Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1179. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government whether the government plans to introduce specific policies to support first generation homeowners or young families, in view of the campaign by a person (details supplied) highlighting housing affordability challenges faced by younger demographics.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45357/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Cost Rental tenancies were introduced as a new form of long-term sustainable home rental targeted at middle-income households. Under the Cost Rental model, rents for homes are set to cover only the cost of financing, building, managing and maintaining the homes. state subventions can be used in order to reduce the initial capital cost and make this starting cost rent more affordable. The Cost Rental system offers prospective tenants the advantages of security of tenure, rents which are at least 25% below the rents charged for similar dwellings in the same areas and minimal rent increases, as rents can only increase in line with inflation.  

To qualify for a Cost Rental home, the applicant must be able to demonstrate that their annual net household income does not exceed €66,000 in Dublin and €59,000 elsewhere, that they are not in receipt of any social housing supports, that they do not already own a property, that their household size matches the size of the property advertised, that they can afford to pay the cost rent for the home and that their household has only entered one application for a specific Cost Rental property.  

More information is available at affordablehomes.ie.

The Government is acutely aware of the housing challenges faced by many sectors of society, including first generation homeowners and young families.  Housing for All, Ireland's housing plan to 2030, contains a suite of actions that continue to increase the provision of housing through accelerating supply and increasing the affordability of homes for our citizens. 

Under the Programme for Government published in January 2025, the Government committed to introduce a new, all of government, national housing plan to follow Housing for All. This Department is currently examining that commitment, its implementation and the potential timeframe.

While work is being undertaken to progress a new housing plan which will build on progress to date, the measures detailed in Housing for All will continue to be progressed to accelerate and increase delivery of secure and affordable housing.

A list of affordable housing supports currently in place is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/, this includes information on the schemes below. A number of these schemes are aimed at first time buyers buying a home and can be combined, thereby providing additional affordability support.

Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme - Local authorities make newly built homes available at a reduced price for first-time and other eligible buyers who cannot afford to purchase a home at its open market value with a maximum mortgage and 10% deposit. The local authority takes a percentage equity share in the home equal to the difference between the open market value of the home and the reduced price paid. This means that if a home is purchased at a 20% reduction on the open market value, the local authority will have a 20% equity share in the home. For more information visit www.affordablehomes.ie.  

The First Home Scheme provides finance to help first time buyers, self-builders or those making a fresh start to bridge the gap between a deposit and mortgage, and the price of a new home. The Scheme takes a percentage ownership of your home, which you can buy back later. For more information on the scheme visit www.firsthomescheme.ie.

The Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage for first-time buyers and certain other eligible applicants who have been refused a mortgage through a regular mortgage lender. The scheme is for the purchase of new or second-hand residential properties and for self-builds. It also includes the purchase of homes through Affordable Housing Schemes, with the exception of the First Home Scheme.  The Local Authority Home Loan is available nationwide from all local authorities. More information on the Local Authority Home Loan is available at the following link: localauthorityhomeloan.ie/. 

The Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan is a Government backed mortgage and loan for the purchase and renovation of derelict and non-habitable homes. The property must be eligible for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, whether derelict, non-habitable or simply vacant. For more information visit: purchaseandrenovationloan.ie/.   

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is a payment available for turning a vacant house or building into your permanent home or a rental property. A grant of up to €50,000 is available. If the refurbishment costs exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available. For more information visit www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f1b-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/.

The Help to Buy scheme can help with a deposit for a new or self-build home for first-time buyers. It is a refund on income and DIRT tax paid in Ireland in the last four-years. The scheme comes within the remit of Revenue and the Department of Finance. Information on Help to Buy is available at the following link: 

www.revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx.