Buying your first home is a major milestone, and in Ireland, it comes with a range of government-backed grants and schemes to help reduce the financial pressure. Whether you’re looking to build, buy new, or access a more affordable property, there are several first-time buyer incentives Ireland has put in place to support you in 2025.
In this guide, we explore:
- What the first-time buyer grant in Ireland includes
- How much first-time buyer support is available
- The Help to Buy Scheme Ireland 2025
- The First Home Scheme Ireland
- Other schemes and incentives available in Ireland for first-time buyers
What Is the First-Time Buyer Grant in Ireland?
There isn’t a single “first-time buyer grant” in Ireland. Instead, the term refers to several financial supports and schemes designed to assist those entering the property market for the first time. These include tax rebates, shared equity support, government loans, and property grants. Each has specific eligibility criteria and application processes.
The main schemes you should know about in 2025 are:
- Help to Buy Scheme
- First Home Scheme
- Local Authority Home Loan
- Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
- Affordable Purchase Scheme
- Ready to Build Scheme
These supports aim to lower your deposit burden, increase access to mortgage finance, and make housing more affordable overall.
Help to Buy Scheme Ireland 2025
What Is the Help to Buy Scheme?
The Help to Buy Scheme (HTB) is a government incentive that refunds a portion of the income tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in the four years prior to your application. It is specifically designed for first-time buyers purchasing or building a new home in Ireland.
The scheme runs until 31 December 2029 and has been enhanced to provide more substantial support than in its original version.
Key Criteria
- You must be a first-time buyer (never owned property in Ireland or abroad).
- The property must be a new build or a self-build.
- The property value must be €500,000 or less.
- You must take out a mortgage of at least 70% of the property value.
- You must live in the property as your main residence for at least five years.
- You must be tax compliant for the past four years.
How Much Is the First-Time Buyer Grant in Ireland Under HTB?
Under the enhanced Help to Buy scheme, you can receive the lesser of:
- €30,000
- 10% of the property’s value
- The total income tax and DIRT you paid in the previous four years
This means, for example, if you are buying a home for €280,000, and you’ve paid at least €28,000 in qualifying taxes, you could receive a full €28,000 as a refund. The payment is made directly to the builder (for a new build) or to your mortgage account (for a self-build).
First Home Scheme Ireland
What Is the First Home Scheme?
The First Home Scheme is a shared equity scheme introduced to help first-time buyers bridge the gap between their mortgage, deposit, and the cost of a new home. It allows you to receive up to 30% of the property value from the government (20% if also using Help to Buy).
This support is not a loan but a government share in your property, which you can buy out over time or when selling the home.
Who Can Apply?
- First-time buyers or Fresh Start applicants (divorced, separated, or previously insolvent with no property interest)
- Buying a new build or property in a private development
- Property price must fall within local authority price ceilings
- Must have mortgage approval of at least 70% of property price (excluding equity share)
Combining First Home Scheme and Help to Buy
You can combine the First Home Scheme with the Help to Buy Scheme, but the combined support cannot exceed 30% of the purchase price. If you use both, you’ll receive:
- Help to Buy refund of up to 10%
- First Home Scheme equity share of up to 20%
This combination significantly reduces the amount you need to save or borrow.
Local Authority Home Loan
This loan is targeted at first-time buyers and fresh start applicants who cannot secure a mortgage through traditional lenders. It’s a government-backed mortgage with favourable terms and fixed interest rates.
Key Features
- Available for new or second-hand homes and self-builds
- Low fixed interest rates (set by local authorities)
- Income limits apply (e.g. €70,000 or less for couples in some areas)
- House price caps apply, depending on the location
Applicants must show that they were declined or offered insufficient amounts by two mainstream lenders.
Affordable Purchase Scheme
The Affordable Purchase Scheme allows first-time buyers to purchase new homes at a discounted price from local authorities or approved housing bodies.
In return, the government takes a percentage equity share in the home, which must be repaid when you sell or remortgage. The discount offered is typically between 10% and 30% of the market value.
To qualify, you must:
- Be a first-time buyer
- Not be eligible for a sufficient mortgage to buy a similar property on the open market
- Use the property as your principal residence
It’s possible to combine this with Help to Buy in some cases, but specific rules on mortgage ratios apply.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
This grant encourages first-time buyers to bring long-term vacant homes back into use.
How It Works
- Grants of up to €50,000 are available (including top-ups for derelict properties)
- Applies to homes vacant for two or more years
- The home must become your principal private residence
You can combine this with a Local Authority Home Loan to cover additional refurbishment costs.
Ready to Build Scheme
The Ready to Build Scheme is ideal for first-time buyers who wish to build their own home.
Local authorities offer serviced sites at a reduced cost in areas with existing demand. The buyer must commit to building their principal residence within a certain timeframe, typically within two years.
In some cases, you can access the Help to Buy Scheme and local grants alongside this scheme.
What Are the First-Time Buyer Incentives in Ireland?
As of 2025, first-time buyers in Ireland have access to a variety of incentives and supports, including:
| Incentive | Support Type | Maximum Value |
| Help to Buy Scheme | Tax refund | €30,000 or 10% |
| First Home Scheme | Shared equity | Up to 30% of home price |
| Local Authority Home Loan | Government-backed mortgage | Based on income & location |
| Affordable Purchase Scheme | Discounted home purchase | 10%–30% equity support |
| Vacant Property Grant | Refurbishment support | Up to €50,000 |
| Ready to Build | Discounted site + support | Variable |
These can often be combined depending on your eligibility, allowing you to significantly reduce your upfront costs.
How to Apply for First-Time Buyer Grants in Ireland
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Check your status as a first-time or fresh start buyer
- Understand scheme-specific criteria (income, house price, etc.)
Step 2: Get Mortgage Approval
- Apply to mainstream lenders or, if necessary, local authority schemes
Step 3: Apply for Schemes
- Help to Buy: Through Revenue’s myAccount (PAYE) or ROS (self-assessed)
- First Home Scheme: Via the First Home Scheme portal
- Other schemes: Contact local authority for application details
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documentation
This typically includes:
- Proof of identity and residence
- Mortgage approval letters
- Building contracts or property details
- Tax clearance certificates
Conclusion
Ireland’s range of supports for first-time buyers in 2025 makes getting on the property ladder more achievable. Whether you’re planning to buy a new build, renovate a vacant property, or build your own home, there are multiple grants and schemes designed to reduce your upfront costs and long-term financial commitments.
By combining the Help to Buy Scheme, First Home Scheme, and local authority supports, eligible buyers can access significant financial assistance and make home ownership a reality.To navigate the legal side of your property journey with confidence, McKenna & Co Solicitors offer expert guidance in property transactions and first-time buyer support. With a reputation built on integrity, client satisfaction, and responsive service, we’re here to simplify the process. Contact us today and tell us about your case.