Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
598. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to review the price ceilings under the first homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45858/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe First Home Scheme is a shared equity scheme, supporting first-time buyers, self-builders and fresh start applicants to bridge the gap between their mortgage capacity and deposit, and the price of the new home (within price ceilings established across the country). Full details are available on the First Home Scheme website, www.firsthomescheme.ie.
The First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company (DAC) is fully responsible for the operation of the First Home Scheme on behalf of all shareholders - the State and participating pillar banks. At its launch, the First Home Scheme DAC announced it would review all price ceilings at 6-month intervals. The DAC take into account a range of factors as part of these reviews, including the median price and volume of new builds purchased by first time buyers in each local authority area.
At the end of December 2025, the First Home Scheme DAC published the outcome of its seventh scheduled review of the price ceilings that apply to qualifying homes. Following this review price ceilings were revised for 17 local authority areas. The new price ceilings came into effect on 1 January 2026. The First Home Scheme DAC will continue to monitor the price ceilings nationwide as part of any future review. The next price ceiling review is in progress, and if there are any changes then these would be expected to be implemented in July 2026.
