Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
673. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to examine an individual's eligibility (details supplied) for the affordable purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38918/26]
View answerThe Government is acutely aware of the housing challenges faced by many sectors of society. Ireland's new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities, contains a suite of actions that have and continue to increase the provision of housing through accelerating supply and increasing the affordability of homes for our citizens.
Information and guidance on affordable housing supports currently in place for First Time Buyers, fresh starters and other eligible applicants is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/. A number of these schemes can be combined, thereby providing additional affordability support.
A Fresh Start principle applies to a number of schemes offered to homebuyers including the Local Authority Home Loan, Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan, the First Home Scheme and the Starter Home Purchase Schemes. The Fresh Start principle under Section 10(6) of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 allows certain purchasers to be treated as First Time Buyers and be eligible to apply for the purchase of an affordable home. It states that where a person previously owned, was beneficially entitled to, or had an interest in a dwelling in the State and that this dwelling, because of its size, is not suited to the current accommodation needs of their household, that person is still eligible to apply.
Affordable dwellings offered through the Starter Home Purchase scheme uses an equity share model to give eligible purchasers the opportunity of home ownership at a significant discount. The assessment of eligibility and the level of support available is household-specific, so purchasers are only supported when they need this assistance to afford the home. In some cases, applicants who have been through Fresh Start events, may be able to use the Fresh Start provision to be eligible for an affordable purchase home. They will need to have sold or divested themselves of their previous homes and meet the eligibility criteria for each scheme.
