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In this paper, we analyse the effect of the introduction of macroprudential limits on loan-to-value ratios on the borrowing behaviour of first-time-home-buyers in Ireland. Observing lending activity pre- and post- the unanticipated introduction of the regulations in 2015, we estimate the direct effect of the regulations on first-time-buyer leverage and house purchasing decisions. We exploit a unique provision in the macroprudential framework, that places different loan-to-value limits on properties above and below a fixed house price (€ 220,000), to determine the causal effect of the macroprudential measures on this group of borrowers. We find that LTVs fell by approximately 1.4 percentage points after the measures, with larger reductions recorded for high income borrowers. We also find that borrowers increased their downpayments in response to the regulations, with no change in the house price paid. However, findings …