Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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444. To ask the Minister for Finance the eligibility of those who were previously declared bankrupt to apply for the help-to-buy scheme; if they are not eligible, if his Department is considering any changes in this regard; the current house purchase funding supports available to people in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12651/25]

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.

The legislation governing the HTB scheme is set out in section 477C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 and outlines the definitions and conditions that apply to the scheme.

As set set out in section 477C, in order to be eligible for HTB an applicant must:

(i) be a first-time buyer at the time of the claim,

(ii) purchase, or self-build, a qualifying residence,

(iii) in the case of a purchase, the contract must be entered into within the qualifying period (19 July 2016 - 31 December 2029). In the case of a self-build, the first tranche of the mortgage must be drawn down within the qualifying period,

(iv) take out a qualifying loan (mortgage) on the qualifying residence with a qualifying lender,

(v) have a loan-to-value ratio of at least 70%,

(vi) be tax compliant.

Where an individual was previously declared bankrupt but meets the above eligibility criteria, the individual is not excluded from the HTB scheme.

Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin (Wicklow-Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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445. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of the committed extension of the help-to-buy scheme to second-hand homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12776/25]

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. It also has as an aim 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.

Based on the latest available data (30 November 2024), the HTB scheme has supported almost 52,000 individuals or couples to buy their own home.

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. If the property was non-residential, but has been converted for residential use, it may qualify for HTB. Renovation or refurbishment of old houses to either upgrade or reinstate them for habitation does not qualify for HTB.

The Programme for Government commits to the "retention and revision" of the HTB scheme.

Any revisions to the scheme would have to be considered in advance of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, having regard to the Department of Finance Tax Expenditure Guidelines and the sound management of the public finances; and would take into account the effective operation of the scheme and the impact any proposed changes would have on the broader housing market.