Written answers

Tuesday, 29 July 2025

Department of Finance

Departmental Schemes

Photo of Eoghan KennyEoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

652. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will he consider an increase to the income thresholds for the help-to-buy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41466/25]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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.

Based on the latest available data (30 June 2025), the scheme has supported more than 57,000 individuals or couples to buy their own home.

The level of support available to first time buyers under the HTB scheme, is whichever is the lesser of:

  • €30,000; or
  • 10 per cent of the purchase price of the new property; or,
  • the amount of Income Tax and DIRT paid in the four years before application for the relief.
In relation to the matter of income thresholds, the Deputy might note that HTB eligibility is not determined by income thresholds, rather (and subject to the other conditions of the scheme) it is a refund of Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in the four years of assessment prior to the claim. The maximum amount of a claim is, necessarily, limited by the amount of the relevant tax paid by the claimant over the four year period.

The Programme for Government commits to the retention and revision of the HTB scheme. However, any revisions to the scheme would have to be considered as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes at the appropriate time, and take into account the effective operation of the scheme and the impact any proposed changes would have on the broader housing market. Furthermore, any such decisions must also have regard to available resources and the sound management of the public finances.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.