Help to Buy
A refund of up to €30,000 of the Income Tax and DIRT you have already paid, put towards the deposit on a new home.
Last checked July 2026
What it is
Tax rebate for first-time buyers building or buying a new home.
Who can get it
- You are a first-time buyer, and if you are buying with other people, all of them must be first-time buyers too
- You are buying or self-building a brand new home to live in as your main home (second-hand homes do not qualify)
- The home's purchase value or approved valuation is no more than €500,000
- Your mortgage is at least 70% of the purchase value or valuation
- You are tax compliant, with tax clearance in place where needed
- The most any one property can get is €30,000, even where two or more first-time buyers buy it together.
- You must live in the home as your main home for five years after you buy or build it.
- The refund only ever comes from tax you actually paid (Income Tax and DIRT) in the four years before you apply, so if you have paid little tax you may get less than €30,000.
- The enhanced relief runs until 31 December 2029.
How to apply
Applications go through Revenue. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 1 July 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
How much can I get from Help to Buy?
The lowest of three figures: €30,000, 10% of the purchase price (or the approved valuation for a self-build), or the Income Tax and DIRT you paid over the four years before you apply. The most any property can get is €30,000, no matter how many people buy it together.
What is the price limit for Help to Buy?
The home's purchase value or approved valuation must be no more than €500,000.
Does the size of my mortgage matter?
Yes. Your mortgage must be at least 70% of the purchase value or approved valuation, so a loan-to-value of 70% or more.
How long is Help to Buy available?
The enhanced relief of up to €30,000 applies to applications made between 23 July 2020 and 31 December 2029.
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