Starter Homes for Purchasers

The Starter Homes Programme builds on existing successful supports to help people buy their first home. Different initiatives are available to meet the needs of different homebuyers.

First Home Scheme (FHS)

• Helps people buy a new home or build their first home using a shared equity model.
• Government and participating banks can provide up to 30% of the home’s cost in return for equity, which buyers can purchase back at any time.
• Recently expanded to:
  • Include people building their own home.
  • Allow tenants to buy their home if their landlord plans to sell.
• Future plans:
  • Extend the scheme to 2030.
  • Work with banks to support buyers purchasing and renovating derelict or long-term vacant properties.

Starter Home Purchase Scheme

• Delivered by local authorities and the Land Development Agency (LDA).
• Offers new, high-quality, starter-sized homes at reduced prices through shared equity.
• Will increase:
  • Affordable apartment options.
  • Availability of affordable homes nationwide.
• Local authorities and the LDA will deliver more homes on suitable public land, supported by the Affordable Housing Fund.

Help to Buy (HTB) Scheme

• Supports first-time buyers with their deposit for new homes costing €500,000 or less.
• Can be combined with the First Home Scheme or Starter Home Purchase Scheme for extra affordability.
• Extended to 2030.

Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG)

• Provides funding to renovate vacant or derelict homes:
  • Up to €50,000 for vacant properties.
  • Up to €70,000 for derelict properties.
• Helps bring unused housing back into use and supports home ownership.

The Government is committed to:

• Delivering more affordable homes for purchase.
• Supporting local authorities and the LDA with funding.
• Making sure people have access to the right Starter Home support in the right place.