Housing Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 7 September 2026

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Monday, 7 September 2026

Questions (795, 801)

Barry Ward

Question:

795. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on whether the help to buy scheme is operating as efficiently as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61951/26]

Barry Ward

Question:

801. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position regarding any review ongoing of the help to buy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61950/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 795 and 801 together.

The Help to Buy (HTB) incentive, is a tax-based scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment. It also aims to encourage additional supply of new houses by supporting demand.

HTB provides a refund of Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in Ireland over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in the legislation.

The level of support available to first time buyers under the HTB scheme, is whichever is the lesser of:

• €30,000; or

• 10 per cent of the purchase price of the new property; or

• the amount of Income Tax and DIRT paid in the four years before application for the relief.

For a property to qualify for the HTB scheme, it must be new or converted for use as a dwelling, having not previously been used as a dwelling. Additionally, the purchase value/approved valuation of the property must not exceed €500,000.

Based on the latest available data (31 July 2026), the scheme has supported over 68,000 individuals or couples to buy or build their own home.

As I advised the Deputy in my reply to question number 935 of 14 April last (relating to "the position regarding any review of the help-to-buy scheme"), the Programme for Government commits to the "retention and revision" of the HTB scheme. Any revisions to the HTB scheme would have to take into account the effective operation of the scheme and the impact any proposed changes would have on the broader housing market, but these matters will be kept under review.

796. Reply not received from Department.

Question No. 797 answered with Question No. 790.

Question No. 798 answered with Question No. 651.

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