Eoin Ó Broin
Question:637. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a private home purchaser can combine the first home scheme with the croí cónaithe cities scheme. [14199/26]
View answerTuesday, 24 February 2026
Questions (637)
Written answers
The First Home Scheme can be combined with the Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme, subject to the terms and conditions of each of the respective schemes. The Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme aims to support the building of apartments where there is a demonstrated viability gap. The apartments are sold at market value and purchasers can bridge their funding gap with funding from the FHS if they meet the FHS eligibility criteria.
The First Home Scheme (FHS), launched July 2022, provides finance to help first time buyers, self-builders or those making a fresh start to bridge the gap between a deposit and mortgage, and the price of a new home, within regional price ceilings. The Scheme is overseen and managed by the First Home Scheme Ireland Designated Activity Company (DAC), on behalf of the shareholders - the State and participating mortgage lenders.
The Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme aims to activate the supply of units which otherwise would not be delivered due to viability challenges by providing funding support to bridge the current "Viability Gap" between the delivery cost of building apartments and the market sale price (where the cost of building is greater). Funding will only be made available for suitable apartment developments where there is a demonstrated viability gap, meaning that these apartments would not otherwise be built.
Units brought to market with support from the Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme are open to purchase by all eligible purchasers. An eligible purchaser means a person or persons who solely or jointly purchases one of the Croí Cónaithe (Cities) apartments with the expressed intention of occupying the apartment as their normal place of residence. For example, this could include first-time buyers or people who are selling their home and wish to buy an apartment. Each person can only buy one apartment supported by the Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme.