Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
221. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the way in which he is planning to evaluate the effectiveness of the VAT cut on sale of apartments to build more homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69918/25]
View answerGiven the centrality of housing to the achievement of Government’s wider societal and economic goals, the Department of Finance closely monitors all aspects of the housing market including building activity, the labour market, costs and prices.
The Deputy may be aware that the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland published a report on 9 December titled “The Real Costs of New Apartment Delivery 2025”. Their analysis notes that State interventions are playing a critical role in closing the financial viability gap when it comes to building new apartments.
This report examined six categories of two-bedroom apartments (buy to sell) and found that just two were financially viable before any Government interventions. However, after Government interventions such as the reduction in VAT, together with Croí Cónaithe, it was found that five of the six categories became financially viable.
Department officials will continue to closely monitor developments in the housing market, including in relation to new apartments.
