Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 March 2025
459. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the first-home scheme will be extended to first-time buyers of second-hand homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9816/25]
View answerUnder the Programme for Government published in January 2025, the Government committed to introduce a new, all of government, national housing plan to follow Housing for All. My Department is currently examining that commitment, its implementation and the potential timeframe.
While work is being undertaken to progress a new plan, which will build on progress to date, the measures detailed in Housing for All will continue to be progressed to accelerate and increase delivery of secure and affordable housing.
The Housing for All plan can be accessed at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/ef5ec-housing-for-all-a-new-housing-plan-for-ireland/#view-the-plan, with updates to the plan available online,
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/a8894-housing-for-all-update/.
The First Home Scheme, which launched in July 2022, is a shared equity scheme designed to help bridge the gap between a purchaser’s deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home, for eligible first-time buyers, Fresh Start applicants and those who wish to build their first home, within regional price ceilings.
The First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company is responsible for the operation and management of the First Home Scheme on behalf of its shareholders - the State, Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB. The Programme for Government states it will work with the Banks to expand the First Home Scheme to first time buyers of second-hand homes. This is being examined by my Department and I have requested the First Home Scheme to undertake the required analytical and technical work to examine the potential for such an expansion as soon as possible.
