First Home Buyer Guide Ireland

Help to Buy (HTB) Scheme

Up to €30,000 tax rebate for first-time buyers of new-build homes. Eligibility, how to apply, and key 2026 updates.

Shared equity scheme — the State covers up to 30% of the purchase price. Eligibility, costs, and how to apply.

Fixed vs variable rates, lender comparison table, how much you can borrow, and getting approval as a first-time buyer.

Current stamp duty rates, first-time buyer relief, exemptions, and how to pay through your solicitor.

How much you need, saving strategies, local authority home loans, gifted deposits, and grants available.

Step-by-step from bidding to closing — offers, contracts, surveys, and timelines for 2026.

Compare new-build and second-hand homes — scheme eligibility, price differences, BER ratings, and pros and cons.

Local authority affordable purchase, cost rental, income limits, and how to apply in 2026.

How LPT is calculated, value bands, exemptions, payment options, and what first-time buyers need to know.

Learn from common pitfalls — mortgage pre-approval, bidding, hidden costs, and overlooked government schemes.