Written answer
Departmental Schemes
269. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to consider altering the criteria for the help to buy scheme to allow non new-build houses to be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54310/26]
Comment on this
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.
In relation to second-hand properties, an increase in the supply of new housing remains a priority aim of Government policy. The HTB scheme is specifically designed to support the demand for affordable new build homes so as to encourage the construction of an additional supply of such properties.
Based on the latest available data (30 June 2026), the scheme has supported over 67,000 individuals or couples to buy or build their own home.
The Programme for Government commits to the retention and revision of the HTB scheme. However, and as the Deputy will also appreciate, decisions regarding taxation measures are made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, at the appropriate time, having regard to the sound management of the public finances and the impact any proposed changes would have on the wider housing market. As with all taxation matters the HTB scheme is kept under review.