Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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170. To ask the Minister for Finance the reason persons (details supplied) do not qualify for the first-time buyers help to buy scheme; if other grants are available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41870/20]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Help to Buy (HTB) incentive is a scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment.  The incentive gives 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.

I am advised by Revenue that in addition to the conditions laid down in section 477C Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA), including that the property is occupied as the sole or main residence of a first time purchaser, section 477C(2) defines a ‘qualifying residence’.  The legislation is very specific as to the definition of a qualifying residence.  It must be a new building which was not, at any time, used or suitable for use as a dwelling.  Renovation or refurbishment of old houses to either upgrade or reinstate them for habitation does not qualify for HTB. In the circumstances where the house was previously used as a dwelling but knocked down and rebuilt, then it is “new”.

Based on the information outlined by the Deputy, it appears that in this case the applicants are renovating an old house which would not be considered as “new” for the purposes of the HTB scheme and accordingly doesn’t qualify for the HTB.  Revenue does not have discretion to vary the statutory conditions for qualification for relief under the HTB scheme.