If a family member is helping you with your house deposit and you’re applying for a mortgage with EBS, you’ll need a gift letter as part of your application. EBS is one of Ireland’s most popular mortgage lenders — particularly for first-time buyers — and they have clear, straightforward requirements for documenting a gifted deposit. This guide covers exactly what you need to know, with a free template you can use right away.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
EBS Gift Letter Requirements
EBS is part of the AIB Group, which means their underwriting approach follows similar guidelines to AIB, though EBS operates as a separate brand with its own mortgage products and rates. When you submit a gifted deposit with an EBS mortgage application, your gift letter must confirm:
- The amount is a genuine gift and not a loan — there is no obligation to repay it
- The donor holds no legal or beneficial interest in the property
- The source of the gifted funds is clearly explained (e.g. savings, inheritance, sale of shares)
- The letter is signed by both donor and recipient
- The exact euro amount of the gift is specified
In addition to the signed letter, EBS will typically require bank statements from the donor for the past 3 to 6 months. This is standard across all Irish lenders and is required to meet Central Bank of Ireland anti-money laundering (AML) obligations.
Who Can Give a Gifted Deposit to EBS?
EBS restricts gifted deposits to immediate family members. The following donors are accepted:
- Parents (including step-parents and adoptive parents)
- Grandparents
- Siblings
Gifts from more distant relatives or from non-family members are generally not accepted. If you are in an unusual situation — for example, receiving a gift from an aunt who raised you — speak to an EBS mortgage adviser or your broker before applying.
Free EBS Gift Letter Template
Use the template below. Both the donor and recipient should sign it before it is submitted with your mortgage application.
GIFTED DEPOSIT DECLARATION
Date: ____________________
To: EBS Mortgage Underwriting
I/We, [Donor Full Name(s)], of [Donor Address], hereby confirm the following in relation to the mortgage application of [Recipient Full Name(s)]:
- I/We am/are gifting the sum of €[AMOUNT] to [Recipient Full Name(s)] to
assist with the purchase of the property located at [Property Address].
- This gift is unconditional. No repayment is required or expected, either
now or at any point in the future.
- I/We have no legal interest, beneficial interest, or any right of claim
over the property being purchased.
- The source of these funds is as follows: [e.g. personal savings accumulated
over time / proceeds from the sale of [asset] / inheritance received].
- These funds have not been borrowed from any individual or institution.
Donor Signature: ____________________ Date: ________________
Donor Printed Name: ____________________
Recipient Signature: ____________________ Date: ________________
Recipient Printed Name: ____________________
How to Submit Your Gift Letter to EBS
EBS applications can be submitted directly through an EBS branch, or through a mortgage broker:
- EBS branch or adviser: Hand the documents directly to your assigned mortgage adviser.
- Through a broker: Your broker will bundle all supporting documents and submit them as part of your full application pack.
- Secure document upload: EBS may provide an online portal or secure email link for uploading documentation.
Timing matters. Gift letters are typically reviewed during the underwriting stage. Flag a gifted deposit to EBS or your broker at the earliest opportunity — ideally before you submit the application.
How Much Can Be Gifted?
EBS does not set a maximum limit on the amount that can be gifted. The relevant limits come from the Central Bank of Ireland’s mortgage lending rules:
- First-time buyers: Minimum deposit is 10% of the purchase price (90% LTV). A gifted amount can cover part or all of this.
- Second-time buyers: Minimum deposit is 20% of the purchase price (80% LTV).
| Purchase Price | FTB Minimum Deposit (10%) | Gift Covering Full Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| €250,000 | €25,000 | Allowed |
| €350,000 | €35,000 | Allowed |
| €450,000 | €45,000 | Allowed |
## Frequently Asked Questions
Can the EBS gift letter be handwritten? Technically yes, but a typed letter is always preferable — it is clearer and reduces the risk of underwriters requesting a cleaner version.
Does the gift need to be in my account before I apply? Not necessarily, but the funds must be demonstrably available. EBS will want to see that the gift is real and accessible.
My parents have a lump sum in a credit union — does that count? Yes, provided your parents can supply statements from the credit union account showing the funds.
Can a gift from one parent count if the other parent is not signing? Yes. Only the donor(s) contributing to the gift need to sign.
See How Far Your Deposit Goes
With your gift sorted, use our free Irish mortgage calculator to estimate how much EBS might lend you and what your monthly repayments could be.
This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial or mortgage advice. Mortgage Bible is not regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Always speak to a qualified mortgage broker or lender before making any financial decision.
