My aunt has very kindly offered me an advance on my inheritance so I can purchase a home for myself - €50k (just over €40k after inheritance tax) and I've worked out with my current salary, I could potentially have a mortgage of €220k. Not a whole lot, but with access to some schemes I have some wiggle room.

I know that I will have to save a certain amount each month to prove I can pay a mortgage, and I am ready to get started. I am still availing of HAP in my current home, so in total my rent is about €700, and if I can save at least €520 a month, that should show I am capable of paying a mortgage. My debts are cleared, and I have another smaller savings account for emergencies.

My question is that I will need to hold the €40k in a savings account until I am ready to purchase a home, and it may not be for a full year. I was thinking of just putting it into savings bonds, as I am guaranteed to get back what I have put in, and it is very easy to access. This does feel like a very safe option however, so if anyone has some feedback on my above plan it would be really appreciated! This will be my first home purchase, so any advice is welcome.