Budget 2027: What can renters and first-time buyers expect? 

One thing that looks all but nailed on at this stage is an increase to the existing renters tax credit.

Tense negotiations are underway this weekend, as ministers race to reach agreement ahead of Tuesday’s budget.

Housing, as it is every year, will be a major focus for the public, with pressure still on the Government to make progress towards solving the housing crisis.

But what measures could be on the way for renters and people looking to buy a house?

Renters 

One thing that looks all but nailed on at this stage is an increase to the existing renters tax credit, which had been signalled earlier in the budget process by housing minister James Browne.

One Government source said on Friday that an increase was “pretty much agreed”.

The source said that up to €300 was “possible”, but said the final decision had yet to be reached.

If the €300 increase is agreed by ministers, this would bring the tax credit up to €1,300 for a single, or €2,600 for a jointly assessed couple.

People buying a house 

What people who are seeking to buy a house may get is still unclear, with negotiations between the Department of Housing and the Department of Finance not yet concluded.

Throughout the budget process, both Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Mr Browne have sought for the Government to scrap stamp duty for first-time buyers.

The proposal was first mooted by Fianna Fáil backbencher Seamus McGrath earlier this year, with it being publicly ruled out by finance minister Simon Harris.

Despite this, multiple Government sources have said this measure is still on the table as the final days of negotiations get underway.

Other measures, like an increase to the Help to Buy grant, or tax relief like an increase to the Rent A Room relief, are yet to be settled either.

One Government source said there was “no line of sight” on a decision on tax measures, while adding that talks with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the Department of Housing’s overall budget were “challenging” and “robust”.