Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis: €10k SSIA-style grant on cards for first-time buyers

First-time buyer couples would get grants of up to €10,000 to help with deposits for their homes, Fianna Fáil has promised.

Housing spokesman Brian Cowen said buyers having difficulties would get €50 from the Government for every €200 saved for their deposits.

The scheme is likely to force other parties into launching pre-election pledges aimed at helping first-time buyers who are being forced out of the market by rising prices. The grants would cost the State €105m a year.