Do unmarried couples pay inheritance tax on a house in Ireland?

Yes. If you’re not married or in a civil partnership, you can inherit up to €20,000 tax-free from your partner. Anything above that is taxed at 33%, which can result in a significant bill.

How can unmarried couples reduce inheritance tax?

The main way is by structuring mortgage protection correctly, often using life of another policies. This can reduce how much of the property is treated as an inheritance.

Do unmarried couples need mortgage protection?

Yes. Most lenders require mortgage protection regardless of marital status. The key difference is how the policy is set up, not whether you need it.

What is a life of another mortgage protection policy?

It’s where each partner takes out a policy on the other’s life and pays the premium themselves. This structure can reduce inheritance tax exposure compared to a joint policy..

Can you avoid inheritance tax if you live together for years?

Possibly, under the dwelling house exemption, but strict conditions apply. Many couples won’t qualify, especially early in a mortgage, so it’s not something to rely on

Mortgage Protection Insurance Archives - Page 2 of 4

Mortgage Protection for Unmarried Couples in Ireland

If you’re not married, how you set up your mortgage protection can affect the inheritance tax bill if one of you dies.

Here’s how to reduce the risk and get it right from the start.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

March 21 2026 4 min read Mortgage Protection Insurance

What Happens Mortgage Protection When You Pay Off Your Mortgage?

When your mortgage is cleared, your mortgage protection can be cancelled or kept as life insurance.

Here’s how it works and what to consider.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

March 17 2026 4 min read Mortgage Protection Insurance

The One Plan & Bank-Bundled Insurance: What You’re Not Told

Banks often bundle mortgage protection, life cover and Bill Pay into one policy during the mortgage process.

This guide explains what’s really included, who owns the policy, and why Bill Pay is often mistaken for income protection.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

5 min read Mortgage Protection Insurance

Smoking & Life Insurance in Ireland

If you smoke or vape, life insurance in Ireland can cost up to twice as much as non-smoker cover.

This guide explains how insurers define a smoker, how vaping affects premiums, and how you can switch to cheaper non-smoker rates after quitting.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

March 13 2026 4 min read Life Insurance Mortgage Protection Insurance

Mortgage Protection Insurance Cost in Ireland (Average Prices for 2026)

Mortgage protection in Ireland costs about €33 per month for the average first-time buyer couple.

But the real price depends on your age, mortgage size, health and which insurer you apply to.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

March 12 2026 Blog Mortgage Protection Insurance

Do You Need Life Insurance When Renting?

Do you need life insurance when renting?

Learn when life cover makes sense for renters and why income protection is often the bigger financial risk.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

March 6 2026 3 min read Mortgage Protection Insurance

What is a Loan Clause When Buying a Home in Ireland?

A subject to loan clause protects you when buying a home by allowing you to withdraw if your mortgage approval falls through before contracts are binding.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

5 min read Mortgage Protection Insurance

What Is Dual Life Mortgage Protection in Ireland?

Dual life mortgage protection covers two people as linked policies.

It clears the mortgage on first death and can still pay out later if the second person dies during the term.

Here’s how it works in Ireland.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

February 27 2026 4 min read Mortgage Protection Insurance

Life Insurance and Cannabis Use in Ireland

If you use cannabis and are applying for life insurance or mortgage protection in Ireland, disclosure is required.

Most people are accepted.

The final decision depends on frequency and which insurer reviews the application first.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

February 25 2026 3 or maybe 60 (depending on your state) min read Mortgage Protection Insurance

Best Mortgage Protection in Ireland (2026 Comparison Guide)

Side-by-side comparison of Ireland’s main mortgage protection insurers.

Understand underwriting differences, increase options and added benefits before you apply.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

7 min read Mortgage Protection Insurance

Life Insurance Quotes - Free and Easy!

As Ireland's leading life insurance broker, we specialise in comparing the rates and policies from the top five Irish life insurance providers and offering the very best value quotes to suit the individual needs of our clients. Our expertise lies in finding a suitable insurance plan for those with specific needs, be it a particular illness, occupation or claim history, we've got you covered in every sense!

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