Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
597. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on a new first home shared equity scheme for private developments under Housing for All. [43309/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra638. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide the number of shared-equity loan applications to date, the value of those applications, the number of approvals, the value of those approvals and the number of drawdowns; and the value of those drawdowns to date in tabular form. [43635/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 597 and 638 together.
The First Home Scheme, launched on 7 July 2022, supports first-time buyers in purchasing new-build homes in private developments through an equity share model, similar to that employed in Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. The equity share will 'bridge the gap' between the financial means available to the purchaser, comprising mortgage and deposit, and the cost of a new home within a set regional price ceiling. The scheme is being operated by a dedicated body, the First Home Scheme Ireland Designated Activity Company. Full details of the scheme are available on the website at: www.firsthomescheme.ie.
In the weeks since the scheme was launched on 7 July and to , I can confirm the latest statistics as follows:
- Over 175,000 visits have been made to the firsthomescheme.ie website.
- Almost 1,500 households so far have established accounts with a view to making applications.
- Almost 500 full applications were made to the scheme.
- 288 Eligibility Certificates have been issued to First Home applicants, equipping these households to purchase their first home.
It is my understanding that the First Home Scheme Ireland, as a Designated Activity Company, intends to issue quarterly reports commencing from the end of this month. First Home Scheme can be contacted directly at info@firsthomescheme.ie for further information.
