Three state schemes help first-time buyers in Ireland. Each has its own rules and limits, and they change in the Budget, so check the official page before you rely on a figure.
Help to Buy
A refund of income tax (and DIRT) you've paid over the last four years, put towards the deposit on a new build or a self-build. It's capped at a share of the price and a maximum amount, and only for homes under a price ceiling. You apply through Revenue's myAccount before you sign contracts.
- For first-time buyers only
- New builds and self-builds only, not second-hand homes
- You need a mortgage covering at least 70% of the price
First Home
A shared equity scheme: the State and participating banks pay part of the price of a new build in return for a stake in the home, which you can buy back over time. It bridges the gap between your deposit plus mortgage and the price, up to limits that depend on the county and the type of home.
Local Authority Home Loan
A government-backed mortgage from your local council, for people who can't get enough from a bank. It can be used for new or second-hand homes, within price limits for each area, and has income limits.
How the schemes fit with bidding
Most of these are for new builds, where prices are usually fixed. For a second-hand home you're bidding against other buyers, so what matters is your approval in principle and knowing what homes nearby actually sold for. See mortgage approval in principle and asking vs sold by area.