1698. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the eligibility criteria for the first home scheme to allow a greater number of first-time buyers to qualify for and purchase their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59832/26]

The First Home Scheme is a shared equity scheme designed to help bridge the gap between a purchaser’s deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home, within regional price ceilings. First time buyers, Fresh Start applicants and those who wish to build their first home are eligible to apply.

The First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company (DAC) is fully responsible for the operation of the First Home Scheme on behalf of all shareholders.

Since launch, the First Home Scheme has been extended twice allowing more first time buyers avail of the scheme and purchase a home, with the Tenant Home Purchase Scheme introduced in April 2023 and expanded again in September 2023 to include self-build homes for the first time.

At its launch, the 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 June 2026, the First Home Scheme DAC published the outcome of its eighth scheduled review of the price ceilings that apply to qualifying homes and subsequently revised price ceilings. New price ceilings were agreed for 8 local authority areas. The new price ceilings came into effect on 1 July 2026, further increasing access to the Scheme. The First Home Scheme DAC will continue to monitor the price ceilings, as part of any future review.

More information on price-ceiling reviews is available at the following link: www.firsthomescheme.ie/about-the-scheme/property-price-ceilings/.