House purchase transaction costs
Brennan argued that Exchequer-imposed transaction costs burden buyers, hinder job mobility and depress housing activity. Kavanagh said housing costs reflect supply and demand and cited grants, subsidies and tax relief, noting he was unaware whether the charges had the effects alleged.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he agrees that the Exchequer-imposed transactions cost now imposed on house purchasers constitute an unacceptable burden, impede job mobility and depress housing activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
The cost of housing is affected by a wide range of factors and, in particular, by the inter-action of supply and demand. I am not aware of the extent, if any, to which the costs referred to by the Deputy have the effects suggested by him, particularly in view of the substantial assistance provided for house purchasers by way of Exchequer grants and subsidies and tax reliefs.