Supports and Schemes
Government support schemes for buying a home in Ireland
Buying a home in Ireland can be difficult, however, there are several government schemes available to assist you on your journey. Select the icons for more info.
The first home scheme (FHS) is a shared equity scheme designed to help first-time buyers bridge the gap between their mortgage and the cost of purchasing a new home. The government takes an equity share in the property, which can be repaid later without immediate financial pressure.
Key Features:
Provides an equity stake of up to 30% of the purchase price (or 20% if using the HTB Scheme).
Available only for new-build homes.
No rent or repayments required on the equity share while you live in the home.
The help to buy (HTB) scheme is designed to assist first-time buyers in purchasing or self-building a new home by providing a tax rebate. This scheme helps with the deposit required to secure a mortgage, making homeownership more accessible for those who have been paying income tax in Ireland.
Key Features:
Offers a tax refund of up to €30,000 or 10% of the property value (whichever is lower).
Only applies to new builds or self-builds (not second-hand homes).
Available to individuals who have paid income tax in Ireland in the past four year
The local authority affordable purchase scheme allows first-time buyers to purchase newly built homes at a reduced price with assistance from the local authority. The discount is based on the buyer’s income, and in return, the local authority retains a stake in the property proportionate to the discount given.
Key Features:
Offers discounted home prices to eligible buyers based on income and local authority criteria.
The local authority retains a proportional equity share in the property.
Only applies to designated new-build developments