First-time buyers claim almost €4m in tax refunds

First-time buyers have claimed almost €4m to date in tax refunds as part of the Government initiative aimed at helping house-hunters secure a home.

Announced as part of last October’s budget, the Help to Buy Scheme provides first- time buyers with a refund of income tax and Dirt paid over the previous four years in order to assist them with the deposit to buy a new house or apartment.

The Government’s early estimates costed the Help to Buy Scheme at €50m for its first year.