Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2016
95. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if a person qualifies for the new help-to-buy scheme if they build a new home where a 1950s house remains (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32986/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the Help To Buy scheme, which I announced in Budget 2017, are set out in Section 8 of Finance Bill 2016 which was published on 20 October. To qualify for the scheme, a new-build is a property that has not been previously used as a residence. If the property in question falls within the definition of a qualifying residence for the purposes of the legislation then the property may qualify as a new build. The particulars of the case, as set out by the Deputy, would indicate that the build planned by the individual would not qualify. However, it is difficult to be definitive, given the lack of detail. The Revenue Commissioners would examine such applications on a case by case basis to ascertain whether they will or will not qualify as a new build.
I would point out to the Deputy that the Home Renovation Incentive is available in respect of refurbishment works on existing dwellings. The Help to Buy scheme is targeted at increasing supply and it is for this reason that the scheme is not available in respect of the redevelopment of existing housing stock, which has already been used as for dwelling purposes.
Further information in relation to the scheme is available from the Revenue website at http://www.revenue.ie/en/index.html.
