Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
73. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Finance the number of help-to-buy claims approved in Carlow since 1 July 2020, along with the number of applicants associated with these claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22703/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Help to Buy scheme is administered by Revenue to assist first-time buyers with buying or building a new house or apartment. The scheme gives a refund of Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in the State over the previous four years, subject to qualifying criteria outlined in the legislation.
In the July 2020 stimulus plan, the scheme was amended so that the level of support available to first-time buyers was increased to the lesser of €30,000, increased from €20,000, or 10%, increased from 5%, of the purchase price of a new home or self-build property; or the amount of income tax and deposit interest retention tax paid in the four years before the purchase or self-build. The scheme was extended in its enhanced form in Budget 2021. The Help to Buy scheme was extended in the Finance Act 2022 for a further two years to the end of 2024, and again in Finance Act 2023 for a further year to the end of 2025.
Applications for the Help to Buy scheme may be made on a provisional basis as first-time buyers seek to clarify their entitlements in advance of commencing the purchase of a property. An application will only progress to the claim stage if and when the applicant decides to purchase a property that is eligible for the scheme. It is at the claim stage that the property address details become available.
I am advised by Revenue that the number of Help to Buy claims approved since 1 July 2020, with an address in County Carlow is 317, and the number of applicants associated with these claims is 551. These figures include data in relation to both purchases and self-builds.
