Explained: Help to Buy Incentive

While buying your first home is exciting, it is equally daunting and it comes with its own set of challenges – one of which is financing. Thankfully, there are supports available to make this easier.

In recent years the Government launched the Help to Buy (HTB) Incentive, allowing First-Time Buyers to receive financial compensation towards the cost of their first home.

NOTE: As of Budget 2025, the HTB Incentive has been extended until the 31st December 2029.

Key Information

• The Incentive applies to properties to the value of €500,000 or less.
• This applies to the buying of a new house or apartment, but also to once-off self-build homes.
• It provides first-time buyers with a refund of income tax and DIRT paid in Ireland from the previous 4 tax years.
• You must take out a mortgage of at least 70% of the purchase price of the house.
• You must reside in the property for at least five years after you have bought or built it.
• You can claim €30,000 or 10% of the purchase price/completion value or the amount of income tax and DIRT you paid in the previous four years; whichever is less.

The Help to Buy Incentive is currently providing enhanced relief for the foreseeable future. Previously, the support available was a maximum of €20,000 or 5% of the purchase price/completion value.

First-time buyers will be eligible for this scheme if they sign a contract for the purchase of a new house or make the first drawdown of a mortgage for a self-build property.

With regards to payment, if you purchase a new build, the refund will be paid directly to your contractor, whereas if you self-build this payment will be made to your loan provider.

More detailed information on the Help to Buy Incentive can be found here.