I’m Grand Mam’s Kevin and PJ on the reality of buying a house in Ireland

Help Me Buy a Home highlights the challenges of buying a house in Ireland today. What were the most surprising or eye-opening moments for you while filming the show?

PJ: Oh, loads! I think one of the biggest shocks was just how competitive it is out there. We’d hear stories of people queuing overnight just to get on a list for a new build in a new estate. Like, that’s madness.

Kevin: Crazy altogether. Also, meeting Frank and Jude from Derelict Ireland was another big eye-opener. We walked around Cork for an hour and saw so many vacant and derelict properties that could be turned into homes. It’s wild that there are hundreds of vacant gaffs just sitting there when so many people are desperate for a place to live.

PJ: Yeah, that was definitely a moment where we thought, okay, the system is actually broken. Because there’s so much information to take in, I also hadn’t thought of the costs that come with actually running a home after that. I’ve seen that it will really benefit you in the long run to choose sustainable options for your home once you do secure your dream place – with the likes of Bord Gáis Energy, it’s really easy to save money on energy through opting for solar panels, EV charging and SMART plans.

There’s a great mix of expert advice and humour in the series. How did you find striking that balance while still addressing the serious reality of the housing market?

PJ: I think if we weren’t laughing, we’d be crying, to be honest. The reality of house-hunting in Ireland is bleak enough, so we wanted to bring a bit of lightness to it.

Kevin: Yeah, like obviously, we love to have a bit of a laugh, but we’re also genuinely invested in the process. And we had Liz O’Kane at our side, who is an absolute icon. She knows her stuff inside out, and we almost felt like the court jesters wrecking her head with silly questions! So, we were able to have a bit of fun while making sure people were getting solid advice. I don’t think people would watch it if it was all doom and gloom.

PJ: Exactly. Plus, when you’re looking at the price of houses, sometimes you have to make a joke, or you’ll spiral.

The final episode is airing this Sunday; what can viewers expect from the last instalment?

Kevin: So in the last episode, we meet with solicitor Maria Greenaway and she gives us all the deets on what happens between going sale agreed and finally getting the keys. And she breaks down big scary words for us and makes them more digestible, like ‘conveyancing’. I can’t actually remember what it means, so I’m going to have to be reminded on Sunday.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about buying a house in Ireland right now?

PJ: That if you just work hard enough, you’ll magically be able to afford a house. Some people genuinely think we’re all just being lazy and spending too much money on silly things, as if saving for a house is just a matter of skipping brunch. We’ve met people who have been saving for years, doing everything right, and they’re still struggling. It’s not about working harder; the market is stacked against us.

Kevin: For me, I think a misconception is you should wait to find the perfect house that ticks all the boxes, and everything will fall into place. The reality is, you’ll probably have to compromise on something, whether it’s size, location or price. 

You’re both on your own journeys to homeownership—after being part of this show, do you feel any more prepared, or is it still just as daunting?

Kevin: Well, I have a spreadsheet now, so I feel like that’s progress. And sure, I’m best buddies with Liz O’ Kane now and we’re always messaging, so I’m definitely going to keep her sweet and call in a few favours. 

PJ: Liz is busy enough as it is, babe! I’ve actually already met with Mags, the mortgage expert from episode one. I’m not ready to buy just now, but that was one of the things we learned on the show: that it’s good to meet with a mortgage advisor as soon as possible, and they can help get your books in order for when the time does come to get a mortgage.

Kevin: There are a lot of emotions, financial worries, and an overwhelming amount of info when it comes to buying a home in Ireland today. That’s why we wanted to get stuck in and help people navigate it all – alongside Bord Gáis Energy, who are sponsoring the show. 

Have you changed your wish list for your dream home since starting the show? Any must-haves or deal-breakers you didn’t consider before?

Kevin: I’d love a pantry. And also a bidet, but I’ve always wanted one of those in my house. And when it’s not being used for its intended purpose, it doubles as a cool water feature. It’s also a more accessible sink for kids if they need to use the loo. I’d also love a south-facing garden, and I just love the idea of whipping out a compass at a house viewing so it looks like I’m all tuned in. 

PJ: Meeting Kev and Emma in Leitrim, who own a tiny home, was class because we saw all the really clever ways they made use of such a small space, so I’m less precious about having a massive gaff. And I know this probably makes me sound boring, but I realised the importance of having good storage. 

Kevin: No, babe, I’m the same. Somewhere to hide the mess.

PJ: Yeah! Also we’re very grown up and know all about Building Energy Ratings now and that’s not something I would have thought of previously so if I was to get a nice fixer-upper, I’d made sure to get Bord Gáis Energy in to do a retrofitting and get solar panels installed, a heat pump and maybe even an EV charging point because I’m learning to drive. They’re all about helping homeowners make the switch to energy-efficient living, saving both money and energy in the long run.

You’re part of ‘Generation Lock-Out’, what does that mean in terms of house hunting?

Kevin: It means we’re the generation that can tell you exactly how much a house cost in 1990 because we’ve been traumatised by our parents telling us. 

PJ: It basically means we’re up against insane house prices and a rental market that’s not making saving any easier. And it means the government needs to get their act together and build more gaffs and introduce things like rent caps so that landlords can’t be taking the piss.

If you could renovate or redesign one Irish property to reflect your personal styles, which one would it be and what would it look like?

Kevin: Get me into Áras an Uachtaráin quick!

PJ: I actually love my family home in Cork, and it holds so many stunning memories. My mam grew up there too and there’s the most stunning view out the back garden. But I’d give the whole place a revamp. Kevin’s going to laugh at me, but I’m a small bit obsessed with all things Japanese at the moment. We also own a lot of mid-century modern pieces of furniture that I adore, and I’d love to incorporate them into my forever home.

Do you think home-buying and renovation shows need to evolve to better reflect the challenges facing young buyers today?

Kevin: Absolutely. Some shows would have you thinking that getting a gaff and doing it up is as simple as getting the keys and picking out the cushion covers you want. Showing the reality is one thing I think Help Me Buy a Home does really well. People need to see the struggles as well as the wins.

Do you think shows like Help Me Buy a Home can actually help people feel more hopeful about buying a house in Ireland, or do they highlight just how difficult the process has become?

PJ: A bit of both, I think. It’s definitely a reality check, but it also shows that there are ways to make it work.

Kevin: Yeah, nothing is sugarcoated. It’s about giving people the info and showing that, while it’s not easy, it’s not impossible either. Like, I think Liz actually ended up going sale agreed with all of the buyers we meet in the series, bar one, which is just incredible.

PJ: Plus, if nothing else, they’ll feel better knowing they’re not alone in the struggle.

Bord Gáis Energy is the official sponsor of the second season of ‘Help Me Buy a Home’ on Virgin Media.