Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
525. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered extending the help-to-buy scheme to divorcees who have no beneficial interest in a property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20257/21]
View answerThe definition of first time buyer in the legislation governing the Help-to-Buy (HTB) scheme is as follows:
" first-time purchaser' means an individual who, at the time of a claim under subsection (3) has not, either individually or jointly with any other person, previously purchased or previously built, directly or indirectly, on his or her own behalf a dwelling;" .
The intention is to target the scheme on those who have not had the opportunity to build up equity in another property which could be used to purchase the second or subsequent property.
The definition complements that used in the Central Bank's macro-prudential rules.
I do not propose to amend the definition of first time buyer in HTB.
