Now extended to 2027, ROI’s First Home Scheme is starting to support more self-build homes in bridging the affordability gap.
In this article we cover:
- Extension of the First Home Scheme to June 2027
- Additional €30 million investment to support more buyers
- Inclusion of self-builders since September 2023
- 26 self-build homes funded under the scheme so far
- Latest application and approval figures for Q1 2025
- Total funding now at €740 million
Self-builders could benefit from a further €30 million investment in the First Home Scheme, as the government today confirmed the scheme will now run until at least June 2027. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, announced the extension and additional funding on Tuesday 13 May.
The First Home Scheme, a shared equity initiative launched in July 2022, was expanded in September 2023 to include self-builders, allowing eligible applicants to bridge the gap between their deposit, mortgage and the cost of building their new home.
To date, 135 self-build applications have been submitted under the scheme, with 95 approvals and 26 homes already supported by the funding.
Minister Browne said the extension and additional funding would give more people “certainty” in planning their path to homeownership.
“I want everyone to be able to afford their own home,” he said. “This scheme has proven to be an essential support for bridging the gap between a mortgage, deposit, and the price of a new home — and we’re now making sure that support will continue to be available through to 2027.”
The scheme has seen a surge in interest overall, with 858 new applications in Q1 2025 alone — up 49 per cent on the previous quarter — and 727 approvals (up 51 per cent).
In total, over 15,300 people have registered interest since the scheme launched, and 6,700 buyers have been approved for funding.
The First Home Scheme is open to first-time buyers, those eligible under the ‘fresh start’ provision, and self-builders who have mortgage approval with a participating lender. The latest announcement brings the State’s total commitment to €370 million, matched by participating banks for a combined funding pot of €740 million.
To check your eligibility fill out the online calculator.
