Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
328. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a couple can be considered for the fresh start principle if they have sold properties a number of years prior to a meeting and they are now married and have a family unit with three children but reside with parents as they cannot afford to purchase on the open market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46266/23]
View answerA 'Fresh Start' principle applies to state affordable housing or lending schemes for certain categories of persons who previously owned a home.
The following categories of persons are eligible to apply under the Fresh Start principle:
Applicant(s) who previously purchased or built a dwelling, together with a spouse, a civil partner or a person with whom he or she was in an intimate and committed relationship are eligible under the Fresh Start principle where this relationship has ended, and they have divested themselves of their interest in the previous property; and
Applicant(s) that previously purchased or built a residential property, but has been divested of this through insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, are eligible to apply.
Second time buyers who do not meet the conditions set out above are not eligible under the Fresh Start principle. The policy in relation to the Fresh Start principle is kept under continuous review and I will consider whether any changes may be required.
