The Help to Buy incentive is provided for in section 477C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. That section defines a first time purchaser as an individual who has not, either individually or jointly with any other person, previously purchased or built a dwelling.
As I advised the Deputy in my reply to his question on 18 October, the fact that a person has previously owned agricultural land does not in any way compromise or restrict that person's entitlement to avail of the Help to Buy scheme, provided such land does not comprise a dwelling.
In relation to the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, Help to Buy will apply where a mortgage is taken out to purchase or build a home and where the LTV ratio is a minimum of 70%, i.e. the loan must be at least 70% of the purchase value of the property. A higher LTV ratio, such as the 90% suggested, will not present an impediment to qualification for the incentive as the 70% ratio is a minimum value only.