How do I apply for the Help to Buy scheme

Before finding out how to apply for the Help to Buy scheme (HTB), it is important to first figure out if you are eligible to apply.

If you self built or bought a home between the 19 th of July 2016 and the 31st of December 2022 as a first time buyer it may be possible to claim a refund on income tax and DIRT that you paid  over the previous 4 tax years. It is important to note that you cannot claim a refund on USC or PRSI.

However if you self built or bought a property with another party who was not a first time buyer you will not be eligible for a refund.

The property in question must have also been built/bought with the intention of it being the first time buyers main residence.

You must also have a valid loan to value ratio i.e. you have taken out a mortgage of minimum 70% of the purchase price or in the case of a self build, 70% of the valuation calculated by a mortgage provider. 

You must also have lived in the property  for at least 5 years from the date it became habitable

Tax requirements

If you pay tax through PAYE, you must be registered for myAccount on revenue. Self assessed tax payers are required to sign up for Revenue Online Service. 

You must have been fully tax compliant over the past 4 years or you will be disqualified from receiving any refund. You must also complete Form 12 if you pay tax through PAYE or Form 11 if self assessed for the previous 4 years. You must also settle any unpaid taxes.

Once the above steps are completed, there are two more stages

• The application stage
• The claim stage 

Through Revenue’s myAccount, PAYE employees can apply for the HTB scheme.

Self-assessed tax payers can submit an application using Revenue’s Online Service. Access to MyEnquiries, a safe method of corresponding with Revenue will also be required.