First Homes scheme will not cover second-hand houses in Budget 2026, Taoiseach says

Micheál Martin says October’s budget will prioritise boosting new housing supply, ruling out extending the First Homes scheme to second-hand properties

The Taoiseach said: 'The priority will be on new builds, and to try and target all the resources to new builds.' File photo

There will be no extension of the State's First Homes scheme to those purchasing second-hand homes, the Taoiseach has said.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to expand the scheme for first-time buyers of second-hand homes, while also promising to increase targets and extend the supports out to 2030, and an expansion had been under consideration as recently as this summer.