Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
292. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the exact date on which the first-home affordable purchase shared equity scheme will be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20003/23]
View answerThe First Home Scheme, which launched on 7 July 2022, assists first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model.
The Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Act 2022 was a time limited enactment which provided for a stay on eviction notices up to 31 March 2023, with deferred tenancy terminations taking effect over a staggered period from 1 April to 18 June. Following the ‘Winter Emergency Period’ coming to an end, the Board of First Home agreed to extend eligibility of the scheme, making the scheme available to sitting tenants who have been issued a Notice of Termination and offered first right of refusal. Tenants seeking to avail of the First Home Scheme can be advised in this regard by the Housing Officer at their relevant Local Authority. The same eligibility criteria will apply and this element of the Scheme has been open for qualifying applicants since 17 April.
Full details of the First Home Scheme, including eligibility criteria, details of the revised price ceilings that came into effect on 1 January 2023, and how to apply are available on the scheme website:www.firsthomescheme.ie.
