Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
399. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can provide details of the options open to a person or family in need of housing who earn over the income limit to qualify for social housing, who are paying rent and not able to save for a deposit yet are under the income threshold for housing deemed to be affordable by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3132/26]
View answerAffordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030.
As part of the new plan, Government is investing an unprecedented level of funding to support housing supply, which will underpin, inter alia, the provision of social housing and the new Starter Homes Programme, which will deliver an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030.
Under Housing for All Government introduced several schemes to help first time home seekers to buy or rent homes. Since 2021, close to 19,000 affordable housing supports have been provided via these measures, nationwide. These supports will be retained, streamlined and expanded under the umbrella of the new Starter Homes Programme, to further tackle the issues of supply and affordability, and ensure that first time buyers and renters all over the country in need of assistance, are supported by Government.
In particular, the plan provides for an expanded remit for the Land Development Agency, extends the First Home and increases affordable cost rental tenancies. It also expands the local authority delivered starter homes for purchase programme, which will see an increase in the number of affordable homes for purchase nationwide.
The Help to Buy (HTB) Scheme, administered by the Revenue Commissioners, will also remain available for first-time property purchasers under the new plan, to assist with the deposit required to purchase or self-build a new house or apartment. This scheme can be used in conjunction with both the First Home and Affordable Purchase Schemes and allows eligible applicants to claim up to €30,000 or 10% of the property value, whichever is lower.
The Local Authority Home Loan is also available, which can be used to purchase a new or second-hand property or for self-build, providing up to 90% of the market value of the property. The maximum loan amount is determined by where the property is located. This loan is available to applicants who have been offered insufficient mortgage offers of finance from two or more regulated financial providers.
Scheme criteria and support levels for affordable purchase schemes are kept under regular review, taking account of developments in the housing market. I will continue engaging with all delivery partners to ensure that the Starter Homes Programme enables the delivery of a strong pipeline of affordable housing supports, over the lifetime of the plan.
