Liz O'Kane on TV's 'practical' house hunting show and the 'Yanks' looking to buy homes in Ireland

Liz O’Kane, a seasoned buyer’s agent and host of the television series Help Me Buy a Home, has returned for its third season on Virgin Media Television. The show, which focuses on the challenges and realities of purchasing a home in Ireland amid a severe housing crisis, features 12 participants, with nine securing sales during the program and two additional agreements made after filming. O’Kane highlights the diversity among participants, noting that some bring substantial financial resources while others are first-time buyers or individuals navigating major life changes, such as downsizing after a divorce. The series aims to provide a realistic portrayal of the home-buying process, addressing both the emotional and administrative hurdles faced by prospective homeowners. Unlike previous attempts at similar programming, such as RTÉ’s Cheap Irish Homes, which focused solely on affordability and often highlighted poorly maintained properties, Help Me Buy a Home emphasizes practical steps and success stories. O’Kane explains that the show covers essential aspects of home ownership, including interactions with mortgage brokers, grant applications, and the complexities of navigating the current housing market. Participants in the new season include a range of individuals, from first-time buyers to someone in their late seventies who is downsizing following a divorce. O’Kane describes the latter’s situation as particularly poignant, emphasizing that the show reflects broader life transitions beyond just the initial purchase of a home. She notes that the emotional weight of rehousing oneself, especially after losing a spouse and selling a family home, is immense and often overlooked in discussions about housing policy. The show continues to feature familiar faces, including PJ Kirby and Kevin Twomey from the I’m Grand Mam podcast, who serve as novice participants learning the fundamentals of buying a home. Their involvement mirrors that of comedian Michael Fry in the first season, whose participation sparked controversy when he was criticized online for speaking to then-minister Darragh O’Brien as part of the program. O’Kane acknowledges the heightened sensitivity surrounding housing issues and the public scrutiny that comes with it. O’Kane believes the show stands apart due to its focus on the practicalities of home buying, which she claims is rare in Irish television. She argues that the program effectively demonstrates the administrative and logistical challenges of purchasing a home during a period of extreme scarcity. This approach, she says, makes the show unique in its ability to inform and guide viewers through the often overwhelming process of securing a home. Regarding government support programs, such as the Help to Buy initiative, O’Kane maintains that while political debates continue over whether these measures benefit consumers or inflate the market, the practical impact on individual buyers is secondary to the information she provides. She acknowledges that such schemes exist but stresses that the core challenge remains the high cost and limited availability of housing. The show’s continued relevance underscores the ongoing struggle of many residents in Ireland to find affordable and suitable accommodation. With the housing crisis persisting and the number of people seeking to purchase homes remaining high, Help Me Buy a Home serves as both a reflection of the current landscape and a platform for showcasing real-life experiences within it. As the third season unfolds, the program remains committed to offering insight, guidance, and a glimpse into the complex world of home ownership in Ireland.