When Rob Kenny bought his first home, he move from renter to owner of the same property but it changed how he felt about the place.
There’s something quietly addictive about a good property story, and the latest episode of Brendan Courtney’s My First Home delivers exactly that.
Warm, funny and refreshingly honest, this week’s conversation with PR boss Rob Kenny feels less like a podcast and more like a catch-up between friends - albeit one filled with very real insights into the rollercoaster of home ownership.
Rob, founder of RKPR and a familiar face across Ireland’s fashion and lifestyle scene, opens up about his journey from renting in Dublin 7 to eventually owning the very same home - a charming Stoneybatter terrace that has grown up alongside him.
"‘"I moved in when I was 24… it wasn’t that nice," he laughs. "But I didn’t care, I had two amazing roommates. It was the time of our lives. That house has a lot of memories… the walls could talk."
Like many first homes, Rob’s house evolved with him. What began as a lively, shared space slowly transformed into something softer and more settled, especially after meeting his now fiancé, Shane.
"It aged with me," he says. "Now we’re like two old women in our pyjamas. No parties!"
That shift from chaos to calm feels familiar to anyone who has watched their priorities quietly change over time.
And while Rob didn’t initially set out to buy the house, he eventually did so after years of renting, describing himself as "really lucky" to get the opportunity.
Still, the process wasn’t without its challenges.
Buying a home while self-employed brought its own hurdles. Rob is candid about just how demanding the process can be, particularly when it comes to paperwork and proving financial stability.
"I was gobsmacked at how far they make you go back," he admits. "The amount of paperwork… it dragged on for about a year."
Despite running a successful business, organisation didn’t come naturally. "Everything lives up here," he jokes, pointing to his head. "Which is kind of scary."
Instead, he credits his mortgage broker with guiding him through the process. "He was so patient. He really had to be on me… you need someone who just brings you through it."
It’s a reminder that behind every set of keys is a story of persistence - and often, a steep learning curve, and that’s where AIB’s expert mortgage advisors come in to save the day.
One of the most striking moments in the episode comes when Rob reflects on how differently he viewed his home once he owned it.
"Everything changes," he says. "You care about it so much more. You want to make it gorgeous… your priorities shift."
Even his approach to interiors evolved over time. Once entirely focused on fashion, Rob admits he had little interest in home design in his twenties.
That changed gradually, and, like many, accelerated during time spent at home in recent years.
"I just started noticing things more," he explains. "Now I’m fully into it."
His first renovation was cleverly done on a budget, using paint and small updates to completely transform the space. But as he and Shane begin thinking about their next move, the vision has grown.
"This time, it’s forever home vibes," he says. "Do it slowly, but do it right."
With a wedding on the horizon and plans to sell their current home, Rob and Shane are preparing for their next step, one that feels more intentional, more considered, and perhaps a little more grown-up.
"We’re giving ourselves time," he explains. "We’re not rushing into anything."
Their dream? Somewhere close to the city, full of character and charm. "Old-world glamour," Rob says, picturing black-and-white tiles and space for Shane’s piano.
But amid all the planning, spreadsheets (well, Shane’s spreadsheets), and property browsing, it’s the emotional side of the journey that lingers most.
Recalling the moment he first became a homeowner, Rob smiles: "I kissed every single wall. I was just so happy."
What makes this episode of Brendan Courtney’s My First Home so compelling isn’t just the practical advice - though there’s plenty of that - but the sense of possibility it carries. It captures the joy, uncertainty and small victories that come with building a life, one step at a time.
As Brendan puts it, these stories are about ‘hope that your dreams can come true.’ And in Rob’s case, that hope feels tangible; grounded in real experience, a few hard lessons, and a lot of heart.
In the end, a first home is never just about bricks and mortar. It’s about growth, love, and the quiet thrill of turning a space into something entirely your own.
For more expert advice and tales from the trenches of first time buying, tune into new episodes of Brendan Courtney's My First Home every Monday on all podcast platforms
For more information or to speak to a mortgage advisor, checkout aib.ie.
