9. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider extending the help to buy scheme to first-time buyers purchasing second-hand homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28039/25]

Sentiment score: 0.14

Will the Minister consider extending the help to buy scheme to include first-time buyers purchasing second-hand homes? I ask this question on behalf of many first-time buyers across the country, including young families, single professionals and couples, who dream of owning a home but find themselves restricted by the current scope of the help to buy scheme. The current initiative provides crucial support to first-time buyers purchasing newly built homes but it reflects a narrow view of the housing market.

Sentiment score: 0.26

Second-hand homes could be a more viable option for some first-time buyers but they are then excluded from financial assistance. An extension to the help to buy scheme to include buyers of second-hand homes would acknowledge the reality of our housing market. An extension would widen access, especially in rural and established urban areas where new builds are limited or priced outside of the thresholds. Second-hand homes may offer more affordability, more location choices and faster availability. Supporting buyers of second-hand homes would ease the pressure on the new-build sector, increase buyer choice and contribute to a more balanced housing market. We must ensure housing supports for all first-time buyers, regardless of the type of home they purchase. For many, the help to buy scheme represents the difference between aspiration and reality, and between renting indefinitely and securing a home to call their own. I urge the Minister to extend the scheme to second-hand homes to reflect the reality of the housing market in our towns, cities and rural areas, promote financial fairness and support first-time buyers in every way possible.

Sentiment score: 0.29

Other improvements to the help to buy scheme I urge the Minister to consider are to adjust the eligibility criteria and thresholds to reflect current house prices and inflation and to introduce a system that would offer higher support for lower income applicants or buyers in high-cost areas. That would make the scheme more equitable.

Sentiment score: 0.34