Understanding the Scheme

Buying your first home can be one of the biggest — and most expensive — steps you’ll ever take. To make it a little easier, the Irish Government introduced the Help to Buy (HTB) Scheme, designed to help first-time buyers get on the property ladder. Here’s what you need to know.

What is the Help to Buy Scheme?

The Help to Buy Scheme is a tax refund incentive that helps first-time buyers purchase or build a new home in Ireland. It allows eligible applicants to claim back a portion of the Income Tax and DIRT (Deposit Interest Retention Tax) they’ve paid over the previous four years — money that can then be used towards their deposit.

The scheme applies to:

• Newly built homes or self-build properties.
• Properties valued up to €500,000.
• Homes that will be your main residence.

It does not apply to second-hand homes or investment properties.

How Much Can You Get Back?

If you qualify, you can claim 10% of the purchase price of your home (or the completion value if it’s a self-build), up to a maximum of €30,000.

You can only claim back the amount of income tax and DIRT you’ve actually paid in the previous four tax years, so the final figure will depend on your tax history.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, you must:

• Be a first-time buyer (you and your partner must never have owned a home before, in Ireland or abroad).
• Purchase or self-build a new home valued at €500,000 or less.
• Take out a mortgage of at least 70% of the property’s value.
• Be fully tax compliant for the four years prior to applying.
• Live in the property as your main home for at least five years.

If you move out or rent the property within that time, some or all of the refund may need to be repaid.

How to Apply

1. Check your eligibility on the Revenue website.
2. Apply online through your myAccount or ROS (Revenue Online Service).
3. Get your developer or solicitor approved — they’ll need to be registered with Revenue for the HTB scheme.
4. Submit your claim once your property purchase or self-build is at the contract or drawdown stage.

Revenue will then release the refund directly to your builder (for new builds) or to your mortgage lender (for self-builds).

Why It’s Worth Considering

The Help to Buy Scheme can make a big difference for first-time buyers by reducing the size of the deposit you need to save. For example, on a €300,000 home, you could be eligible for up to €30,000 back — effectively covering your deposit.

It also supports self-builders, helping them access funds earlier in the construction process.

Things to Keep in Mind

While the scheme is a great boost, there are some limitations:

• It’s only available for new builds or self-builds — not for second-hand properties.
• The property price cap of €500,000 can limit options in certain areas, especially in Dublin.
• You must stay in the property for five years to avoid clawback.
• Some experts believe the scheme may contribute to higher house prices by boosting demand.

Recent Updates

The Government has extended the Help to Buy Scheme until 2029, ensuring continued support for first-time buyers in the coming years. As housing costs rise, this extension offers welcome relief and planning certainty for new buyers.