Ireland Help-to-Buy HTB 2026 First-Time Buyer Calculator
Calculate Irish Help-to-Buy 2026 grant — 10% of property price up to €30,000 cash back. First-time buyers, new builds only, property under €500k.
Help-to-Buy 2026 Mechanics
Refund of income tax paid in previous 4 years. Up to 10% of property price OR €30,000 (whichever lower). Reduces cash needed for deposit. Goes directly to developer/solicitor at closing.
Eligibility
First-time buyer (never owned property anywhere). Buy new-build or self-build. Property must be primary residence ≥ 5 years. Property price ≤ €500,000. Mortgage at least 70% of price.
Tax Paid Requirement
Total income tax + USC paid in 4 previous years caps HTB amount. Most under-30s might only have €15-25k available — limits HTB below €30k cap.
Process
Apply online via Revenue Online. Approved Developer system. Funds paid to developer at contract stage. Refund process takes 2-3 weeks after approval.
Source: revenue.ie Help to Buy Scheme, gov.ie housing supports. Last updated: May 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if property exceeds €500k?
Completely ineligible. Cannot get partial HTB on expensive properties. Look for under-€500k stock OR negotiate price down.
Self-build qualifies?
Yes if first-time builder and primary residence. Tax refund payable in stages aligned with build draws. Surveyor required.
Spouse owned before — can we apply?
Both must be first-time buyers. If either had previous ownership (even with family inheritance), the couple is INELIGIBLE.