John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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18. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if the first home scheme to bridge the gap will be extended to first-time buyers of second-hand homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53758/25]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The First Home Scheme is a shared equity scheme designed to help bridge the gap between a purchaser’s deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home, within regional price ceilings. First-time buyers, Fresh Start applicants and those who wish to build their first home are eligible to apply. It is also available for tenants to purchase their current rental property where they have received a Notice of Termination because the landlord is selling the property.

The First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company is responsible for the operation and management of the First Home Scheme on behalf of its shareholders - the State, Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB.

In July, the First Home Scheme published its Quarter 2 2025 report. The report showed continued strong interest in the Scheme, with over 7,600 buyers approved and almost 3,700 homes already bought or built, supporting individuals and families across all 31 local authority areas.

Furthermore, the Scheme has been expanded twice, responding to Government’s evolving priorities, with the Tenant Home Purchase Scheme introduced in April 2023 and expanded again in September 2023 to include self-build homes for the first time.

Within the Programme for Government is a commitment to work with the Banks to expand the First Home Scheme to second-hand homes.

While the Government’s clear priority right now is accelerating and increasing new housing supply, Minister Browne has requested the First Home Scheme to undertake the required analytical and technical work to examine the potential for an expansion to second hand homes and the matter is under consideration. Any decision to extend the scheme would require the agreement of the shareholders.