Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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347. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when eligible applicants under the first home scheme for self-build properties can apply, as announced in budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4527/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The First Home Scheme, which is managed by First Home Scheme Ireland Designated Activity Company (First Home DAC) on behalf of scheme founders (the State, Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Bank and PTSB), launched on 7 July 2022. It supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model. Full details of the First Home Scheme, including details of the price ceilings, which were revised on 1 January 2023, are available on the dedicated scheme website: www.firsthomescheme.ie.

Currently, the scheme applies nationwide to newly-built homes in private developments. In line with Action 1.2 of the Housing for All Action Plan Update (November 2022), I have requested the First Home DAC to consider the potential to expand the scheme to cover self-builds. This includes the governance, financial  and operational implications and First Home DAC will revert to me on completion of this exercise.