Budget must contain measures to incentivise new homes, say experts

Leading property sector commentators believe that a pro-housing Budget will be critical for the home building sector. Tommy Barker, Property Editor, reports

Property sector commentators are hoping that the next Budget will contain incentives to drive new housing developments.

The coming Budget next month may bring further news and initiatives to help free up Ireland’s sclerotic home building market, following months of submissions and reports from the various analysts, professional bodies, vested interests and lobby groups, political forces and individuals.

In advance of Budget 2026, Government has taken some actions aimed at increasing supply and identifying ongoing bottlenecks in the mis-match with escalated demand and population growth, including the new Section 28 Guidelines (July 2025), instructing local authorities to update their development and zonings plans to allow for c 55,000 new homes per year to 2034, with ‘headroom’ for up to 50% more zoned land to allow for land that may remain inactive or unserviceable.