Grants for first time buyers and home buyers
Supports for buyers
Whether you're a first-time buyer or already a homeowner, you can avail of government schemes, including tax credits, supports and grants.
This can be a great financial help, so make sure you know all of the grants available to you. The money and support they offer can make a big difference.
Help for first-time buyers
There are a number of schemes and supports out there to help buyers in this time of high living costs, high rents, low housing supply, skyrocketing demand and high house market prices.
For information on the Help to Buy Scheme see Help to Buy Scheme - Support for first time buyers.
Local Authority Home Loan
The Local Authority Home Loan is a government-backed mortgage offered at reduced and fixed interest rates to first-time buyers and "Fresh-start" applicants. It can be used to purchase a new or second-hand property or for self-build. A Local Authority Home Loan provides up to 90% of the market value of the property. The maximum loan amount is determined by where the property is located. Visit LocalAuthorityHomeLoan.ie for more information.
First Home Scheme
The First Home Scheme is where buyers receive funds up to 30% of the property purchase price or build cost in return for part-ownership. Visit FirstHomeScheme.ie for more information.
Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme
The Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme helps first‑time or Fresh Start buyers on moderate incomes to buy new homes at reduced prices in areas with the greatest housing need. Go to Gov.ie for more information.
Grants and loans for renovation and home energy upgrades
If you’re thinking about buying a vacant or derelict property, or planning upgrades to your existing home, there are a number of supports available to help with the costs. These schemes can make renovation projects more affordable, improve your home’s energy efficiency and help bring unused properties back into use.
Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan
The Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan helps people to buy and renovate a derelict home as their own permanent home or as a rental property. The amount you can borrow depends on the type of renovation to be carried out. Visit purchaseandrenovationloan.ie for more details.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is for buyers turning a vacant or derelict property into their permanent home. A grant of up to €50,000 (VAT-inclusive) is available, with a top-up of €20,000 if required. However, it comes with some work, like all applications.
You must:
- Prove the property was vacant for two years or more
- Demonstrate the work required before it starts (using photos and reports on the state of the property)
- Estimate the cost of the work required
You'll pay for the work upfront and submit your costs and receipts once the work is done. Then you must have the work inspected, which usually involves a site visit.
For more information visit Gov.ie.
National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme
The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme provides grants to homeowners for improvements such as insulation, heating controls, solar panels and more. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has all the information you need, including where to find registered "one-stop shop" contractors to carry out a complete home energy upgrade. Visit SEAI.ie for more details.
Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme
The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme allows homeowners to borrow from €5,000 to €75,000 to reduce their home's carbon footprint and carry out energy efficiency improvements. Go to SBCI.gov.ie for more details.
Solar Electricity Grant
The Solar Electricity Grant supports homeowners to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, with a maximum grant amount of €1,800 based on the system size. For details, visit SEAI.ie.
