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 aims 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. Section 477C Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997) outlines the definitions and conditions that apply to the scheme.

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.

Based on the latest available data (30 September 2025), the scheme has supported almost 60,000 individuals or couples to buy or build their own home.

I am advised by Revenue that a claim can be made in respect of HTB, either where an individual purchases a new house or apartment or draws down a mortgage for a self-build property.

Section 477C(3) TCA 1997 requires that, where an individual claims HTB relief on the purchase of a new house or apartment, they must enter into a contract with a qualifying contractor.

Revenue further advises that Section 477C (1) TCA 1997 requires that a property be a “qualifying residence”. This is defined as "a new building which was not, at any time, used, or suitable for use, as a dwelling”.

Revenue confirms that the claimant purchased the property from a contractor who is not a qualifying contractor for the purposes of HTB. Additionally, Revenue further confirms that documentation provided by the claimant demonstrates that the property was completed to a stage where it could not reasonably be considered a self-build property. Therefore, the application does not qualify for HTB as does not satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed in the legislation.

In the event that the contractor registers as a qualifying contractor for the purposes of HTB, and all other conditions are met, the claimant would qualify for relief. To become a qualifying contractor, a contractor must have a Relevant Contract Tax rate of zero or 20% in place and be in possession of tax clearance. They must also complete and submit a Form-HTB1 together with supporting documentation. Full details on how to become a qualifying contractor are available on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/property/documents/htb-summary-contractors.pdf.