco is worth trying.
Finance Ireland and ICS Mortgages remain more flexible for complex cases, such as recently self-employed applicants or those with historical arrears.
Customer Service
As a smaller lender, Moco offers more accessible customer service than major banks. You’ll deal with a smaller underwriting team who become familiar with your application.
The online portal provides real-time application tracking, which isn’t available from all traditional lenders.
However, the lack of physical branches means all communication happens by phone, email, or through the portal. If you prefer face-to-face interaction, a traditional bank may suit better.
Servicing and Support
Once your mortgage completes, Pepper Finance Corporation manages the account on Moco’s behalf. Monthly payments are collected by direct debit, and you access statements through an online account.
This arrangement is standard for non-bank lenders in Ireland. Pepper is one of the larger mortgage servicers, so systems are mature and reliable.
Common Questions About Moco
Is Moco Legitimate?
Yes. Moco is fully authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. It must comply with all Central Bank lending rules and consumer protection regulations.
The lender is part of Belmont Mortgage Services, which operates in multiple European markets and has originated over €2 billion in mortgages since 2019.
Your mortgage is a legal contract enforceable in Ireland. If Moco were to exit the market or be acquired, another servicer would take over the loan on the same terms. Your position as borrower is fully protected.
Can I Get a Mortgage Approval from Moco Before Viewing Properties?
Yes. Moco offers approval in principle (AIP) based on income, deposit, and credit assessment. You don’t need to have found a property before applying.
The AIP is valid for six months and gives you a clear budget when viewing properties. Estate agents and vendors take AIPs from Moco as seriously as those from traditional banks.
What Happens If I Miss a Payment?
Moco follows Central Bank’s Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears. If you miss a payment, they will:
- Contact you to understand the reason
- Offer to discuss alternative payment arrangements
- Provide information about the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP)
- Work with you to find a sustainable solution
Legal action is a last resort, only considered after all other options have been exhausted. Most arrears cases are resolved through temporary payment arrangements or term extensions.
Can I Switch Away from Moco Later?
Yes. You can switch to another lender once your fixed-rate period ends, subject to that lender’s criteria and any outstanding balance requirements.
Many Moco customers switch after 2–3 years to access better rates elsewhere. This is standard practice in the Irish mortgage market and represents normal competition between lenders.
If you’re still in a fixed period, you’ll need to pay the break fee before switching.
Is Moco Right for You?
Moco works well for:
- First-time buyers seeking competitive rates with a streamlined application
- Borrowers comfortable with digital-only banking
- Self-employed applicants with clear accounts
- Second-time buyers with straightforward income and good credit
- Anyone comparing rates across multiple lenders
Moco may not suit:
- Borrowers wanting face-to-face branch access
- Complex income situations requiring extensive underwriter discretion
- Those preferring to bank with their mortgage provider
- Buyers of non-standard properties
The lender occupies a solid middle ground in the Irish market. It’s neither the absolute cheapest nor the most flexible, but offers competitive pricing, modern application processes, and reliable service.
If you’re applying for mortgages in 2026, Moco should be on your comparison list alongside Avant Money, Finance Ireland, and the traditional banks. Whether directly or through a broker, getting a quote from Moco helps ensure you secure the best available rate.
As with any mortgage decision, compare multiple lenders, read all terms carefully, and consider using a mortgage broker who can assess your specific circumstances across the full market.
See also: Best Mortgage Lenders in Ireland | Mortgage Rates Ireland 2026 | Mortgage Approval in Principle Ireland | Fixed vs Variable Rate Mortgages | Mortgage Brokers in Ireland