Only 31 builders signed up for ‘help to buy’ scheme

Just 31 builders and contractors have so far been signed up to the Government’s new help-to-buy scheme.

The scheme is designed to assist first-time buyers with obtaining the deposit required to purchase or self-build a new house or apartment as their residence.

The incentive provides for a refund of income tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (Dirt) paid over the previous four tax years to those first-time buyers. It is up to a maximum amount of €20,000, depending on the value of the property.