Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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350. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government whether plans to extend the first-home scheme to self-build units can be applied retrospectively to homes currently under construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41507/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The First Home Scheme, launched in July 2022, is a shared equity scheme, designed to help bridge the gap for eligible first-time buyers, eligible homebuyers, and now self-builders, between their deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home (within price ceilings established across the country).

The expansion of the First Home Scheme to include a self-build product was officially announced on 19 September 2023. As of 20 September, applications from self-build customers can be made online via the First Home website www.firsthomescheme.ie.Further information on the Scheme and criteria for the self-build product is also available on the website.

The scheme cannot be applied retrospectively to homes already under construction.

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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351. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government whether there is support available for those who self-build but exceed the help-to-buy threshold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41508/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Help-to-Buy Scheme, for self build properties, the approved valuation of the home must be €500,000 or less, which includes the cost of the site. This threshold is set by the Minister for Finance. Policy in relation to the Help to Buy Threshold is a matter for the Department of Finance.

The supports available through my Department are set out at www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/. The thresholds for each scheme are set out in the scheme details.

In general, where a self-builds exceeds €500,000 in value there is no specific support available through my Department. However, earlier this year my Department introduced a temporary time limited waiver in respect of development levies, which will also assist those who self build. The Development Contribution Waiver Scheme removed the requirement to pay development levies where on-site work commenced on 25 April 2023 and not later than 24 April 2024 and the completion date must take place not later than 31 December 2025.